Ambassador Animal Keeper- Encounters

Facility

Nashville Zoo

Closing Date

[jobclosingdate]

Description

Position/Title: Ambassador Animal Keeper- Encounters

Department: Behavioral Husbandry

Supervisor: Ambassador Animal Encounters Area Supervisor

Description: This 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 presenting on-site encounters, behind the scenes tours, special event presentations, media, and other on and off-site 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 Encounters team, present on-site encounters, behind the scenes tours, special event presentations, media, and other on and off-site programs utilizing ambassador animals as needed

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

Background Check and Required Testing:

Applicants for this position are required to submit to a criminal background check

Applicants for this position are required to show recent proof of a negative TB test

Prior to hire, employee must undergo Drug Testing

Education and Pre-requisites

Not specified.

Compensation and benefits