Hoofstock Temporary Keeper

The Nashville Zoo is currently seeking a highly motivated individual to bring their experience, creativity and passion to our hoofstock team. This individual will be joining a small team of dedicated keepers in caring for and developing a diverse collection of ungulates that will be growing rapidly in size and complexity in the near future. The ideal candidate will possess a balanced combination of hoofstock expertise, passion for hard work, internal motivation, and a desire to collaborate with a strong team to achieve lofty goals.

Description: Under general supervision, keepers perform a wide range of functions in the Mammal Department at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. Their primary responsibilities are to feed, clean, and maintain assigned collection animals; animal exhibits, yards, night enclosures, and contiguous areas; perform light exhibit construction; operate zoo vehicles and maintain integrity of existing landscape. Additionally, keepers are responsible for educating the public through keeper talks, tours, 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 ungulates) in the following areas:

• Operant conditioning
• Capture and hand restraint
• Mixed species management
• Herd/stud management and introductions
• Hand-rearing

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.

Minimum Requirements:

• Applicants must have a minimum of 2 years of full-time, paid, exotic animal experience, with at least 1 year of hoofstock intensive experience. Experience in an AZA accredited zoo is preferred
• Applicants must have a college degree (Associates or Bachelors) in an applicable field: Animal Science, Biology, Zoology, etc. or a combination of education and experience
• Applicants must possess a valid drivers license

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.