Facility
Nashville Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Nashville Zoo Position Description
BEHAVIORAL HUSBANDRY DEPARTMENT
Ambassador Animal Keeper- Shows
Position/Title: Ambassador Animal Keeper
Department: Behavioral Husbandry
Supervisor: Ambassador Animal Area Supervisor
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 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 must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.
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 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 building, 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
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 three years of experience (can be cumulative) in animal husbandry, handling, and training in a professional setting required
At least one year of experience (can be cumulative) in presentations, speaking, or theater required
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
Not specified.
Application instructions
https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=69307&clientkey=AC4F4714184226FB5288AB0BE0259814