Lead Avian Keeper

Facility

Nashville Zoo

Closing Date

[jobclosingdate]

Description

Position: Lead Avian Keeper

Department: Avian

Supervisor: Avian Area Supervisor

Description: Under the supervision of the Avian Curator and Area Supervisor, the Lead Keeper will perform a wide range of functions in the Bird Department at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere and will act as a team leader for assigned staff. Primary responsibility is to feed, clean, and maintain assigned collection animals; animal exhibits, yards, night enclosures, and contiguous areas; perform light exhibit construction; operate zoo vehicles; maintain integrity of existing landscape. Additionally, employee will 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
Inspect diets for proper preparation
Feed collection animals
Monitor assigned animals closely with regard to general appearance, behavior, diet consumption levels, condition of fecal matter, etc.
With supervisors, monitor keeper Daily Reports, rearing logs, etc… for proper order and dialog
Maintain feed intake records
Record daily observations pertaining to the health and behavior of Bird Department animals on a Daily Report to be submitted to supervisors
Clean animal exhibits, yards, pools, night enclosures, and service areas
Manage and participate in capturing, immobilizing, and transporting animals
Assists Veterinarian staff in the treatment of collection animals
Proper distribution and recording of medications on daily reports and treatment sheets
Act as point person, as needed, with other departments.
Provide exhibit security and take appropriate actions to prevent vandalism and maltreatment of animals and facilities by the public
Manage physical preparations for acquisitions and dispositions

Assist supervisors in monitoring facilities for hygiene, safety and adequacy
Assist supervisors with training and monitoring interns and volunteers.

Maintenance
With supervisors, plan, coordinate, manage and complete team projects in a timely manner
Clean and disinfect utensils, work tools, and containers
Maintain plant life in and around enclosures, including all aspects of horticulture work within 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
Participate in daily keeper talks designed to educate the public on the Bird Department’s animal collection
Manage event staffing needs with supervisors and keepers.
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

Skills:

General knowledge of:
Avian behavior and common medical issues
Care, feeding, and handling of exotic and domestic birds
Safety practices around exotic and domestic birds
Animal biology or zoology or other related field
Thorough techniques for restraining and capturing exotic and domestic birds
Confident in incubation and hand-rearing
Zoo policy and procedures
Computer skills

Communication (capable of):

Taking, following and giving work instructions
Coordinating with supervisors and staff on daily projects, vet procedures, etc…
Act as keeper team leader
Coordinate and manage projects and procedures
Able to work individually while still maintaining communication with keepers
Effective communication and conflict resolution with keepers and supervisors
Interacting and communicating with the general public in an appropriate manner
Reporting any animal care or departmental concerns to the appropriate supervisor in a timely manner

Capable of:

Completely performing the responsibilities outlined in the “Duties and Responsibilities” section
Working in a team-oriented atmosphere while possessing independent problem-solving skills
Taking, following and giving work instructions in a professional manner
With management, address and resolve conflict, as needed
Scheduling flexibility to include special events, behind-the-scenes tours, etc.
Monitoring animal behavior and appearance
Operating motorized vehicles and equipment; applicant must possess a valid driver’s license
Maintaining USDA guidelines
Maintaining MSDS guidelines concerning chemicals
Attend and participate in staff training workshops

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. Position is subject to animal bites, and scratches.

Education:

Must have a BS or AS 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.

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 and varied after-hour events and feeding schedules as needed.

Education and Pre-requisites

Not specified.

Compensation and benefits