Lead Herpetology Keeper

Facility

Nashville Zoo

Closing Date

[jobclosingdate]

Description

Position Title: Lead Keeper Herpetology
Department: Ectotherm
Supervisor: Herpetology Area Supervisor
Position Status: Non-Exempt

Company Overview:

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.

Education and Pre-requisites

Not specified.

Compensation and benefits