Animal Behavior Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Position: Lorikeet Keeper

Department: Avian

Supervisor:  Lorikeet Area Supervisor

Nashville Zoo Mission:

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.

The Nashville Zoo is seeking an experienced keeper to join our team of dedicated staff and ~80 screaming lorikeets! The ideal candidate will possess a balanced combination of expertise, passion for hard work, internal motivation, and a desire to collaborate with a strong team to achieve goals. Our team covers all aspects of the aviary including guest engagement, maintaining exhibits and holding, breeding on and off exhibit, and hand-rearing lorikeet chicks of 8 different species. Come join our team!

Description: Lorikeet keepers are responsible for daily care and well-being of the lorikeet flock through feeding, cleaning, and maintaining their indoor and outdoor habitats and all surrounding areas.  They are also responsible for performing light exhibit construction; operating zoo vehicles and maintaining the integrity of existing landscape. They will also be responsible for monitoring the walkthrough aviary daily, observing the flock's welfare and social activity while also educating and connecting with guests with informal keeper talks throughout the day in the aviary. Keepers are also involved with our breeding program and help feed, train, and monitor the breeding pairs and chicks.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Inspect diets for proper preparation
• 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.
• 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 management of Aviary animals and hand rearing of neonates.

• 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 and power tools

• 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:

• 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
• Ability to self-direct work tasks while ensuring safety and productivity.
• 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:

• The role requires frequently standing and walking for most of an 8-10hour 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 yearround 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.

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.

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.  

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.