Nashville Zoo Position Description

AVIAN DEPARTMENT

Animal Keeper - Lorikeet

Position: Animal Keeper - Lorikeet

Department: Avian

Supervisor: Lorikeet Area Supervisor

Description: Under general supervision, employee will perform a wide range of functions in the Lorikeet Aviary at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. Primary responsibility is to feed, clean, and maintain assigned collection animals; animal exhibits, yards, night enclosures, and contiguous areas; perform light exhibit construction; operate zoo vehicles; maintain integrity of existing landscape. Additionally, employee will be responsible for educating the public through daily interaction with guests, as well as providing a clean and safe atmosphere for families to enjoy the Nashville Zoo.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Animal Husbandry

• Inspect diets for proper preparation
• Feed collection animals
• Monitor assigned animals closely with regard to general appearance, behavior, diet consumption levels, condition of fecal matter, etc.
• Maintain feed intake records
• Record daily observations pertaining to the health and behavior of Lorikeet Aviary animals on a Daily Report to be submitted to the Lead Keeper
• Clean animal exhibits, yards, pools, night enclosures, and service areas
• Participate in capturing, immobilizing, and transporting animals
• Assists Veterinarian staff in the treatment of collection animals
• Proper distribution and recording of medications on daily reports and treatment sheets
• Provide exhibit security and take appropriate actions to prevent vandalism and maltreatment of animals and facilities by the public.
• Participate in breeding of Aviary animals and hand rearing of neonates.

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 supervisors
• Operate a variety of light and medium equipment

Public Education

• Participate in daily interaction designed to educate the public on the animals within the Lorikeet Aviary collection, and the Bird Collection in general.
• Respond to questions from the public concerning the animals and exhibits
• Assist guests with animal interactions to ensure a safe and positive experience for animals and guests
• Model the Zoo’s image and code of professional ethics in words and actions at all times
• Maintain a positive example in meeting the needs of Nashville Zoo guests, working with other departments to improve guest relations and handle individual guest issues as needed

Skills:

General knowledge of:

• Animal behavior and common medical issues
• 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
• Zoo policy and procedures
• Computer skills
• Experience in hospitality, customer services and/or retail customer contact

Communication (capable of):

• Taking and following work instructions
• Able to work individually while still maintaining communication with others in the department
• Effective communication and conflict resolution with coworkers and supervisors
• Interacting and communicating with the general public in an appropriate manner
• Reporting any animal care or departmental concerns to appropriate supervisor in a timely manner

Capable of:

• Completely performing the responsibilities outlined in the “Duties and Responsibilities” section
• Working in a team oriented atmosphere while possessing independent problem solving skills
• Scheduling flexibility to include special events, behind-the-scene tours, etc.
• Monitoring animal behavior and appearance
• Operating motorized vehicles and equipment; applicant must possess a valid driver’s license
• Maintaining USDA guidelines
• Maintaining MSDS guidelines concerning chemicals
• Attend and participate in staff training workshops

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 or AS in zoology, animal biology, animal husbandry or related field, and/or at least one year of work experience at a zoological facility or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required work skills, knowledge, and abilities. Strong consideration given to those with psittacine and neonate experience.

Background Check:

Applicants for this position are required to submit to a criminal background check and pass a drug test.

Special Note:

Applicant may be required to work any combination of five days in the seven day workweek including holidays and varied after hour events and feeding schedules as needed.