Ambassador Animal Keeper -Shows

Facility

Nashville Zoo

Closing Date

[jobclosingdate]

Description

Position/Title: Ambassador Animal Keeper -Shows

Department: Behavioral Husbandry

Supervisor: Ambassador Animal Area Supervisor- Shows

Description: This full-time, year-round position is responsible for the care of the Behavioral Husbandry Department animal collection. In addition, the Ambassador Animal Keeper-Shows joins the rest of the team in developing and presenting on site amphitheater shows, encounters, special event presentations, media, and other on and off-site educational programs utilizing ambassador animals as needed. The Ambassador Animal Keeper-Shows must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holiday

Duties and Responsibilities:

· Assess animals to ensure they are properly cared for and secured

· Clean and disinfect animal areas

· Prepare daily diets

· Administer medications as directed by veterinary staff and participate in medical procedures as needed

· With the rest of the Ambassador Animal team, develop and present on-site amphitheater shows, encounters, special event presentations, media, and other on and off-site educational programs utilizing ambassador animals as needed

· Train animal collection for both husbandry and complex show/program behaviors

· Complete animal records including: daily reports, daily weight charts, physical condition assessments, training logs, behavioral observations, and medical treatment sheets, etc.

· Develop and implement animal enrichment projects

· Routine maintenance of animal enclosures, Ambassador buildings, and surrounding grounds

· Work closely with volunteers and other zoo staff

Skills:

· Ability to work with a variety of animals, including arthropods, reptiles, small mammals, parrots, birds of prey and other birds

· Proven training proficiency with a variety of taxa

· Ability to work without direct supervision

· Excellent communication skills and public speaking skills

· Ability to follow written and oral directions

· Proven ability to work well on a team

· Excellent organizational skills

· Ability to write and/or do professional presentations for coworkers and peers

· Ability to operate a motor vehicle and to obtain a valid Tennessee driver’s license

Physical Requirements:

· Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted

· Ability to work indoors in temperatures of 76 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit all year round in high humidity; and outdoors in temperatures ranging from below 20 to above 90 degrees Fahrenheit regularly

· Ability to walk up and down stairs, bend down, crouch, kneel, climb ladders, and ambulate quickly

· Ability to speak clearly and loudly

Education:

· Must be at least 18 years of age

· High school diploma or GED equivalent required

· Bachelor’s degree desired in Biology, Zoology, Environmental Education, or related field

· At least four years of experience (can be cumulative) in animal husbandry, handling, and training in a professional setting preferred

· At least one year of experience (can be cumulative) in presentations, speaking, or theater preferred

Offers for this position are contingent on the satisfactory results of a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.

Nashville Zoo is an EEO Institution and a Drug Free Workplace.

Education and Pre-requisites

Not specified.

Compensation and benefits