Area Supervisor - Animal Care Special Events

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Position Description

Position Title: Area Supervisor- Animal Care Special Events

Department:  Mammal        

Supervisor: Mammal Curator

Position Status: Full-time, exempt   

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.

Position Overview:    

Under the general supervision of the Mammal Curator, the Special Events Animal Care Supervisor will oversee a diverse range of animal care operations across multiple departments at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. Their primary responsibilities include leading keeper staff in the husbandry of assigned animal collections, ensuring the cleanliness and maintenance of exhibits, yards, night enclosures, and surrounding areas. They will also implement operant conditioning techniques for husbandry behaviors and contribute to enrichment programs that enhance both animal welfare and guest experiences.

Additional duties involve light exhibit construction, operation of zoo vehicles, and the upkeep of existing landscapes. The Area Supervisor will play a key role in public education by delivering keeper talks and impromptu educational sessions, fostering an engaging and informative environment for visitors. The Animal Care Special Events team helps shape the guest experience at the Nashville Zoo.

Given the dynamic nature of the position, the supervisor must possess extensive experience working with a variety of species, including birds, primates, carnivores, hoofstock, domestics, ectotherms, and ambassador animals.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of all animal-related installations, including staff supervision.
• Develop, implement, and review protocols for animal care, keeper safety, and equipment maintenance in collaboration with leadership.
• Ensure compliance with Nashville Zoo, TWRA, OSHA, and AZA standards.
• Supervise daily animal care, staff training, and protocol implementation.
• Manage food orders, facility repairs, and inventory of supplies and equipment.
• Coordinate medical care for the animal collection with veterinary staff.
• Oversee exhibit and support service maintenance with department managers.
• Assess and document animal welfare and maintain daily records.
• Lead and develop behavior training programs, ensuring compliance with approved plans.
• Manage and assess enrichment programs to enhance animal welfare.
• Participate in park coverage scheduling, including weekends, holidays, and special events.
• Oversee department operations in the absence of leadership.
• Serve on the zoo’s emergency response team, including firearm training and drills.
• Conduct staff evaluations and support goal setting.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Skills:

• Knowledge of safety practices, animal care, and handling exotic & domestic animals.
• Knowledge of animal diet preparation, general biology, and behavior.
• Ability to receive, understand, and carry out verbal and written instruction, direction, and assignments.
• Ability to perform physical work activities in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to communicate and cooperate with employees and to deal with the public in an effective and positive manner.
• Ability to work without direct supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public and comfortable with public speaking.
• Personnel leadership experience in a team setting.

Education/ Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in biology, Zoology, Environmental Education, or related field desired.
• At least two years’ experience in animal husbandry, handling, and training with exotic animals in a professional setting is required.

Physical Responsibilities:

• This is an outdoor position; applicants will work outside year-round in inclement weather conditions such as extreme high/low temperatures, snow and rain conditions.
• Stand, sit, or walk for an extended period of time or for an entire work shift. Applicants are required to have the ability to bend, stoop and extend oneself etc., as required for performing assigned tasks.
• Move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 50 pounds without assistance.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time position, averaging 40 hours per week.
• Flexibility: Position may require flexibility in working hours to accommodate special events, emergencies, or animal care needs.
• Must have flexibility to be available to work weekends.

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.