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.
Salary
- $16.10/ Hour
