Ambassador Animal Keeper: Encounters & Public Tours

Nashville Zoo; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

EAP

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Zoo member benefits

AZA accreditation

Job summary

Nashville Zoo is seeking an Ambassador Animal Keeper- Encounters to care for the Behavioral Husbandry collection and help deliver on-site encounters, tours, and events. You will participate in media programs and off-site activities using ambassador animals.

The role requires weekend, evening, and holiday availability, strong public speaking, and teamwork to educate visitors and support animal welfare. Nashville Zoo supports a robust benefits package for full-time staff.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Environmental Education, or related field desired.
• At least three years of experience in animal husbandry, handling, and training in a professional setting.
• At least one year of experience in presentations, speaking, or theater.

Responsibilities

• Care for the Behavioral Husbandry department animal collection.
• Present on-site encounters, behind the scenes tours, special event presentations, media, and other programs.
• Work weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Develop and implement animal enrichment projects.
• Complete animal records and observations.
• Collaborate with volunteers and zoo staff.

Skills

Animal handling

Public speaking

Teamwork

Communication

Driving license

Organization

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree in Biology/related field (desired)

Tools

PPE knowledge

Job description

Nashville Zoo is seeking an Ambassador Animal Keeper- Encounters to care for the Behavioral Husbandry collection and help deliver on-site encounters, tours, and events. You will participate in media programs and off-site activities using ambassador animals.

The role requires weekend, evening, and holiday availability, strong public speaking, and teamwork to educate visitors and support animal welfare. Nashville Zoo supports a robust benefits package for full-time staff.