LSS Technician

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, employee will perform a wide range of functions in the Ectotherm Department at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. 
• Primary responsibility is to maintain and repair filtration on all aquatic animal exhibits, off exhibit tanks, and contiguous areas; perform light exhibit construction; operate zoo vehicles; maintain integrity of existing exhibits and exhibit aquatic plant life.   
• Additionally, employee may 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:

• Monitor assigned filtration systems and aquatic habitats.
• Test and maintain proper water quality parameters per species requirements.
• Preform plumbing repairs and pump maintenance.
• Vacuum ponds.
• Operate a variety of light and medium equipment.
• Maintain filtration log books.
• Clean animal exhibits, pools, off-exhibit enclosures, and service areas.
• Provide exhibit security and take appropriate actions to prevent vandalism and maltreatment of animals and facilities by the public. 
• Clean and disinfect utensils, work tools, and containers.

Public Education

• Participate in keeper talks designed to educate the public about the Aquatics 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

Qualifications

Skills:
General knowledge of:

• Filtration and water chemistry
• Plumbing and pump mechanics
• Safety practices around exotic and domestic animals
• Animal biology or zoology or other related field
• Techniques for maintaining water Quality

Capable of:

• Completely performing the responsibilities outlined in the “Duties and Responsibilities” section
• Monitoring animal behavior and water issues
• 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

Education/ Experience:

• Zoology, animal biology, animal husbandry or related field beneficial, but experience with plumbing, pool maintenance, or Pump rebuilding beneficial.
• Experience with LSS equipment or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required work skills, knowledge, and abilities to do this job.
• Applicants must possess a valid drivers license

Physical Responsibilities:

• Work in indoor and 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.
• 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.