Lead Herpetology Keeper

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:

• The Lead Herpetology Keeper will serve as the general lead keeper for the Herpetology Department at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere.
• Their primary responsibility is to assist supervisory and curatorial staff and participate in the general care of assigned collection animals; maintain exhibits, perform light exhibit construction, and maintain the integrity of existing exhibits. 
• While the Lead Herpetology Keeper is not a supervisory position, the position is responsible to provide general guidance, training and support to department keeper staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Animal Husbandry
• Prepare food and water for collection animals by cutting and measuring diet portions
• Feed collection animals
• Monitor assigned animals closely with regard to general appearance, diet consumption levels, condition of fecal matter, etc.
• Maintain feed intake and habitat temperature records and ensure all staff maintain these records as well and respond to changes in an accurate and timely manner.
• Maintain a keeper log book
• Record daily observations pertaining to the health and behavior of Herpetology Department animals on a Daily Report to be submitted to the Curator
• Clean animal exhibits, 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.
• Participate and train subordinates in basic animal conditioning techniques
• Participate and upholds standards in Dangerous Animal Handling protocols and maintains skill sets and protocols as directed.  Maintains detailed knowledge of and participate in bi-annual Venomous Snake Bite Emergency training session.

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 supervisors
• Create and maintain digital media involving new and existing graphics.
• Operate a variety of light and medium equipment

Public Education

• Coordinate daily keeper talks designed to educate the public on the Herpetology Department’s animal collection
• Respond to questions from the public concerning the animals and exhibits
• Model the Zoo’s image and code of professional ethics in words and actions at all times

Field Work

• Aide curator and supervisor in maintenance and progression existing and arising in-situ and ex-situ conservation projects.
• 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.
• Must be able to collect and maintain raw data accurately and in a field situation.

Qualifications

Skills:

Thorough knowledge of:

• Animal behavior
• Care, feeding, and handling of reptiles and amphibians
• Safety practices around exotic animals
• Techniques for restraining and capturing exotic and domestic animals
• Zoo policies and procedures
• Personnel training and support best practices
• Animal conditioning

Capable of:

• Monitoring animal behavior and appearance.
• Operating motorized vehicles and equipment.
• Receiving and following work instructions.
• Working in a team-oriented atmosphere.
• Communicating effectively with coworkers and supervisors.
• Interacting and communicating with the general public in a professional manner.