Animal Care Special Events Keeper
External
Nashvillezoo · Nashville, TNFull-timeOn-site1mo ago
LeadershipPublic SpeakingRESTSAFe
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Requirements
- Ability to self-direct work tasks while ensuring safety and productivity
- Ability to enhance guest experience through engaging interactions and confident public speaking
- Demonstrate understanding of basic animal training through operant conditioning
- Understand basic capture, restraint, and handling techniques
- Understand animal behavior and group dynamics in diverse species to note changes in behavior, health, diet consumption, and other animal related activities
- Knowledge of animal diet preparation, general biology, and natural history
- Education/ Experience:
- Applicants must have a minimum of 1 year of full-time, paid experience with either birds, ectotherms, carnivores, primates, hoofstock, domestic species, and/or ambassador animals.
- Applicants are preferred to have a college degree (Associate's or Bachelor's) in an applicable field: Animal Science, Biology, Zoology, etc.
- Applicants must possess a valid driver's license.
- Physical Requirements:
- The role requires frequent standing and walking for most of an 8-10-hour shift and regularly bend, kneel, reach, and perform repetitive motions while cleaning habitats, training behaviors, preparing diets, and providing enrichment.
- The role requires frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 50 lbs. and occasionally up to 75 lbs. with assistance, as well as navigating ladders, stairs, uneven terrain, an
Benefits
At 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.Job Description:The Nashville Zoo is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our Animal Care Events Team (ACE). This keeper role is ideal for someone who brings a strong foundation of animal care experience, creativity, and a passion for connecting guests with wildlife.The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong work ethic, self-motivation, excellent presentation and communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of teams to achieve shared goals.Duties and Responsibilities:Perform husbandry of assigned species (this may change daily) as well as maintain animal exhibits, yards, night enclosures, and contiguous areas.Have a good base knowledge of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement training.Assist with training for husbandry behaviors, provide enrichment, and perform other husbandry related tasks.Maintain detailed daily records on assigned animals (ZIMS/Daily Supervisor Report)May need to perform light exhibit construction, operate zoo vehicles, and maintain integrity of the existing landscape.Educate the public through keeper talks, animal encounters, meet and greets, and other impromptu educational programs as well as provide a clean and safe atmosphere for families to enjoy the Nashville Zoo.Feel comfortable working with a wide variety of animals across multiple departments. Including but not limited to bears, tigers, leopards, gibbons, lemurs, domesticated hoofstock, flamingos, giraffes, rhinos, okapi, etc.Maintain professional conduct at all times and consistently model the organization's values in all interactions with colleagues, guests, and stakeholders.Perform other duties as assigned.Health insuranceDental insuranceVision insurance401(k)Equity / stock options
Additional Information
Position Title: Animal Care Special Events Keeper Department: Mammal Supervisor: Animal Care Events Supervisor Nashville Zoo Mission: 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.
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