Position: Certified Emergency Med Tech (EMT)

Department: First Aid / Security

Supervisor: Security Manager and Environmental Health & Safety Director 

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 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 Nashville Zoo Security and Safety Department are looking for a few good people to round out our safety team. Available shifts include full or part-time weekdays, weekends, holidays, and special events.  

We are looking for dedicated professionals with demonstrated experience in EMT operations, fire service, military, or other public safety professions. To be successful, you must bring a desire to protect and serve others, provide world-class customer service to our guests, and work as part of a team. 

EMTs Administer first aid treatment to guests and employees of the Nashville Zoo. Must use sound judgment in the analysis of emergency and non-emergency situations and react calmly and quickly under those circumstances.   

Additionally, EMTs assist in finding and relocating lost children with their parents or guardians, provide general park information to guests, and participate in other public safety and customer service-related duties.  Work hours parallel with zoo operating hours.  

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs emergency medical skills, within the scope of their practice. 

• Maintain professional conduct at all times and consistently model the organization’s values in all interactions with colleagues, guests, and stakeholders.

• Administers care in conjunction with facility or client protocols. 

• Maintain regular and reliable attendance

• Working knowledge of anatomy and physiology. 

• Works with local emergency service providers. 

• Completes all incident and medical report forms. Provides any necessary follow-up 

Skills:

• Ability to work with general public and children while representing the Nashville Zoo in a positive manner 

• Ability to communicate effectively and de-escalate volatile situations.

• Ability to self-direct work tasks while ensuring safety and productivity.

• Well-organized and able to think well on his/her feet.

• Ability to represent the organization and maintain professionalism at all times.

• Ability to operate a variety of zoo owned vehicles.

Physical Requirements:

Staff must frequently stand and walk for most of an 8–10‑hour shift and regularly bend, kneel, reach, climb, and perform repetitive motions while cleaning, maintaining grounds, or performing facilities repairs. These roles require frequently lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 50 lbs and occasionally heavier items with assistance, as well as safely navigating ladders, stairs, uneven surfaces, and wet or slippery areas. Adequate vision, hearing, hand dexterity, and clear communication are necessary to operate tools, equipment, vehicles, and radios safely. Work occurs both indoors and outdoors year‑round in all weather conditions, with routine exposure to dust, dirt, chemicals, cleaning agents, noise, and equipment vibration. Positions may involve using power tools, machinery, or motorized vehicles and require adherence to established safety procedures. PPE such as gloves, protective footwear, eye and hearing protection, or respirators may be required depending on the task. Schedules may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime based on operational needs. 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 may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. 

Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent. 

• Minimum (1) year of experience as a Paramedic / EMT / EMR 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 

• Current Tennessee Paramedic / EMT / EMR certification 

Pre-employment requirements:

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.