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Hospital Keeper

Nashville, TN

 

Position Title:  Hospital Keeper 

Department: Animal Care, Veterinary

Supervisor: Director of Veterinary Services

 

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 the supervision of staff veterinarians, employee will be responsible for animal husbandry for quarantined and hospitalized animals.  Responsibilities include but are not limited to: all aspects of animal husbandry, including medicating animals, sample collections and diet coordination; maintenance of quarantine areas; assisting veterinary procedures, neonatal care and management as well as medical data entry. Selected person is expected to communicate and work cooperatively with other animal care staff.  

This position requires creative thinking, working in a team-oriented environment, and possessing excellent organizational skills as well as verbal and written communication skills.

Time distribution estimates: Quarantine 60%, clinic 20%, lab 10%, necropsy 10%.

 

 

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

 

General knowledge of

  • Proper quarantine methods including zoonotic disease  awareness and prevention, including PPE use
  • Taxonomy, animal behavior, biology of exotic and domestic animals
  • Neonatal and hand rearing techniques
  • Objective observations: behavioral and medical
  • Animal handling and restraint
  • Sterilization and disinfection methods, chemical SDS.
  • Computer skills, including Microsoft products and specialized record keeping and data collection programs

 

Additional duties:

  • Assist in various routine and emergency veterinary procedures as directed
  • Assist  in caring for hospitalized patients as directed
  • Assist  veterinary technicians with clinical pathology and general methods for monitoring anesthetized patients
  • Assist with pharmacy inventory.
  • Appropriately respond to human and animal related emergencies
  • Maintain clinic, quarantine and necropsy equipment
  • Prepare  biological samples for shipment to outside laboratories
  • Accurate recordkeeping
  • Assist with equipment  inventory management and operation
  • Safely operate motorized vehicles and equipment.
  • Participate in teaching/outreach programs, including tours and presentations
  • Work with minimal supervision
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Make sound ethical  decisions
  • Other duties as assigned

 

 

Skills:

 

  • Ability to self-direct work tasks while ensuring safety and productivity.
  • Ability to work with little or no supervision

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 Requirements:

  • Negative TB skin test or equivalent.
  • Must be dexterous, able to stand/walk up to 6-8 hours, 
  • 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 potentially toxic and hazardous materials and work in cramped and confined spaces. 
  • Must be able to lift and carry materials up to 50 pounds.  Position is subject to animal bites, scratches.

 

 

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

$45,000 - $45,000 USD

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