Description: This full-time, year round position is responsible for the care of the Behavioral Husbandry Department animal collection and assisting the Area Supervisor and Department Curator in the supervision of Ambassador Animal keeper staff. In addition the Employee joins the rest of the team in developing and presenting on-site amphitheater shows, and in the presentation of other educational and promotional programs both on and off site. The Ambassador Animal Lead Keeper is also responsible for training animals for said programming and for husbandry behaviors. The Lead Keeper is responsible for the management of Area volunteers and interns, and works closely with them and other zoo staff. The Lead Keeper assists the Ambassador Animal Area Supervisor in animal handling training of staff, docents, volunteers, and interns. The Employee will also support the Area Supervisor and Curator by making sure that animal care and shows/programs are done at established standards. The Employee also manages resources and supplies needed for the department, ordering and/or securing them as needed, or delegating such. The Ambassador Animal Lead Keeper must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Animal Care

• Daily cleaning routine: includes replacing paper and substrate, scrubbing enclosures, washing dishes, disinfecting equipment and enclosures, taking animal weights and preparing diets

• Complete animal records including: daily reports, daily weight charts, physical condition assessments, behavioral observations, and medical treatment sheets, etc.


• Animal training


• Developing and implementing animal enrichment projects


• Routine maintenance of animal perches and other enclosure furniture, enclosures and crates, tools and equipment, and building and surrounding grounds


• Manage, or delegate managing, volunteers, interns and docents


• Work with other zoo staff


• Administering medications as directed by veterinary staff and participating in medical procedures as needed


• Purchasing items as needed and completing and managing the associated paperwork


• Animal grooming (nail trims, beak coping, etc.) as needed


• Monitor husbandry routine and projects, making sure they are done to the established standards


• Participate in capture, restraint, and moving of animals as needed


• Help monitor the use of the Behavioral Husbandry Department Animals, making sure animal welfare is maintained at the highest levels possible and over-use is prevented


• Assist with training of staff, docents, volunteers, and interns on animal handling


• Participation in the training of staff in basic animal husbandry and training techniques


• Help maintain various staff and animal calendars

Shows and Programs

• With the rest of the team developing and presenting on site amphitheater shows, on site programs for zoo events, programs for media and promotional events, and off site programs of all types, etc.


• Set up and maintain sound equipment and props for on grounds shows and programs


• Maintaining stage and seating area of amphitheater


• Work closely with volunteers, interns, and other zoo staff


• Develop and implement themed shows for special shows and events


• Monitor shows and programs, making sure they are done to the established standards


• Purchasing items as needed

**Other duties as assigned**

Skills:

Thorough knowledge of-

• Animal behavior


• Care, feeding, and handling of multiple taxa and species of animals, especially those typically found in ambassador animal collections in AZA facilities


• Safety practices around animals, both exotic and domestic


• Conservation education and/or show methods in zoological settings


• Techniques for restraining and capturing exotic and domestic animals


• Nashville Zoo policies and procedures


• Leadership skills


• Animal training and enrichment , especially a knowledge of weight management and/or diet management in regards to animal training and health

Capable of-

• Completely performing the responsibilities outlined in the Duties and Responsibilities section of this description


• Safely operating a variety of tools and equipment


• Monitoring animal behavior, health, and appearance


• Operating motorized vehicles and equipment; applicant must possess a valid Tennessee drivers license


• Taking and following work instructions


• Working in a team oriented atmosphere


• Effectively communicating with coworkers, subordinates, and supervisors


• Interacting and communicating with the general public in an appropriate manner, representing the zoo well at all times


• Responding to questions about the zoo, the animals, and exhibits knowledgably and professionally


• Supervising, training, mentoring, and evaluating (as needed) assigned staff, volunteers, and interns


• Making unbiased and professional decisions when dealing with subordinates, co-workers, and supervisors/managers


• Working with all ages

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted


• Ability to work indoors in temperatures of 76 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit all year round in high humidity, and outdoors in temperatures ranging from below 20 to above 90 degrees Fahrenheit regularly


• Ability to walk up and down stairs, bend down, crouch, kneel, climb ladders, ambulate quickly, and walk zoo grounds regularly


• Ability to speak clearly and loudly


• Ability to work in an environment with uneven terrain


• Ability to be exposed to dust and common allergens

Education:

• Must be at least 18 years of age


• High school diploma or GED equivalent required


• Bachelors degree desired in Biology, Zoology, Environmental Education, or related field


• At least five years of experience (can be cumulative) in animal husbandry, handling and training in a professional setting required and three years professional experience in presentations or teaching (can be combined)