Lorikeet Keeper; Temporary

Overview

Position Title: Lorikeet Keeper-Temporary

Department: Avian

Supervisor: Lorikeet Area Supervisor

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: The Temporary Lorikeet Keeper is needed from October 21st-January 31st.

Lorikeet keepers are responsible for daily care and well-being of the lorikeet flock through feeding, cleaning, and maintaining their indoor and outdoor habitats and all surrounding areas. They will also be responsible for monitoring the walkthrough aviary daily, observing the flock’s welfare and social health while also educating and connecting with guests with informal keeper talks throughout the day in the aviary.

Keepers are also involved with our breeding program and help feed, train, and monitor the breeding pairs/chicks.

Primary responsibility is to feed, clean, and maintain assigned collection animals; animal exhibits, yards, night enclosures, and contiguous areas; perform light exhibit construction; operate zoo vehicles; maintain integrity of existing landscape. Additionally, keepers monitor the flock health in the aviary during the day while also educating the public through daily interaction as well as providing a clean and safe atmosphere for families to enjoy the Nashville Zoo.

This position also has the potential to be extended.

Animal Husbandry

• Inspect diets for proper preparation
• Feed collection animals
• Monitor assigned animals closely with regard to general appearance, behavior, diet consumption levels, condition of fecal matter, etc.
• Record daily observations pertaining to the health and behavior of Lorikeet Aviary animals on a Daily Report and in ZIMS
• Clean animal exhibits, yards, pools, night enclosures, and service areas
• Participate in capturing, immobilizing, and transporting animals
• Assist Veterinarian staff in the treatment of collection animals
• Proper distribution and recording of medications on daily reports and treatment sheets
• Provide exhibit security and take appropriate actions to prevent vandalism and maltreatment of animals and facilities by the public.
• Participate in breeding management of Aviary animals and hand rearing of neonates.

Maintenance

• Clean and disinfect utensils, work tools, and containers
• Maintain plant life in and around enclosures
• Perform minor or routine maintenance of enclosures and report all other maintenance needs to supervisors
• Operate a variety of light and medium equipment and tools

Public Education

• Participate in daily interaction designed to educate the public on the animals within the Lorikeet Aviary collection, and the Bird Collection in general.
• Respond to questions from the public concerning the animals and exhibits
• Assist guests with animal interactions to ensure a safe and positive experience for animals and guests
• Model the Zoo’s image and code of professional ethics in words and actions…