Facility
Nashville Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Position: Aquatics Keeper (Freshwater, saltwater, prior experience with jellyfish care beneficial)
Department: Aquatics
Supervisor: Area Supervisor: Aquatics
Description: The Aquatics Keepers primary responsibilities are to feed, clean, and maintain assigned collection animals, monitor water quality; maintain and control filtration on animal exhibits, off exhibit enclosures, and contiguous areas; perform light exhibit construction and maintain LSS filtration systems; operate zoo vehicles; maintain integrity of existing exhibits and exhibit plant life. Additionally, the successful candidate 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:
Animal Husbandry
Prepare food and water for collection animals by cutting and measuring diet portions
Feed collection animals including use of proper supplementation.
Monitor assigned animals closely with regard to general appearance, diet consumption levels, condition of fecal matter, etc.
Interpret proper water quality parameters per species requirements.
Maintain records in ZIMS database
Clean animal exhibits, off-exhibit enclosures, 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.
Clean and disinfect utensils, work tools, and containers
Operate a variety of light and medium equipment
Public Education
Participate in daily keeper talks designed to educate the public about the Aquatics Departments animal collection
Respond to questions from the public concerning the animals and exhibits
Model the Zoos image and code of professional ethics in words and actions at all times
Skills:
General knowledge of:
Animal behavior
Knowledge of filtration and water chemistry
Care, feeding, and handling of aquatic organisms
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 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
Physical Requirements:
Work is indoors under warm conditions but also 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 50 pounds.
Education:
Degree in zoology, animal biology, animal husbandry or related field, and/or at least one year of work experience at a zoological facility or 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.
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
Not specified.
Compensation and benefits
Not specified.
Application instructions
https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=112934&clientkey=AC4F4714184226FB5288AB0BE0259814