Lead Aquatics Keeper

Position Title: LeadAquatics 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.

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.

Description: 

Under supervision, employee will serve as the Lead Keeper of the Aquatics Department at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere.  The Primary responsibility is to assist supervisory and curatorial staff and participate in the general care of assigned collection animals; maintain exhibits, perform light exhibit construction; operate zoo vehicles; maintain integrity of existing exhibits.  

Employee will assist Supervisor and Curator in ensuring that all supplies and needs for their areas (ordering feed products, acquisition of tools and cleaning supplies etc.) are ordered by them or informing the appropriate staff member of the need. 

Employee will assist Supervisor to generate appropriate work requests; supervise and coach assigned staff; remain a positive role model for the keeper staff/keeper associate setting the example in their daily work.  

Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to; primary contact for coordinating interns and docents within the department, secondary contact with the Veterinary Department in animal health situations, may fill MOD duties for Zoo following proper training and when approved by the zoo Director.

Upon the occurrence that both the Supervisor and Curator are out of the office concurrently, employee will serve to lead the Aquatics Department.

Lead Keepers are full time working leads and are required to know all aspects of the day-to-day activities of their assigned areas.  He/She must be proficient in conflict resolution when dealing with staff as well as the general public.  Employee must display a positive, team-oriented attitude as well as maintain and utilize proper chains of communication during disagreements with co-workers.  Employee will be responsible for educating the public on the Aquatic Department’s animal collection and providing a friendly, safe and clean 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
• 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.
• Monitor assigned animals closely with regard to general appearance, diet consumption levels, condition of fecal matter, etc.
• Maintain feed intake and habitat temperature records and ensure all staff maintain these records as well and respond to changes in an accurate and timely manner.
• Maintain a keeper log book
• Record daily observations pertaining to the health and behavior of Aquatics Department animals on a Daily Report to be submitted to the Curator
• Clean animal exhibits, 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.
• Participate and train subordinates in basic animal conditioning techniques
• Participate and upholds standards in Dangerous Animal Handling protocols and maintains skill sets and protocols as directed.  Maintains detailed knowledge of and participate aquatic venomous animal protocols and drills.

Maintenance

• Clean and disinfect utensils, work tools, and containers
• Maintain plant life in and around enclosures
• Perform minor or routine maintenance of enclosures and filtration systems and report all other maintenance needs to supervisors
• Create and maintain digital media involving new and existing graphics, in collaboration with Curator and Area supervisor of Aquatics.
• Operate a variety of light and medium equipment 

Public Education

• Coordinate daily keeper talks designed to educate the public on the Aquatic Department’s animal collection
• Respond to questions from the public concerning the animals and exhibits
• Model the Zoo’s image and code of professional ethics in words and actions at all times

Field Work

• Aide curator and supervisor in maintenance and progression existing and arising in-situ and ex-situ conservation projects.
• 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.
• Must be able to collect and maintain raw data accurately and in a field situation.

Skills:

Thorough knowledge of:

• Animal behavior
• Care, feeding, and handling of fish, aquatic plants and invertebrates
• Safety practices around exotic animals
• Aquatic animal biology 
• Techniques for restraining and capturing exotic and domestic animals
• Zoo policies and procedures
• Personnel management
• Animal conditioning
• Filtration systems

Capable of:

• Completely performing the responsibilities outlined in the “Duties and Responsibilities” section
• Monitoring animal behavior and appearance
• Operating motorized vehicles and equipment; applicant must possess a valid driver’s 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
• Supervising, training, and mentoring assigned staff
• Making unbiased and non-judgmental decisions when dealing with subordinates

Education/ Experience:

Must have a BS in zoology, animal biology, animal husbandry or related field and/or at least two years of work experience at a zoological facility or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required work skills, knowledge, and abilities.

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.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Benefits:

Nashville Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, Employee Assistance Programs, a 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off, sick leave, long-term disability coverage, park discounts, and membership benefits.

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.