Carnivore Keeper

Facility

Nashville Zoo

Closing Date

[jobclosingdate]

Description

Position Title: Carnivore Keeper
Position Type: Full Time

The Nashville Zoo is currently seeking a highly motivated individual to bring their experience, creativity and passion to our Carnivore Team. This individual will be joining a team of dedicated keepers in caring for and developing a growing collection of carnivores. The ideal candidate will possess a balanced combination of carnivore expertise, passion for hard work, internal motivation, and a desire to collaborate with a strong team to achieve lofty goals.

Description: Under general supervision by Carnivore Supervisor, keepers perform a wide range of functions in the Mammal Department at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. Their primary responsibilities include husbandry of assigned collection as well as maintaining and cleaning animal exhibits, yards, night enclosures, and contiguous areas; operant conditioning of collection for husbandry behaviors and providing enrichment. Additional duties include performing light exhibit construction, operating zoo vehicles, and maintaining integrity of existing landscape. Employee will also 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.

Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience (specifically with Sumatran tiger, Andean bears, clouded leopards, anteaters, binturongs, and civets) in the following areas:

2+ year(s) of comprehensive carnivore experience
Advanced operant conditioning
Capture and restraint
Introductions
Breeding & group dynamics for social and solitary carnivores

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 50 pounds.

Minimum Requirements:

Applicants must have a minimum of 1 year of full-time, paid experience with carnivores.
Applicants must have a college degree (Associates or Bachelors) in an applicable field: Animal Science, Biology, Zoology, etc.
Applicants must possess a valid drivers license

Special Note:

Applicant may be required to work any combination of five days in the seven-day workweek including weekends and holidays.

Education and Pre-requisites

Not specified.

Compensation and benefits