Ambassador Animal Keeper - Encounters

About the role

This position is responsible for the care of the Behavioral Husbandry Department animal collection. In addition, the Ambassador Animal Keeper joins the rest of the team in presenting on-site encounters, behind the scenes tours, special event presentations, media, and other on and off-site programs utilizing ambassador animals as needed. The Ambassador Animal Keeper must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Assess animals to ensure they are properly cared for and secured
• Clean and disinfect animal areas
• Prepare daily diets
• Administer medications as directed by veterinary staff and participate in medical procedures as needed
• With the rest of the Ambassador Animal Encounters team, present on-site encounters, behind the scenes tours, special event presentations, media, and other on and off-site programs utilizing ambassador animals as needed
• Complete animal records including: daily reports, daily weight charts, physical condition assessments, training logs, behavioral observations, and medical treatment sheets, etc.
• Develop and implement animal enrichment projects
• Routine maintenance of animal enclosures, Ambassador building, and surrounding grounds
• Work closely with volunteers and other zoo staff

Skills

• Ability to work with a variety of animals, including arthropods, reptiles, small mammals, parrots, birds of prey and other birds
• Proven training proficiency
• Ability to work without direct supervision
• Excellent communication skills and public speaking skills
• Ability to follow written and oral directions
• Proven ability to work well on a team
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to write and/or do professional presentations for coworkers and peers
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and to obtain a valid Tennessee driver’s license

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or GED equivalent required
• Bachelor’s degree desired in Biology, Zoology, Environmental Education, or related field
• At least three years of experience (can be cumulative) in animal husbandry, handling, and training in a professional setting required
• At least one year of experience (can be cumulative) in presentations, speaking, or theater required

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

• 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
• Generous paid time off and sick leave
• Exclusive zoo perks – discounts on park experiences, retail, and food services, plus complimentary membership benefits
• A collaborative and inclusive culture
• AZA-accredited facility commitment to top-tier animal care, ethics and global conservation efforts

Pay

$16.10 USD - $17.50 USD