Facility
Nashville Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The Nashvile Zoo is currently designing a 40 acre Africa expansion including a wide variety of species. We are currently seeking a highly motivated individual to bring their experience, creativity and passion to our Primate Team. This individual will be vital in the planning and implementation of procedures for the new primate species that come to the zoo as a part of this African expansion. This individual will lead a team of dedicated keepers in caring for and developing a growing collection of primates. The ideal candidate will possess a balanced combination of primate expertise, strong leadership skills, and a desire to collaborate with the Nashville Zoo team to achieve lofty goals.
Description: Under limited supervision, employee will serve as the Area Supervisor of the Primate Department at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. Primary responsibility is to supervise keeper staff and participate in the general care of assigned collection animals; maintain exhibits, perform light exhibit construction; operate zoo vehicles; maintain integrity of existing graphics and exhibits. Employee will be responsible for 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 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. Area supervisors are full time working supervisors 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 will be responsible for educating the public on the Primate Department’s 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 records
Record daily observations pertaining to the health and behavior of Primate 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
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
Operate a variety of light and medium equipment
Public Education
Coordinate daily keeper talks designed to educate the public on the Primate 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
The Area Supervisor will assign, participate and supervise the work of the animal keepers. The Area Supervisor does not have the authority to hire or fire animal care staff but does have the authority to reprimand staff (verbal) or after discussing it with their immediate supervisor (written).
Skills:
Thorough knowledge of:
Animal behavior
Care, feeding, and handling of primates
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 driver’s 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.
Education:
Must have a BS in zoology, animal biology, animal husbandry or related field and/or at least five 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. Must also be able to support prior supervisory experience.
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
Apply here: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=68912&clientkey=AC4F4714184226FB5288AB0BE0259814