Career Opportunities

Below are the available career opportunities at Nashville Zoo. We also accept applications anytime. Email complete applications to Human Resources. PLEASE NOTE: Veterinary positions require resume and cover letter.

If you are interested in volunteering at Nashville Zoo, please click here for more information.

11/16/2009 - Education Animal Keeper

Description:
Full-time, year round position responsible for assisting in the care of the education animal collection. Assists the Education Animal Programs Manager in developing and presenting on-site amphitheater shows and in the presentation of other educational and media related programs both on and off site. Assists in the training of seasonal staff and volunteer employees. Works closely with volunteers and other zoo staff. Must be able to work weekends, evenings and holidays.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Animal Area Responsibilities
• Daily cleaning routine includes replacing paper and substrate, scrubbing enclosures, washing dishes, disinfecting equipment and enclosures, taking animal weights and preparing diets
• Complete animal records including: daily reports, daily weight charts, physical condition assessments, behavioral observations, animal usage charts, and medical treatment sheets, etc.
• Assist in animal training
• Assist in developing and implementing animal enrichment projects
• Routine maintenance of animal perches, enclosures and crates, building and surrounding grounds
• Work closely with volunteers and other staff
• Contributes information to the Education Department monthly report document

Show and Programs Responsibilities
• Assist in developing and presenting on site amphitheater shows, on site programs for zoo events and off site programs for media and promotional events
• Set up and maintain sound equipment and props for on grounds shows and programs
• Maintain stage and seating area for amphitheater
• Work closely with volunteers, docents, interns, and other zoo staff
• Develop and implement themed shows for special shows and events

**Other duties as assigned**

Skills:
• Ability to work without direct supervision
• Excellent communication skills and public speaking skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to follow written and oral directions
• Ability to operate a personal computer and other basic office equipment
• Ability to obtain a valid Tennessee driver’s license and to operate a motor vehicle
• Work with a variety of animals, including arthropods, reptiles, small mammals, parrots, birds of prey and other birds.
• Ability to handle animals in a professional manner in a variety of situations
• Ability to respond to emergency situations calmly and following protocol

Physical requirements:
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Ability to work indoors in temperatures of 78 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit all year round in high humidity; and outdoors in temperatures ranging from below 20 to above 90 degrees Fahrenheit
• Ability to walk up and down stairs, bend down, crouch, kneel, climb ladders, and ambulate quickly
• Ability to speak clearly and loudly

Education:
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or GED equivalent required
• Bachelor’s degree desired in Biology, Zoology, Environmental Education, or related field
• At least one year of experience in animal husbandry, handling and training in a professional setting required

Background Check and Required Testing:
• Applicants for this position are required to submit to a criminal background check
• All employees who will be handling animals will be required to show recent proof of a negative TB test
• Prior to hire, employee must undergo Drug Testing the cost of which will be deducted from initial paycheck to be reimbursed to employee after 3 month probationary period has been reached

Interested applicants should send a resume with cover letter by November 30, 2009 to:

Jacqueline E.W. Menish
Education Animal Programs Manager
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
3777 Nolensville Road
Nashville, TN 37211
Fax: (615) 333-0728
Email: jmenish@nashvillezoo.org

NO PHONE CALLS OR WALK-INS PLEASE

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11/12/2009 - Curator of Education

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the role of Curator of Education. This position manages all full-time, part-time and seasonal staff within the education team and reports to the Director of Animal Collections. Duties include general management and budgeting for all on and off site programming including outreach, animal shows, education animal collection, classes, distance learning, overnights programs, tours, camps, Docents and volunteers, marketing events for education, teacher resources workshops and grant funded programming, library development and organization, major contributor to the development of exhibit graphics and interpretive projects and all other duties as assigned. This candidate will also collaborate with zoo staff to further develop, implement and continually evaluate the education master plan, with short and long-term goals, which support the zoo’s mission The qualified candidate must work well without direct supervision, have experience in staff management with a team management style, experience in education program development in a zoo setting, experience in education presentation in a zoo setting, must have excellent multitasking ability, time management ability, and communication skills, ability to act in emergency situations based on protocol, ability to type and use basic computer programs such as WORD, EXCEL AND PUBLISHER, knowledge and experience in animal handling. A degree in Biology, Zoology, Environmental Education or Education is required. The chosen candidate must acquire a teaching certification within one year of the hire date. The candidate must be able to lift up to 25 pounds; work outside in typical Tennessee summer climate and travel zoo grounds. If you feel you are able to meet the above requirements and would like to considered to join a great team at a dynamic and developing zoo please email a cover letter, your resume, professional references and expected salary to Human Resources.

or mail to:
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
Attn: HR/CP
3777 Nolensville Road
Nashville, TN 37211

All applications are due by November 30, 2009.

PLEASE NO PHONE CALLS.