Amphibian Conservation Specialist

Nashville Zoo • Nashville, TN

1d • $22 - $25 • Onsite

About The Position

Under limited supervision, the Amphibian Conservation Specialist will serve as the primary conservation person for a given taxon in the Ectotherm department. The primary responsibility is to manage conservation populations to the highest standards possible and participate in the general care of assigned collection animals. This role involves maintaining exhibits, performing light exhibit construction, operating zoo vehicles, and maintaining the integrity of existing graphics and exhibits. The employee will be responsible for ensuring that all supplies and needs for their areas are ordered or that the appropriate staff member is informed of the need. The specialist will remain a positive role model for coworkers and other conservation biologists and researchers, attend meetings as required, and give presentations.

Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of aquatic animal behavior, life support systems, and water quality
• Thorough knowledge of care, feeding, and handling invertebrates
• Ability to self-direct work tasks while ensuring safety and productivity
• Thorough knowledge of safety practices around exotic animals
• Thorough knowledge of animal biology or zoology or another related field
• Thorough knowledge of techniques for restraining and capturing exotic and domestic animals
• Thorough knowledge of zoo policies and procedures
• Thorough knowledge of animal conditioning
• Thorough knowledge of data management
• Capable of monitoring animal behavior and appearance
• Capable of operating motorized vehicles and equipment; applicant must possess a valid driver’s license
• Capable of taking and following work instructions
• Capable of working in a team-oriented atmosphere
• Capable of effectively communicating with coworkers and supervisors
• Capable of interacting and communicating with the general public and media in an appropriate manner
• Capable of utilizing programs for statistical analysis and data entry
• A BS in zoology, animal biology, animal husbandry or related field and/or at least 7 years of work experience with amphibians. Alternatively, a master’s degree in an appropriate field and 2 years of paid experience with the taxa.
• Strong hand dexterity, clear verbal communication, and adequate vision and hearing are essential
• Must learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete tasks independently, and make timely decisions in the context of a workflow.

Nice To Haves

• Serve as the primary conservation person for a given taxon in the Ectotherm department
• Manage conservation populations to the highest standards possible
• Participate in the general care of assigned collection animals
• Maintain exhibits
• Perform light exhibit construction
• Operate zoo vehicles
• Maintain integrity of existing graphics and exhibits
• Order feed products, acquisition of tools and cleaning supplies
• Remain a positive role model for coworkers and other conservation biologists and researchers
• Attend meetings as required and give presentations

Responsibilities

• Prepare food and water for research and conservation populations destined for release or for grant funded research
• Field collection and conservation work with species
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance
• Maintain professional conduct at all times and consistently model the organization’s values in all interactions with colleagues, guests, and stakeholders
• Document and collect data
• Collaborate with Curator and Assistant curator on all aspects for conservation for individual conservation projects
• Clean animal exhibits, and service areas
• Participate in capturing, incapacitating, and moving animals
• Assist Veterinarian staff in the treatment of collection animals
• Act as primary keeper for some collection animals and conservation populations of amphibians
• Participate in and train other keepers in basic animal conditioning techniques
• Provide coaching and guidance to keeper staff
• Clean and disinfect utensils, work tools, and containers
• Perform minor or routine maintenance of enclosures and report all other maintenance needs to supervisors
• Operate a variety of light and medium equipment
• Speak to public, media and give presentations at meetings
• Model the Zoo’s image and code of professional ethics in words and actions at all times
• Author/coauthor peer reviewed scientific publications

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
• A collaborative and inclusive culture
• AZA-accredited facility

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level