Keeper Aide- Primate

Socket.dev; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 19,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

EAP

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Zoo discounts

Inclusive culture

AZA-accredited facility

Job summary

Nashville Zoo is seeking a Keeper Aide- Primate to support the Mammal Division with daily husbandry, feeding, enrichment, and habitat upkeep. This is a full-time, temporary six-month position designed for individuals starting a career in animal care at an AZA-accredited facility.

We value collaboration, safety, and excellent guest service as you learn hands-on techniques and participate in educational activities with visitors.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver’s license.
• Experience and ability to operate equipment used in animal care and maintenance.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions and lift up to 50–75 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Clean and sanitize animal areas, prepare diets, provide enrichment, and maintain records.
• Assist with daily care and upkeep of assigned primate habitats and surrounding areas.
• Maintain regular attendance and professional conduct, modeling organization values.
• Support guest engagement through educational presentations and supervised interactions.
• Assist with daily husbandry tasks, including feeding, cleaning, and enrichment activities.
• Observe behavior and health, reporting concerns to senior staff, and aid in routine habitat upkeep.

Skills

Tools maintenance

Vehicle operation

Diet prep

Biology knowledge

Animal behavior

Instruction following

Safety focus

Public interaction

Job description

Position Title

Keeper Aide- Primate

Department

Mammal

Supervisor

Primate Area Supervisor, Mammal Curator

Company Overview

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 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

Nashville Zoo is currently seeking a motivated and dependable individual to assist our primate team with daily husbandry operations within the Mammal Division. This role will primarily support the Primate Department and offers a valuable opportunity for someone interested in beginning a career in animal care at an AZA-accredited institution.

We are looking for a collaborative, enthusiastic candidate who is eager to gain hands‑on experience in a fast-paced zoological environment. The selected individual will play an important role in supporting animal care routines while also helping create positive and engaging experiences for zoo guests through approachable interactions and excellent customer service.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Cleaning and sanitizing animal areas, raking and shoveling, preparing and distributing diets, providing enrichment, maintaining records, and ensuring animals receive proper food and water according to established procedures.
• Responsible for assisting with the daily care and upkeep of assigned animal habitats and surrounding areas.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance
• Maintain professional conduct at all times and consistently model the organization’s values in all interactions with colleagues, guests, and stakeholders.
• Support guest engagement opportunities through educational presentations and supervised animal interactions.
• Assist with daily animal husbandry tasks, including cleaning and disinfecting habitats, preparing diets, feeding animals, and implementing approved enrichment activities.
• Observe animal behavior and overall health, reporting any concerns or inconsistencies to senior animal care staff.
• Support routine habitat upkeep, horticulture, and general maintenance to ensure safe, clean, and enriching environments for animals and guests.
• Maintain accurate animal care records, including assistance with ZIMS data entry and daily documentation.
• Participate in hands‑on learning opportunities related to animal training, enrichment development, and species‑appropriate handling techniques
• Engage with zoo guests by answering questions, sharing information about the animals, and promoting the Zoo’s conservation mission and programs.
• Assist animal care staff and supervisors with additional duties as assigned to support departmental operations.

Skills

• Skill in the use and maintenance of tools and equipment.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
• Knowledge of animal diet preparation, general biology, and behavior.
• Knowledge of maintenance methods and materials.
• Ability to receive, understand, and carry out verbal and written instruction, direction, and assignments.
• Ability to perform physical work activities in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to self‑direct work tasks while ensuring safety and productivity.
• Ability to communicate and cooperate with employees and to deal with the public in an effective and positive manner.

Education / Experience

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license

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.
• 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.

Work Schedule

• This is a full‑time, temporary six‑month position.
• 8 hour shift or either 10 hour shifts on various days of the week.
• Flexibility: Position may require flexibility in working hours to accommodate special events, emergencies, or animal care needs.
• Must be able to periodically adjust schedule as needed.
• Must be available to work weekends.

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

$14 — $16 USD