Ambassador Animal Keeper - Encounters

Nashville Zoo • Nashville, TN

12d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for the care of the Behavioral Husbandry Department animal collection. In addition, the Ambassador Animal Keeper joins the rest of the team in presenting on-site encounters, behind the scenes tours, special event presentations, media, and other on and off-site programs utilizing ambassador animals as needed. The Ambassador Animal Keeper must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or GED equivalent required
• At least three years of experience (can be cumulative) in animal husbandry, handling, and training in a professional setting required
• At least one year of experience (can be cumulative) in presentations, speaking, or theater required
• Ability to work with a variety of animals, including arthropods, reptiles, small mammals, parrots, birds of prey and other birds
• Proven training proficiency
• Ability to work without direct supervision
• Excellent communication skills and public speaking skills
• Ability to follow written and oral directions
• Proven ability to work well on a team
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to write and/or do professional presentations for coworkers and peers
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and to obtain a valid Tennessee driver’s license
• Employees may encounter biological hazards, zoonotic diseases, and potentially dangerous animals and must follow established protocols for shifting, feeding, and emergency response.
• The role may require wearing PPE such as gloves, protective footwear, eye and hearing protection, and respirators as assigned.
• The role must learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete task independently, and make timely decisions in the context of a workflow.
• All candidates are required to successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening prior to hire.
• Pre-employment and annual tuberculosis (TB) screenings are a condition of continued employment.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree desired in Biology, Zoology, Environmental Education, or related field

Responsibilities

• Assess animals to ensure they are properly cared for and secured
• Clean and disinfect animal areas
• Prepare daily diets
• Administer medications as directed by veterinary staff and participate in medical procedures as needed
• With the rest of the Ambassador Animal Encounters team, present on-site encounters, behind the scenes tours, special event presentations, media, and other on and off-site programs utilizing ambassador animals as needed
• Complete animal records including: daily reports, daily weight charts, physical condition assessments, training logs, behavioral observations, and medical treatment sheets, etc.
• Develop and implement animal enrichment projects
• Routine maintenance of animal enclosures, Ambassador building, and surrounding grounds
• Work closely with volunteers and other zoo staff

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage – including medical, dental, and vision plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – confidential support services for mental, emotional, and financial well-being
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
• Generous paid time off and sick leave
• Exclusive zoo perks – enjoy discounts on park experiences, retail, and food services, plus complimentary membership benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED