Facility
Nashville Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Nashville Zoo Position Description
ADMINISTRATION: AVIAN DEPARTMENT
Position: Lead Keeper Lorikeet
Department: Avian
Supervisor: Supervisor of Lorikeet
Curator: Curator of Birds
Description: Under supervision, employee will serve as the Lead Keeper of the Avian Department at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere.
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; operate zoo vehicles; maintain integrity of existing exhibits.
Employee will assist Supervisor and Curator in ensuring that all supplies and needs for their areas (ordering feed products, acquisition of tools and cleaning supplies etc.) are ordered by them or informing the appropriate staff member of the need.
Employee will assist Supervisor to generate appropriate work requests; supervise and coach assigned staff; remain a positive role model for the keeper staff/keeper associate setting the example in their daily work.
Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to; primary contact for coordinating interns and docents within the department, secondary contact with the Veterinary Department in animal health situations, may fill MOD duties for Zoo following proper training and when approved by the zoo Director.
Upon the occurrence that both the Supervisor and Curator are out of the office concurrently, employee will serve to lead the Lorikeet Department.
Lead Keepers are full time working leads and are required to know all aspects of the day-to-day activities of their assigned areas. He/She must be proficient in conflict resolution when dealing with staff as well as the general public. Employee must display a positive, team-oriented attitude as well as maintain and utilize proper chains of communication during disagreements with co-workers. Employee will help disseminate of information from the Supervisor to the rest of the team. Employee will be responsible for educating the public on the Avian Departments animal collection and providing a friendly, safe and clean atmosphere for families to enjoy the Nashville Zoo.
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.
Record daily observations pertaining to the health and behavior of the Lorikeet Department animals on a Daily Report to be submitted to ZIMS and to the Supervisor
Participate in and ensure proper cleaning of animal exhibits, yards, pools, night enclosures and service areas as well as maintaining all areas within 50ft of exhibit.
Participate in capturing, incapacitating, and moving animals
Assists Veterinarian staff in the treatment of collection animals
Ensures proper distribution and recording of medications on daily reports and treatment sheets.
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 Incubation, Brooding and Hand-rearing protocols and maintains skill sets and protocols as directed.
Assist with managing a breeding population as well as caring for eggs and hand rearing of neonates.
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 new and existing graphics.
Operate a variety of tools and light/medium equipment
Public Education
Participate in daily interaction designed to educate the public on the animals within the Lorikeet Aviary collection, and the Bird Collection in general.
Respond to questions from the public concerning zoo animals and exhibits.
Assist guests with animal interactions to ensure a safe and positive experience for animals and guests.
Model the Zoos image and code of professional ethics in words and actions at all times.
Maintain a positive example in meeting the needs of Nashville Zoo guests, working with other departments to improve guest relations and handle individual guest issues as needed.
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.
The Lead Keeper will assist the Area Supervisor in assigning, participating and supervising the work of the animal keepers. The Lead Keeper does not have the authority to reprimand staff (verbal or written), any and all staffing issues must be discussed with supervisory and curatorial staff.
Skills:
Thorough knowledge of:
Animal behavior
Care, feeding, and handling of various bird species
Safety practices around exotic animals
Animal biology or zoology or other related field
Techniques for restraining and capturing exotic and domestic animals
Zoo policies and procedures
Personnel management
Animal conditioning
Capable of:
Completely performing the responsibilities outlined in the Duties and Responsibilities section
Monitoring animal behavior and appearance
Operating motorized vehicles and equipment; applicant must possess a valid drivers 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
Supervising, training, and mentoring assigned staff
Making unbiased and non-judgmental decisions when dealing with subordinates
Physical Requirements:
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 toxic and hazardous materials and work in cramped and confined spaces. Must be able to lift and carry materials up to 75 pounds.
Background Check:
Applicants for this position are required to submit to a criminal background check and pass a drug test.
Special Note:
Applicant may be required to work any combination of five days in the seven-day workweek including holidays.
Education and Pre-requisites
Education:
Must have a BS in zoology, animal biology, animal husbandry or related field and/or at least two years of work experience at a zoological facility or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required work skills, knowledge, and abilities.
Compensation and benefits
19.50 – 21.00 Depending Keeper and Leadership Experience.
Application instructions
Direct link to apply:
https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=109170&clientkey=AC4F4714184226FB5288AB0BE0259814