Description: Under general supervision, employee will perform a wide range of functions in the Herpetology Department at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. Primary responsibility is to feed, clean, and maintain assigned collection animals; animal exhibits, off exhibit enclosures, and contiguous areas; perform light exhibit construction and maintenance; operate zoo vehicles; maintain integrity of existing exhibits and exhibit plant life. Employee must display a positive, team-oriented attitude as well as maintain and utilize proper chains of communication during disagreements with co-workers. Additionally, employee will be responsible for educating the public through keeper talks and other impromptu educational sessions as well as providing a clean and safe atmosphere for families to enjoy the Nashville Zoo.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Animal Husbandry
- Feed collection animals the appropriate diet including use of proper supplementation.
- Monitor assigned animals closely with regard to general appearance, behavior, diet consumption levels, condition of fecal matter, etc.
- Maintain feed intake and habitat temperature records and respond to changes in an accurate and timely manner.
- Record daily observations pertaining to the health and behavior of Herpetology Department animals on Tracks program
- Clean animal exhibits, pools, off-exhibit enclosures, and service areas
- Participate in capturing, incapacitating, and moving animals
- Assists veterinarian staff in the treatment of collection animals
- Provide exhibit security and take appropriate actions to prevent vandalism and maltreatment of animals and facilities by the public.
Maintenance
- Clean and disinfect utensils, work tools, and containers
- Maintain plant life in and around enclosures
- Perform minor or routine maintenance of enclosures and report all other maintenance needs to supervisor
- Operate a variety of light and medium equipment
Public Education
- Participate in weekly keeper talks designed to educate the public about the Herpetology Department’s animal collection
- Respond to questions from the public concerning the animals, exhibits, or where the nearest restroom is.
- Model the Zoo’s image and code of professional ethics in words and actions at all times
Requirements:
- Minimum two-year degree in one of the natural sciences or a closely related discipline, four-year degree preferred.
- At least two years of work experience at a zoological facility or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required work skills, knowledge, and abilities.
- A working knowledge of reptile and amphibian natural history and husbandry.
- Experience with venomous snakes preferred.
- This position will work primarily with amphibians.
- Candidates with this experience will be preferred.
Skills:
General knowledge of:
- Knowledge of reptile and amphibian natural history and husbandry.
- Care, feeding, and handling of exotic and domestic animals
- Safety practices around exotic and domestic animals
- Animal biology or zoology or other related field
- Techniques for restraining and capturing exotic and domestic animals
- Completion of a formal venomous reptile training and/or certification program at an AZA Zoo or Aquarium (not required but preferred)
Capable of:
- Completely performing the responsibilities outlined in the “Duties and Responsibilities” section.
- Notice changes in animal behavior and appearance and respond appropriately.
- Operating motorized vehicles and equipment; applicant must possess a valid driver’s license.
- Taking and following work instructions
- Working in a team oriented atmosphere
- Effectively communicating with coworkers and supervisors
- Interacting and communicating with the general public in an appropriate manner
Physical Requirements:
- Most work is indoors under very warm conditions but also must be able to work outside year-round both on Zoo property and in the field under typical Tennessee weather conditions and temperatures for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to work in uneven terrain with exposure to varying weather conditions, dust, and allergens.
- Must be able to move about on slippery surfaces, handle toxic and hazardous materials and work in cramped and confined spaces.
- Must be able to lift and carry materials up to 75 pounds.
Pay Scale (depending on experience):
- Herpetology Keeper I: $16.10 to $17.50/ hour
- Herpetology Keeper II: $18.00 to $20.10/ hour
Additional Requirements:
- Applicants for this position are required to submit to a criminal background check and pass a drug test.
- Applicant may be required to work any combination of five days in the seven-day workweek including holidays.
- Employees must abide by all Tennessee State Laws regarding captive wildlife outside of the workplace.
