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Carnivore Keeper

Nashville, TN

Position Title:  Carnivore Keeper 

Department: Mammal

Supervisor: Carnivore Area Supervisor

 

Nashville Zoo Mission:

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.

 

Why Work with Us:

At the Nashville Zoo, we believe in taking care of our team just as well as we care for our animals. Full-time employees enjoy a robust benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and future:

 

  • Comprehensive healthcare coverage – including medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – confidential support services for mental, emotional, and financial well-being.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company matching – helping you build a secure future while you make a meaningful impact today.
  • Generous paid time off and sick leave – because rest and recovery are vital.
  • Exclusive zoo perks – enjoy discounts on park experiences, retail, and food services, plus complimentary membership benefits.
  • A collaborative and inclusive culture – be part of a diverse team where your voice matters, your growth is nurtured, and collaboration thrives across all departments.
  • AZA-accredited facility – Nashville Zoo is committed to top-tier animal care, ethics and global conservation efforts.

 

 

Description: 

Under general supervision by Carnivore Supervisor, keepers perform a wide range of functions in the Mammal Department at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. Their primary responsibilities include husbandry of assigned collection as well as maintaining and cleaning animal exhibits, yards, night enclosures, and contiguous areas; operant conditioning of collection for husbandry behaviors and providing enrichment. Additional duties include performing light exhibit construction, operating zoo vehicles, and maintaining integrity of existing landscape. Employee will also 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:

 

Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience (specifically with Sumatran tiger, Andean bears, clouded leopards, anteaters, binturongs, and civets) in the following areas:

  • 2+ year(s) of comprehensive carnivore experience
  • Advanced operant conditioning
  • Capture and restraint
  • Introductions
  • Breeding & group dynamics for social and solitary carnivores

 

 

Skills:

 

  • Ability to self-direct work tasks while ensuring safety and productivity.
  • Ability to work with little or no supervision.
  • Ability to interact professionally with both staff and visitors.
  • Ability to respond to guest disturbances in a fashion that minimizes any negative affect to the zoo and our other guests.
  • Ability to prepare accurate written daily incident reports and logs at end of each shift.
  • Ability to effectively orally communicate emergency situations and initiate response to all staff and our guests when required.

 

 

Education/ Experience:

 

  • Applicants must have a minimum of 1 year of full-time, paid experience with carnivores.
  • Applicants must have a college degree (Associates or Bachelors) in an applicable field: Animal Science, Biology, Zoology, etc.
  • Applicants must possess a valid drivers license

 

Physical Responsibilities:

 

  • 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.

 

Special Note:

Applicant may be required to work any combination of five days in the seven day workweek including weekends and holidays.

 

 

Pre-employment requirements:

 

Nashville Zoo is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and maintains a drug-free work environment. All employment is at-will.

  • 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.

 

 

Pay Range

$16.10 - $18 USD

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