Lead Lorikeet Keeper

Lead Lorikeet Keeper – Nashville Zoo

Under supervision, this position serves as the Lead Keeper of the Avian Department at Nashville Zoo. The role includes animal husbandry, facility maintenance, public education, and field work. The Lead Keeper supports the Supervisor and Curator, leading the department when both are absent, and plays a vital role in animal care, staff coaching, and visitor engagement.

Base pay range
: $22.29/hr – $25.63/hr

Position Overview
:
The Lead Keeper assists in the general care of assigned collection animals, maintains exhibits, participates in light exhibit construction, operates zoo vehicles, and ensures the integrity of existing exhibits.

The employee will also: order supplies, generate work requests, supervise and coach staff, everywhere serve as a positive role model, coordinate interns and docents, liaise with the Veterinary Department for animal health situations, and may perform MOD duties after proper training.

• Prepare food and water for collection animals by cutting and measuring diet portions.
• Feed collection animals.
• Monitor assigned animals closely, checking appearance, diet consumption, fecal matter condition, etc.
• Maintain feed intake and habitat temperature records, ensuring staff respond promptly to changes.
• Record daily observations on a Daily Report submitted to ZIMS and the Supervisor.
• Participate in and ensure proper cleaning of animal exhibits, yards, pools, night enclosures, and maintenance areas within 50 ft of exhibit.
• Participate in capturing, incapacitating, and moving animals.
• Assist Veterinary staff in treating collection animals.
• Ensure proper distribution and recording of medications on daily reports and treatment sheets.
• Provide exhibit security and take actions to prevent vandalism and maltreatment.
• Train subordinates in basic animal conditioning techniques.
• Uphold standards in Incubation, Brooding, and Hand‑rearing protocols.
• Assist with managing a breeding population and caring for eggs and hand‑rearing neonates.

• Clean and disinfect utensils, work tools, and containers.
• Maintain plant life in and around enclosures.
• Perform routine maintenance of enclosures and report additional needs to supervisors.
• Create and maintain new and existing graphics.
• Operate a variety of tools and light/medium equipment.

• Engage visitors in daily interactions educating them about the Lorikeet Aviary and the Bird Collection.
• Respond to visitor questions concerning zoo animals and exhibits.
• Assist guests with animal interactions to ensure a safe and positive experience.
• Model the Zoo’s image and code of professional ethics in words and actions.
• Maintain a positive example in meeting the needs of guests and collaborate with other departments to improve guest relations.

• Assist the curator and supervisor in maintenance of conservation projects.
• Work outside year‑round in typical Tennessee weather, uneven terrain, and varying conditions.
• Collect and maintain raw data accurately in field situations.

• Animal behavior knowledge.
• Care, feeding, and handling of various bird species.
• Safety practices around exotic animals.
• Animal biology, zoology, or related field.
• Techniques for restraining and capturing exotic and domestic animals.
• Zoo policies and procedures.
• Personnel management.
• Animal conditioning.

• Completing all duties and responsibilities outlined.
• Monitoring animal behavior and appearance.
• Operating motorized vehicles; valid driver’s license required.
• Following work instructions.
• Working in a team‑oriented environment.
• Communicating effectively with coworkers and supervisors.
• Interacting appropriately with the general public.
• Supervising, training, and mentoring assigned staff.
• Making unbiased, non‑judgmental decisions with subordinates.

Work outdoors year‑round under typical Tennessee weather conditions, uneven terrain, exposure to dust and allergens, and on slippery surfaces. Handle toxic and hazardous materials, work in cramped spaces, and lift/carry up to 75 pounds.

BS in zoology, animal biology, animal husbandry, or related field, or equivalent combination of training and ≥2 years at a zoological facility.

At least two years of work experience in a zoological facility or equivalent training that provides required skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Applicants must submit to a criminal background check and pass a drug test.

Employees may be required to work any combination of five days in a seven‑day workweek, including holidays.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Other – Individual and Family Services.

$22.29 – $25.63 USD