Nashville Zoo
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Lead Avian Keeper
role at
Nashville Zoo .
Position: Lead Keeper Avian Department: Avian Supervisor: Supervisor of Avian Curator: Curator of Birds
Under supervision, the employee will serve as the Lead Keeper of the Avian Department at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere.
Primary responsibilities include assisting supervisory and curatorial staff, participating in the general care of assigned collection animals, maintaining exhibits, performing light exhibit construction, operating zoo vehicles, maintaining integrity of existing exhibits, ordering supplies and coordinating interns and docents. The Lead Keeper also serves as the primary contact for veterinary matters and may undertake MOD duties when properly trained and approved by the Zoo Director.
When both the Supervisor and Curator are out of the office, the Lead Keeper will lead the Avian Department. The role is full‑time, requires proficient conflict resolution skills with staff and the public, and a positive, team‑oriented attitude. Proper chains of communication must be maintained during disagreements with coworkers.
The Lead Keeper assists the Area Supervisor in assigning, participating, and supervising work of animal keepers but does not have the authority to reprimand staff; any staffing issues must be discussed with supervisory and curatorial staff.
Duties and Responsibilities Animal Husbandry
Prepare food and water by cutting and measuring diet portions
Feed collection animals
Monitor animals for general appearance, diet consumption, fecal condition, etc.
Maintain feed intake and habitat temperature records
Maintain a keeper log book and submit daily reports to the Curator
Clean animal exhibits and service areas
Assist in capturing, incapacitating, and moving animals
Assist veterinarian staff in treatment of collection animals
Provide exhibit security and prevent vandalism and maltreatment
Train subordinates in basic animal conditioning techniques
Uphold standards in incubation, brooding, and hand‑rearing protocols
Maintenance
Clean and disinfect utensils, work tools, and containers
Maintain plant life in and around enclosures
Perform minor or routine enclosure maintenance and report more extensive needs
Create and maintain new and existing graphics
Operate a variety of light and medium equipment
Public Education
Coordinate daily keeper talks to educate the public
Respond to public questions about animals and exhibits
Model the Zoo’s image and code of professional ethics
Field Work
Assist curator and supervisor in maintenance and progression of conservation projects
Work outdoors year‑round under typical Tennessee weather conditions, including uneven terrain and exposure to dust, allergens, and slippery surfaces
Collect and maintain raw data accurately in the field
Skills
Animal behavior
Care, feeding, and handling of reptiles and amphibians
Safety practices around exotic animals
Animal biology, zoology, or related field
Techniques for restraining and capturing exotic and domestic animals
Zoo policies and procedures
Personnel management
Animal conditioning
Capabilities
Fully perform responsibilities outlined above
Monitor animal behavior and appearance
Operate motorized vehicles and equipment; valid driver’s license required
Follow work instructions
Work in a team‑oriented atmosphere
Communicate effectively with coworkers and supervisors
Interact with the general public appropriately
Supervise, train, and mentor assigned staff
Make unbiased, non‑judgmental decisions with subordinates
Physical Requirements Work outside year‑round under typical Tennessee conditions, including uneven terrain, dust, allergens, and slippery surfaces. Handle toxic and hazardous materials, work in confined spaces, and lift up to 75 lbs.
Education BS in zoology, animal biology, animal husbandry, or related field, or at least two years of work experience at a zoological facility or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Experience & Qualifications Background check required. Must pass a drug test.
Special Note Work may require any combination of five days in a seven‑day week, including holidays.
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Lead Avian Keeper
role at
Nashville Zoo .
Position: Lead Keeper Avian Department: Avian Supervisor: Supervisor of Avian Curator: Curator of Birds
Under supervision, the employee will serve as the Lead Keeper of the Avian Department at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere.
Primary responsibilities include assisting supervisory and curatorial staff, participating in the general care of assigned collection animals, maintaining exhibits, performing light exhibit construction, operating zoo vehicles, maintaining integrity of existing exhibits, ordering supplies and coordinating interns and docents. The Lead Keeper also serves as the primary contact for veterinary matters and may undertake MOD duties when properly trained and approved by the Zoo Director.
When both the Supervisor and Curator are out of the office, the Lead Keeper will lead the Avian Department. The role is full‑time, requires proficient conflict resolution skills with staff and the public, and a positive, team‑oriented attitude. Proper chains of communication must be maintained during disagreements with coworkers.
The Lead Keeper assists the Area Supervisor in assigning, participating, and supervising work of animal keepers but does not have the authority to reprimand staff; any staffing issues must be discussed with supervisory and curatorial staff.
Duties and Responsibilities Animal Husbandry
Prepare food and water by cutting and measuring diet portions
Feed collection animals
Monitor animals for general appearance, diet consumption, fecal condition, etc.
Maintain feed intake and habitat temperature records
Maintain a keeper log book and submit daily reports to the Curator
Clean animal exhibits and service areas
Assist in capturing, incapacitating, and moving animals
Assist veterinarian staff in treatment of collection animals
Provide exhibit security and prevent vandalism and maltreatment
Train subordinates in basic animal conditioning techniques
Uphold standards in incubation, brooding, and hand‑rearing protocols
Maintenance
Clean and disinfect utensils, work tools, and containers
Maintain plant life in and around enclosures
Perform minor or routine enclosure maintenance and report more extensive needs
Create and maintain new and existing graphics
Operate a variety of light and medium equipment
Public Education
Coordinate daily keeper talks to educate the public
Respond to public questions about animals and exhibits
Model the Zoo’s image and code of professional ethics
Field Work
Assist curator and supervisor in maintenance and progression of conservation projects
Work outdoors year‑round under typical Tennessee weather conditions, including uneven terrain and exposure to dust, allergens, and slippery surfaces
Collect and maintain raw data accurately in the field
Skills
Animal behavior
Care, feeding, and handling of reptiles and amphibians
Safety practices around exotic animals
Animal biology, zoology, or related field
Techniques for restraining and capturing exotic and domestic animals
Zoo policies and procedures
Personnel management
Animal conditioning
Capabilities
Fully perform responsibilities outlined above
Monitor animal behavior and appearance
Operate motorized vehicles and equipment; valid driver’s license required
Follow work instructions
Work in a team‑oriented atmosphere
Communicate effectively with coworkers and supervisors
Interact with the general public appropriately
Supervise, train, and mentor assigned staff
Make unbiased, non‑judgmental decisions with subordinates
Physical Requirements Work outside year‑round under typical Tennessee conditions, including uneven terrain, dust, allergens, and slippery surfaces. Handle toxic and hazardous materials, work in confined spaces, and lift up to 75 lbs.
Education BS in zoology, animal biology, animal husbandry, or related field, or at least two years of work experience at a zoological facility or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Experience & Qualifications Background check required. Must pass a drug test.
Special Note Work may require any combination of five days in a seven‑day week, including holidays.
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