Herpetology Keeper I or II

Nashville Zoo; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Employee Assistance Program

401(k) retirement plan with company 1%

Generous paid time off and sick leave

Exclusive zoo perks

Collaborative and inclusive culture

AZA-accredited facility

Job summary

Nashville Zoo in Nashville, TN seeks an experienced Herpetology Keeper I or II to care for reptile and amphibian collections. You will feed, clean, monitor health, and assist with education through keeper talks. This is a hands-on role requiring a strong team ethic and safety consciousness.

Applicants should have a natural sciences degree (two-year required, four-year preferred) and at least two years at a zoological facility. AZA standards and public engagement are integral parts of the job.

Qualifications

• Minimum two-year degree in natural sciences or related field.
• At least two years of zoo or related facility experience.
• Working knowledge of reptile and amphibian natural history and husbandry.
• Venomous snakes experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Feed and care for reptiles and amphibians daily.
• Monitor health, behavior, and dietary intake; record observations.
• Maintain exhibits, habitats, and plant life; assist with maintenance.
• Record keeper observations in the ZIMS system.
• Provide public education through keeper talks and tours.

Skills

Reptile and amphibian husbandry

Animal care & handling

Safety around animals

Zoology knowledge

Restraint and capture techniques

venomous reptile training (preferred)

Education

Two-year degree in natural sciences

Four-year degree preferred

Tools

ZIMS program

Job description

Position Title: Herpetology Keeper I or II

Department: Ectotherm

Supervisor: Area Supervisor of Herpetology

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:

• 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 general supervision, employee will perform a wide range of functions in the Herpetology Department at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. Primary responsibility is to feed, clean, and maintain assigned collection animals; animal exhibits, off exhibit enclosures, and contiguous areas; perform light exhibit construction and maintenance; operate zoo vehicles; maintain integrity of existing exhibits and exhibit plant life. Employee must display a positive, team-oriented attitude as well as maintain and utilize proper chains of communication during disagreements with co-workers. Additionally, employee will 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.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Feed collection animals the appropriate diet including use of proper supplementation.
• Monitor assigned animals closely regarding general appearance, behavior, diet consumption levels, condition of fecal matter, etc.
• Maintain feed intake and habitat temperature records and respond to changes in an accurate and timely manner.
• Record daily observations pertaining to the health and behavior of Herpetology Department animals on ZIMS program
• Clean animal exhibits, pools, off-exhibit enclosures, 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.

Maintenance

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

Public Education

• Participate in weekly keeper talks designed to educate the public about the Herpetology Department’s animal collection
• Respond to questions from the public concerning the animals, exhibits, or where the nearest restroom is.
• Model the Zoo’s image and code of professional ethics in words and actions at all times.

Skills:

General knowledge of:

• Knowledge of reptile and amphibian natural history and husbandry.
• Care, feeding, and handling of exotic and domestic animals
• Safety practices around exotic and domestic animals
• Animal biology or zoology or other related field
• Techniques for restraining and capturing exotic and domestic animals
• Completion of a formal venomous reptile training and/or certification program at an AZA Zoo or Aquarium (not required but preferred)

Capable of:

• Completely performing the responsibilities outlined in the “Duties and Responsibilities” section.
• Notice changes in animal behavior and appearance and respond appropriately.
• Operating motorized vehicles and equipment; applicant must possess a valid driver’s 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

Education/ Experience:

• Minimum two-year degree in one of the natural sciences or a closely related discipline, four-year degree preferred.
• At least two years of work experience at a zoological facility or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required work skills, knowledge, and abilities.
• A working knowledge of reptile and amphibian natural history and husbandry.
• Experience with venomous snakes preferred but not required.

Physical Responsibilities:

• The role requires frequently standing and walking for most of an 8–10‑hour shift and regularly bend, kneel, reach, and perform repetitive motions while cleaning habitats, preparing diets, and providing enrichment.
• The role requires frequently lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 50 lbs and occasionally up to 75 lbs with assistance, as well as navigating ladders, stairs, uneven terrain, and wet or slippery surfaces.
• Must be able to work in cramped and confined spaces.
• Strong hand dexterity, clear verbal communication, and adequate vision and hearing are essential to safely observe animals, operate tools and gates, and use radios.
• Work occurs indoors and outdoors year‑round in all weather, with routine exposure to animal dander, hay, dust, insects, loud noises, strong odors, and cleaning agents.
• Employees may encounter biological hazards, zoonotic diseases, and potentially dangerous animals and must follow established protocols for shifting, feeding, and emergency response.
• The role may require wearing PPE such as gloves, protective footwear, eye and hearing protection, and respirators as assigned.
• Schedules often include early mornings, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime based on animal needs.
• Depending on assignments, a valid driver’s license and ability to operate facility vehicles may be required.
• Vaccinations, TB testing, or respirator fit testing may be necessary per policy.
• The role must learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete task independently, and make timely decisions in the context of a workflow.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

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

$16.10 - $21.10 USD

U.S. Standard Demographic Questions

We invite applicants to share their demographic background. If you choose to complete this survey, your responses may be used to identify areas of improvement in our hiring process.

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Nashville Zoo’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Form CC-305

Page 1 of 1

OMB Control Number 1250-0005

Expires 07/31/2029

Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp .

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

• Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
• Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
• Blind or low vision
• Cancer (past or present)
• Cardiovascular or heart disease
• Celiac disease
• Cerebral palsy
• Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
• Diabetes
• Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
• Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
• Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
• Intellectual or developmental disability
• Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
• Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
• Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
• Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Neurodivergence, for example, attention‑deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
• Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
• Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
• Short stature (dwarfism)
• Traumatic brain injury

PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.