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Aquatics Keeper

Nashville, TN

Position Title:  Aquatics Keeper

Department:  Aquatics

Supervisor: Area Supervisor: Aquatics

 

Company Overview:

Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. With a diverse collection of animals and a commitment to wildlife preservation, we provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

 

Description:   

 

The Aquatics Keeper’s primary responsibilities are to feed, clean, and maintain assigned collection animals, monitor water quality; maintain and control filtration on animal exhibits, off exhibit enclosures, and contiguous areas; perform light exhibit construction and maintain LSS filtration systems; operate zoo vehicles; maintain integrity of existing exhibits and exhibit plant life.   Additionally, employee may 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.

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

 

Animal Husbandry

  • Prepare food and water for collection animals by cutting and measuring diet portions
  • Feed collection animals including use of proper supplementation.
  • Monitor assigned animals closely with regard to general appearance, diet consumption levels, condition of fecal matter, etc.
  • Interpret proper water quality parameters per species requirements. 
  • Maintain records in ZIMS database
  • Clean animal exhibits, off-exhibit enclosures, and service areas
  • Participate in capturing, incapacitating, and moving animals
  • Assists Veterinarian staff in the treatment of collection animals
  • Provide exhibit security and take appropriate actions to prevent vandalism and maltreatment of animals and facilities by the public.
  • Clean and disinfect utensils, work tools, and containers
  • Operate a variety of light and medium equipment

 

 

 

Skills:

General knowledge of:

  • Animal behavior
  • Knowledge of filtration and water chemistry
  • Care, feeding, and handling of aquatic organisms
  • Safety practices around exotic and domestic animals
  • Animal biology or zoology or other related field
  • Techniques for maintaining water Quality

 

Education/ Experience:

 

Degree in zoology, animal biology, animal husbandry or related field, and/or at least one year of work experience at a zoological facility or experience with LSS equipment or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required work skills, knowledge, and abilities to do this job.

 

Physical Responsibilities:

 

Work is indoors under warm conditions but also 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.

 

 

Benefits:

Nashville Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, Employee Assistance Programs, a 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off, sick leave, long-term disability coverage, park discounts, and membership benefits.

 

Pre-employment requirements:

Nashville Zoo is an EEO Institution and a Drug Free Workplace.

At-will employment

Candidates for this position are required to submit to a criminal background check and pass a drug test.

Candidates for this position are subject to yearly Tuberculosis Screenings.

Due to the safety of our animal collection, candidates joining our Behavioral Husbandry Department must be full vaccinated against COVID-19.

 

 

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