Lorikeet Keeper

Nashville Zoo • Nashville, TN

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Nashville Zoo is seeking an experienced keeper to join their team of dedicated staff and approximately 80 screaming lorikeets. The ideal candidate will possess a balanced combination of expertise, passion for hard work, internal motivation, and a desire to collaborate with a strong team to achieve goals. The team covers all aspects of the aviary including guest engagement, maintaining exhibits and holding, breeding on and off exhibit, and hand-rearing lorikeet chicks of 8 different species.

Requirements

• BS or AS in zoology, animal biology, animal husbandry or related field, and/or at least one year of work experience at a zoological facility or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required work skills, knowledge, and abilities.
• General knowledge of animal behavior and common medical issues.
• General knowledge of care, feeding, and handling of exotic and domestic animals.
• General knowledge of safety practices around exotic and domestic animals.
• General knowledge of animal biology or zoology or other related field.
• General knowledge of techniques for restraining and capturing exotic and domestic animals.
• General knowledge of zoo policy and procedures.
• Computer skills.
• Experience in hospitality, customer services and/or retail customer contact.
• Ability to take and follow work instructions.
• Ability to self-direct work tasks while ensuring safety and productivity.
• Able to work individually while still maintaining communication with others in the department.
• Effective communication and conflict resolution with coworkers and supervisors.
• Ability to interact and communicate with the general public in an appropriate manner.
• Ability to report any animal care or departmental concerns to appropriate supervisor in a timely manner.
• Ability to completely perform the responsibilities outlined in the “Duties and Responsibilities” section.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented atmosphere while possessing independent problem-solving skills.
• Scheduling flexibility to include special events, behind-the-scene tours, etc.
• Ability to monitor animal behavior and appearance.
• Ability to operate motorized vehicles and equipment; applicant must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to maintain USDA guidelines.
• Ability to maintain MSDS guidelines concerning chemicals.
• Attend and participate in staff training workshops.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Must successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening prior to hire.
• Must undergo pre-employment and annual tuberculosis (TB) screenings as a condition of continued employment.

Nice To Haves

• Strong consideration given to those with psittacine and neonate experience.

Responsibilities

• Daily care and well-being of the lorikeet flock through feeding, cleaning, and maintaining their indoor and outdoor habitats and all surrounding areas.
• Performing light exhibit construction.
• Operating zoo vehicles and maintaining the integrity of existing landscape.
• Monitoring the walkthrough aviary daily, observing the flock’s welfare and social activity.
• Educating and connecting with guests with informal keeper talks throughout the day in the aviary.
• Participating in our breeding program and helping feed, train, and monitor the breeding pairs and chicks.
• Inspect diets for proper preparation.
• 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.
• Feed collection animals.
• Monitor assigned animals closely with regard to general appearance, behavior, diet consumption levels, condition of fecal matter, etc.
• Maintain feed intake records.
• Record daily observations pertaining to the health and behavior of Lorikeet Aviary animals on a Daily Report to be submitted to the Lead Keeper.
• Clean animal exhibits, yards, pools, night enclosures, and service areas.
• Participate in capturing, immobilizing, and transporting animals.
• Assist Veterinarian staff in the treatment of collection animals.
• Proper distribution and recording of medications on daily reports and treatment sheets.
• Provide exhibit security and take appropriate actions to prevent vandalism and maltreatment of animals and facilities by the public.
• Participate in breeding management of Aviary animals and hand rearing of neonates.
• Clean and disinfect utensils, work tools, and containers.
• Maintain plant life in and around enclosures.
• Perform minor or routine maintenance of enclosures and report all other maintenance needs to supervisors.
• Operate a variety of light and medium equipment and power tools.
• Participate in daily interaction designed to educate the public on the animals within the Lorikeet Aviary collection, and the Bird Collection in general.
• Respond to questions from the public concerning the animals and exhibits.
• Assist guests with animal interactions to ensure a safe and positive experience for animals and guests.
• Model the Zoo’s image and code of professional ethics in words and actions at all times.
• Maintain a positive example in meeting the needs of Nashville Zoo guests, working with other departments to improve guest relations and handle individual guest issues as needed.

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: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree