Lead Primate Keeper

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 assist in the planning and implementation of procedures for the new primate species that join the zoo as a part of this African expansion. This individual will assist in leading 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, passion for hard work, internal motivation, and a desire to collaborate with a strong team to achieve lofty goals.

Description: Under supervision, employee will serve as the Lead Keeper of the Primate Team at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. Employee will assist Supervisor to generate appropriate work requests; supervise and coach assigned staff and above all else serve as a positive role model and mentor for his/her co-workers, setting a good example on a daily basis. Upon the occurrence that both the Supervisor and Curator are out of the office concurrently, employee will serve to lead the Primate Team.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Animal Husbandry
Feed collection animals
Monitor assigned animals closely with regard to general appearance, diet consumption levels, condition of fecal matter, etc.
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, feed devices, etc.
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
Lead Keepers are full time working leads 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.
Coordinate daily keeper talks designed to educate the public on the Hoofstock Departments animal collection
Respond to questions from the public concerning the animals and exhibits
Model the Zoos image and code of professional ethics in words and actions at all times
The Lead Keeper will assist the Area Supervisor in assigning, participating and supervising the work of the animal keepers. The Lead Keeper does not have the authority to reprimand staff (verbal or written), any and all staffing issues must be discussed with supervisory and curatorial staff.

Skills:

Thorough knowledge of:
Animal behavior
Care, feeding, and handling of exotic Hoofstock
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; candidate must possess a valid drivers 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
Working weekends and holidays as needed

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 a minimum of five (5) years of work experience at a zoological facility. Education, internships and other relevant experience can be substituted for work experience.

Experience: This is a unique position requiring a highly skilled keeper with a minimum of 5 years of experience in the management and husbandry of primates. Candidates must demonstrate substantial experience with a variety of primate species and a strong background in operant conditioning.

Background Check:

Applicants for this position are required to submit to a criminal background check and pass a drug test.

Nashville Zoo is an EEO Institution and a Drug Free Workplace.

Education and Pre-requisites

Not specified.

Compensation and benefits