Aquatics Keeper

Position: Aquatics Keeper (Freshwater, saltwater, prior experience with jellyfish care beneficial)

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.

Why Work with Us:

At the 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.

Description:The Aquatics Keepers 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, the successful candidate 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:

Animal Husbandry

• Prepare food and water for collection animals by cutting and measuring diet portions

• 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

Public Education

• Participate in daily keeper talks designed to educate the public about the Aquatics Departments animal collection

• Respond to questions from the public concerning the animals and exhibits

• Model the Zoos image and code of professional ethics in words and actions at all times

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Skills:

General knowledge of:

• 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

Capable of:

• Completely performing the responsibilities outlined in the Duties and Responsibilities section

• Monitoring animal behavior and water issues

• Operating motorized vehicles and equipment;applicant must possess a valid drivers license

• Taking and following work instructions

• Working in a team oriented atmosphere

• Effectively communicating with coworkers and supervisors

• Interacting and communicating with the general public in an appropriate manner

Physical Requirements:

Work is indoors under warm conditions but also 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 50 pounds.

Education:

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.

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.

Special Note:

Applicant may be required to work any combination of five days in the seven day workweek including holidays.