Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. With a diverse collection of animals and a commitment to wildlife preservation, we provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.
Description:
- Under general supervision by Carnivore Supervisor, keepers perform a wide range of functions in the Mammal Department at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere.
- Their primary responsibilities include husbandry of assigned collection as well as maintaining and cleaning animal exhibits, yards, night enclosures, and contiguous areas; operant conditioning of collection for husbandry behaviors and providing enrichment.
- Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience (specifically with Sumatran tiger, Andean bears, clouded leopards, anteaters, binturongs, and civets) in the following areas:
- 2+ year(s) of comprehensive carnivore experience
- Advanced operant conditioning
- Capture and restraint
- Introductions
- Breeding & group dynamics for social and solitary carnivores
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provides care (prepares diets for, feeds and cleans) for animals and maintains habitats, related structures, and surrounding non-public areas.
- Perform daily observation of animals to identify normal and abnormal behaviors related to husbandry/health issues; coordinate with senior staff on animal training programs to facilitate husbandry behaviors.
- Communicate questions or concerns regarding medical/health issues of specimens in collection to supervisor. Assist with treatment as directed including administering medication.
- Provides behavioral and psychological enrichment for animals.
- Communicate with visitors as needed for educational (delivers public talks/demos) and behavioral/safety purposes.
- Disposes of trash and debris in zoo.
- Maintains landscaping and grounds for and around habitats.
- Services and maintains tools and equipment and facilities to ensure safe use, includes opening and closing of facilities.
- Follows all safety rules and regulations, policies and procedures. Attends regular safety meetings.
- Assists with training for new keepers or seasonal staff as assigned.
- Documents observations and information on animal health, behavior, diet, enrichment, and facilities for department records.
- Assists with veterinary procedures if needed. Performs basic health care procedures (nail trims, etc.) as assigned.
Qualifications
Skills:
- Skill in the use and maintenance of tools and equipment.
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
- Knowledge of animal diet preparation, general biology, and behavior.
- Knowledge of maintenance methods and materials.
- Ability to receive, understand, and carry out verbal and written instruction, direction, and assignments.
- Ability to perform physical work activities in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to communicate and cooperate with employees and to deal with the public in an effective and positive manner.
Education/ Experience:
- Applicants must have a minimum of 2 years of full-time, paid, exotic animal experience, with at least 1 year of Carnivore intensive experience.
- Experience in an AZA accredited zoo is preferred.
- Applicants must have a college degree (Associates or Bachelors) in an applicable field:
- Animal Science, Biology, Zoology, etc. or a combination of education and experience
- Applicants must possess a valid drivers license
Physical Responsibilities:
- This is an outdoor position; applicants will work outside year round in inclement weather conditions such as extreme high/low temperatures, snow and rain conditions.
- Stand, sit, or walk for an extended period of time or for an entire work shift.
- Applicants are required to have the ability to bend, stoop and extend oneself etc., as required for performing assigned tasks.
- Move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 50 pounds without assistance
Work Schedule:
- Full-time position, averaging 40 hours per week.
- 8 hour shift or either 10 hour shifts on various days of the week.
Flexibility:
- Position may require flexibility in working hours to accommodate special events, emergencies, or animal care needs.
- Must be able to periodically adjust schedule as needed.
- Must be available to work weekends.
Benefits:
- Nashville Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, Employee Assistance Programs, a 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off, sick leave, long-term disability coverage, park discounts, and membership benefits.
Pre-employment requirements:
- Nashville Zoo is an EEO Institution and a Drug Free Workplace.
- At-will employment
- Candidates for this position are required to submit to a criminal background check and pass a drug test.
- Candidates for this position are subject to yearly Tuberculosis Screenings.
- Due to the safety of our animal collection, candidates joining our Mammal Department must be full vaccinated against COVID-19.
Salary
- $16.00- $18.00
