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.
Why Work with Us:
- At the Nashville Zoo, we believe in taking care of our team just as well as we care for our animals. Full-time employees enjoy a robust benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and future:
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage – including medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – confidential support services for mental, emotional, and financial well-being.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company matching – helping you build a secure future while you make a meaningful impact today.
- Generous paid time off and sick leave – because rest and recovery are vital.
- Exclusive zoo perks – enjoy discounts on park experiences, retail, and food services, plus complimentary membership benefits.
- A collaborative and inclusive culture – be part of a diverse team where your voice matters, your growth is nurtured, and collaboration thrives across all departments.
- AZA-accredited facility – Nashville Zoo is committed to top-tier animal care, ethics and global conservation efforts.
Description:
- Under the supervision of staff veterinarians, employee will be responsible for animal husbandry for quarantined and hospitalized animals.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- all aspects of animal husbandry, including medicating animals, sample collections and diet coordination; maintenance of quarantine areas; assisting veterinary procedures, neonatal care and management as well as medical data entry.
- Selected person is expected to communicate and work cooperatively with other animal care staff.
- This position requires creative thinking, working in a team-oriented environment, and possessing excellent organizational skills as well as verbal and written communication skills.
- Time distribution estimates: Quarantine 60%, clinic 20%, lab 10%, necropsy 10%.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- General knowledge of
- Proper quarantine methods including zoonotic disease awareness and prevention, including PPE use
- Taxonomy, animal behavior, biology of exotic and domestic animals
- Neonatal and hand rearing techniques
Objective observations:
- behavioral and medical
- Animal handling and restraint
- Sterilization and disinfection methods, chemical SDS.
- Computer skills, including Microsoft products and specialized record keeping and data collection programs
Additional duties:
- Assist in various routine and emergency veterinary procedures as directed
- Assist in caring for hospitalized patients as directed
- Assist veterinary technicians with clinical pathology and general methods for monitoring anesthetized patients
- Assist with pharmacy inventory.
- Appropriately respond to human and animal related emergencies
- Maintain clinic, quarantine and necropsy equipment
- Prepare biological samples for shipment to outside laboratories
- Accurate recordkeeping
- Assist with equipment inventory management and operation
- Safely operate motorized vehicles and equipment.
- Participate in teaching/outreach programs, including tours and presentations
- Work with minimal supervision
- Strong organizational skills
- Make sound ethical decisions
- Other duties as assigned
Skills:
- Ability to self-direct work tasks while ensuring safety and productivity.
- Ability to work with little or no supervision
Education/ Experience:
- Applicants must have a minimum of 1 year of full-time, paid experience with carnivores.
- Applicants must have a college degree (Associates or Bachelors) in an applicable field: Animal Science, Biology, Zoology, etc.
- Applicants must possess a valid drivers license
Physical Requirements:
- Negative TB skin test or equivalent.
- Must be dexterous, able to stand/walk up to 6-8 hours,
- Must be able to work outside year-round, 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 potentially toxic and hazardous materials and work in cramped and confined spaces.
- Must be able to lift and carry materials up to 50 pounds. Position is subject to animal bites, scratches.
Pre-employment requirements:
- Nashville Zoo is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and maintains a drug-free work environment.
- All employment is at-will.
- All candidates are required to successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening prior to hire.
- Pre-employment and annual tuberculosis (TB) screenings are a condition of continued employment.
Salary
- 45000
