Aquatics Keeper

About the role

• Position Title: Aquatics Keeper
• Department: Aquatics
• Supervisor: Area Supervisor: Aquatics

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.

About the role

The Aquatics Keeper's primary responsibilities are to feed, clean, and maintain assigned collection animals, monitor water quality; maintain and control filtration on animal exhibits, off exhibit enclosures, and contiguous areas; perform light exhibit construction and maintain LSS filtration systems; operate zoo vehicles; maintain integrity of existing exhibits and exhibit plant life. Additionally, employee may be responsible for educating the public through keeper talks and other impromptu educational sessions as well as providing a clean and safe atmosphere for families to enjoy the Nashville Zoo.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare food and water for collection animals by cutting and measuring diet portions.
• 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 including use of proper supplementation.
• Monitor assigned animals closely with regard to general appearance, diet consumption levels, condition of fecal matter, etc.
• Interpret proper water quality parameters per species requirements.
• Maintain records in ZIMS database
• Clean animal exhibits, off-exhibit enclosures, and service areas
• Participate in capturing, incapacitating, and moving animals
• Assists Veterinarian staff in the treatment of collection animals
• Provide exhibit security and take appropriate actions to prevent vandalism and maltreatment of animals and facilities by the public.
• Clean and disinfect utensils, work tools, and containers
• Operate a variety of light and medium equipment

Skills/ General knowledge

• Animal behavior
• Knowledge of filtration and water chemistry
• Care, feeding, and handling of aquatic organisms
• Safety practices around exotic and domestic animals
• Animal biology or zoology or other related field
• Techniques for maintaining water Quality

Education/ Experience

Degree in zoology, animal biology, animal husbandry or related field, and/or at least one year of work experience at a zoological facility or experience with LSS equipment or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required work skills, knowledge, and abilities to do this job.

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.

Pre-employment requirements

• 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 and benefits

Pay Range $16.10—$21.10 USD