Primate Keeper (part time)

The Nashville Zoo is currently seeking a highly motivated Primate Keeper to bring their experience, creativity and passion to our Primate Team. This individual will be joining 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 general supervision by Primate 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 species including gibbons, siamangs, lemurs, spider monkeys, tamarins, and meerkats.) in the following areas:

• 2 year(s) of comprehensive primate experience
• Advanced operant conditioning
• Capture and restraint
• Introductions
• Breeding & group dynamics

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:

• Must submit a cover letter in addition to resume.
• Applicants must have a minimum of 1 year of full-time, paid experience with primates.
• 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.

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.

Qualifications