Carnivore Keeper

Association Of Zoos & Aquariums; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in wildlife conservation is seeking a motivated Carnivore Keeper to join their dedicated team at the Nashville Zoo. The role involves caring for a growing collection of carnivores, engaging with the public, and fulfilling essential husbandry tasks. Ideal candidates will possess extensive carnivore experience and a passion for conservation and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year full-time paid experience with carnivores.
• 2+ years of comprehensive carnivore experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and clean animal exhibits and perform husbandry of assigned collection.
• Educate the public through keeper talks and educational sessions.

Skills

Carnivore expertise

Operant conditioning

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Animal Science, Biology, Zoology

Job description

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The Nashville Zoo is currently seeking a highly motivated individual to bring their experience, creativity and passion to our Carnivore Team. This individual will be joining a team of dedicated keepers in caring for and developing a growing collection of carnivores. The ideal candidate will possess a balanced combination of carnivore expertise, passion for hard work, internal motivation, and a desire to collaborate with a strong team to achieve lofty goals.

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.

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

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 50 pounds.
• 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

Special Note:

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