Lead Aquatics Keeper

Position:
Lead Keeper Aquatics

Department:
Ectotherm

Supervisor:
Supervisor of 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:
Under supervision, employee will serve as the Lead Keeper of the Aquatics Department at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere.

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:

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