Position Title:  Lead 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.

Under supervision, employee will serve as the Lead Keeper of the Carnivore Team at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. Employee will assist Supervisor to generate appropriate work requests; supervise and coach assigned staff and above all else serve as a positive role model and mentor for his/her co-workers, setting a good example on a daily basis. Upon the occurrence that both the Supervisor and Curator are out of the office concurrently, employee will serve to lead the Carnivore Team.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Animal Husbandry

• Feed collection animals
• Monitor assigned animals closely with regard to general appearance, diet consumption levels, condition of fecal matter, etc.
• Clean animal exhibits, 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.
• Participate and train subordinates in basic animal conditioning techniques

Maintenance

• Clean and disinfect utensils, work tools, and containers, feed devices, etc.
• Maintain plant life in and around enclosures
• Perform minor or routine maintenance of enclosures and report all other maintenance needs to supervisors
• Operate a variety of light and medium equipment

Public Education

• Lead Keepers are full time working leads and are required to know all aspects of the day-to-day activities of their assigned areas. He/She must be proficient in conflict resolution when dealing with staff as well as the general public.
• Coordinate daily keeper talks designed to educate the public on the Carnivore Departments animal collection
• Respond to questions from the public concerning the animals and exhibits
• Model the Zoos image and code of professional ethics in words and actions at all times

The Lead Keeper will assist the Area Supervisor in assigning, participating and supervising the work of the animal keepers. The Lead Keeper does not have the authority to reprimand staff (verbal or written), any and all staffing issues must be discussed with supervisory and curatorial staff.

Skills:

Thorough knowledge of:

• Animal behavior
• Care, feeding, and handling of exotic Carnivores
• Safety practices around exotic animals
• Animal biology or zoology or other related field
• Techniques for restraining and capturing exotic and domestic animals
• Zoo policies and procedures
• Personnel management
• Animal conditioning

Capable of:

• Completely performing the responsibilities outlined in the Duties and Responsibilities section
• Monitoring animal behavior and appearance
• Operating motorized vehicles and equipment; candidate must possess a valid drivers license
• Taking and following work instructions
• Working in a team oriented atmosphere
• Effectively communicating with coworkers and supervisors
• Interacting and communicating with the general public in an appropriate manner
• Supervising, training, and mentoring assigned staff
• Making unbiased and non-judgmental decisions when dealing with subordinates
• Working weekends and holidays as needed

Physical Requirements:

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 75 pounds.

Education:

Must have a BS in zoology, animal biology, animal husbandry or related field and a minimum of five (5) years of work experience at a zoological facility. Education, internships and other relevant experience can be substituted for work experience.

Experience: This is a unique position requiring a highly skilled keeper with a minimum of 5 years of experience in the management and husbandry of exotic Carnivores. Candidates must demonstrate substantial experience with a variety of species and a strong background in operant conditioning.

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.

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