Keeper Aide- Primate

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.

Nashville Zoo is currently seeking a motivated and dependable individual to assist our primate team with daily husbandry operations within the Mammal Division. This role will primarily support the Primate Department and offers a valuable opportunity for someone interested in beginning a career in animal care at an AZA-accredited institution. 

We are looking for a collaborative, enthusiastic candidate who is eager to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced zoological environment. The selected individual will play an important role in supporting animal care routines while also helping create positive and engaging experiences for zoo guests through approachable interactions and excellent customer service. 

• →Cleaning and sanitizing animal areas, raking and shoveling, preparing and distributing diets, providing enrichment, maintaining records, and ensuring animals receive proper food and water according to established procedures.
• →Responsible for assisting with the daily care and upkeep of assigned animal habitats and surrounding areas.

• →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.

• →Support guest engagement opportunities through educational presentations and supervised animal interactions. 
• →Assist with daily animal husbandry tasks, including cleaning and disinfecting habitats, preparing diets, feeding animals, and implementing approved enrichment activities. 
• →Observe animal behavior and overall health, reporting any concerns or inconsistencies to senior animal care staff. 
• →Support routine habitat upkeep, horticulture, and general maintenance to ensure safe, clean, and enriching environments for animals and guests.
• →Maintain accurate animal care records, including assistance with ZIMS data entry and daily documentation. 
• →Participate in hands-on learning opportunities related to animal training, enrichment development, and species-appropriate handling techniques
• →Engage with zoo guests by answering questions, sharing information about the animals, and promoting the Zoo’s conservation mission and programs.
• →Assist animal care staff and supervisors with additional duties as assigned to support departmental operations. 

• →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.

• Skill in the use and maintenance of tools and equipment.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
• Knowledge of animal diet preparation, general biology, and behavior.
• Knowledge of maintenance methods and materials.
• Ability to receive, understand, and carry out verbal and written instruction, direction, and assignments.
• Ability to perform physical work activities in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to self-direct work tasks while ensuring safety and productivity.
• Ability to communicate and cooperate with employees and to deal with the public in an effective and positive manner.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license

• This is a full-time, temporary six-month position. 
• 8 hour shift or either 10 hour shifts on various days of the week.
• Flexibility: Position may require flexibility in working hours to accommodate special events, emergencies, or animal care needs.
• Must be able to periodically adjust schedule as needed.
• Must be available to work weekends.

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.