Ambassador Animal Keeper - Encounters

Position Title: Ambassador Animal Lead Keeper- Encounters

Department: Behavioral Husbandry

Supervisor: Ambassador Animal Area Supervisor- Encounters



Company Overview:

Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. With a diverse collection of animals and a commitment to wildlife preservation, we provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

Description:

The Animal Ambassador Lead Keeper (Encounters) is responsible for the care of the Behavioral Husbandry Department animal collection and assisting Area Supervisors, Department Curator, and other Keepers in the supervision of Ambassador Animal Encounters keeper staff. In addition, the Lead joins the rest of the team in developing and presenting on-site encounters, backstage pass tours and in the presentation of other educational and promotional programs both on and off site. The Lead Keeper (Encounters) is also responsible for training animals for said programming and for husbandry behaviors. The Lead Keeper (Encounters) supports staff in the management of area volunteers and interns and works closely with them and other zoo staff. The Lead Keeper (Encounters) assists the Ambassador Animal Encounters Area Supervisor in animal handling training of staff, docents, volunteers, and interns. The Lead Keeper (Encounters) will support the Area Supervisors and Curator by making sure that animal care and encounters/programs are done to established standards. The Lead Keeper (Encounters) also manages resources and supplies needed for the area/department, ordering and/or securing them as needed, or delegating such. The Lead Keeper (Encounters) must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Animal Care

• Daily cleaning routine includes replacing paper and substrate, scrubbing enclosures, washing dishes, disinfecting equipment and enclosures, taking animal weights and preparing diets
• Completion of animal records including daily reports, daily weight charts, physical condition assessments, behavioral observations, and medical treatment sheets, etc.
• Animal training
• Developing and implementing animal enrichment projects with the team
• Routine maintenance of animal perches and other enclosure furniture, enclosures and crates, tools and equipment, and building and surrounding grounds
• Manage, or delegate managing, volunteers, interns and docents who work with the Area/Department in animal care and program assistance
• Work with other zoo departments and staff
• Administering medications as directed by veterinary staff and participating in medical procedures as needed
• Purchasing items as needed and completing and managing the associated paperwork
• Animal grooming (nail trims, beak coping, etc.) as needed with keeper staff
• Monitoring daily husbandry routine and projects, making sure they are done to the established standards
• Participate in capture, restraint, and moving of animals as needed with keeper staff
• Assisting with monitoring the use of the Behavioral Husbandry Department Animals, making sure animal welfare is maintained at the highest levels possible and over-use is prevented
• Assisting the Supervisor with training of staff, docents, volunteers, and interns on animal handling
• Participation in the training of staff in basic animal husbandry and training techniques
• Help maintain various staff and animal calendars
  
  

Encounters and Programs:

• With the rest of the team developing and presenting on-site encounters, on-site programs for zoo events, programs for media and promotional events, and off-site programs of all types, etc.
• Assisting the Area Supervisor in training staff in interpretation techniques
• Assisting the Area Supervisor in scheduling and managing requested programs utilizing the Service Desk
• Setting up and maintaining equipment and props for on grounds encounters and programs
• Maintaining and identifying encounter spaces
• Working closely with volunteers, interns, and other zoo staff
• With the rest of the Ambassador Animal team, developing and implementing themed encounters or even shows for special shows and events
• Monitoring encounters and programs, making sure they are done to the established standards
• Purchasing items as needed
  
  

Skills:

Thorough knowledge of:

• Animal behavior
• Care, feeding, and handling of multiple taxa and species of animals, especially those typically found in ambassador animal collections in AZA facilities
• Safety practices around animals, both exotic and domestic
• Conservation education and show methods in zoological settings
• Techniques for restraining and capturing exotic and domestic animals
• Nashville Zoo policies and procedures
• Leadership skills
• Animal training and enrichment, especially a knowledge of diet and weight management regarding animal training and health
  
  

Capable of:

• Completely performing the responsibilities outlined in the "Duties and Responsibilities" section of this description
• Safely operating a variety of tools and equipment
• Monitoring animal behavior, health, and appearance
• Operating motorized vehicles and equipment; applicant must possess a valid driver's license
• Taking and following work instructions
• Working in a team-oriented atmosphere
• Effectively communicating with coworkers, subordinates, and supervisors
• Interacting and communicating with the public in an appropriate manner, always representing the zoo well both in manner and appearance
• Responding to questions about the zoo, the animals, and exhibits knowledgably and professionally
• Supervising, training, mentoring, and evaluating (as needed) assigned staff, volunteers, and interns
• Making unbiased and professional decisions when dealing with subordinates, co-workers, and supervisors/managers
• Working with all ages
• Leading and coaching keeper staff to accomplish assigned tasks and projects to established standards
• Working with a variety of animals, including arthropods, reptiles, small mammals, and multiple bird species
  
  

Education/ Experience:



Degree in zoology, animal biology, animal husbandry or related field, and/or at least five years of work experience at a zoological facility and experience with animal husbandry, handling and training in a professional setting, presentations, theater, or teaching.

Physical Responsibilities:



Work is indoors under warm conditions but also 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.





Benefits:

Nashville Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, Employee Assistance Programs, a 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off, sick leave, long-term disability coverage, park discounts, and membership benefits.

Pre-employment requirements:

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

At-will employment

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

Candidates for this position are subject to yearly Tuberculosis Screenings.

Pay Range

$16.10—$20.10 USD