Position: Lorikeet Keeper

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 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.

The Nashville Zoo is seeking an experienced keeper to join our team of dedicated staff and ~80 screaming lorikeets! The ideal candidate will possess a balanced combination of expertise, passion for hard work, internal motivation, and a desire to collaborate with a strong team to achieve goals. Our team covers all aspects of the aviary including guest engagement, maintaining exhibits and holding, breeding on and off exhibit, and hand-rearing lorikeet chicks of 8 different species. Come join our team!

Description: 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 are also responsible for performing light exhibit construction; operating zoo vehicles and maintaining the integrity of existing landscape. They will also be responsible for monitoring the walkthrough aviary daily, observing the flock’s welfare and social activity 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 and chicks.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Animal Husbandry

• Inspect diets for proper preparation
• 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.
• Feed collection animals
• Monitor assigned animals closely with regard to general appearance, behavior, diet consumption levels, condition of fecal matter, etc.
• Maintain feed intake records
• Record daily observations pertaining to the health and behavior of Lorikeet Aviary animals on a Daily Report to be submitted to the Lead Keeper
• Clean animal exhibits, yards, pools, night enclosures, and service areas
• Participate in capturing, immobilizing, and transporting animals
• Assists 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 power 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 at all times
• Maintain a positive example in meeting the needs of Nashville Zoo guests, working with other departments to improve guest relations and handle individual guest issues as needed

Skills:

General knowledge of:

• Animal behavior and common medical issues
• Care, feeding, and handling of exotic and domestic animals
• Safety practices around exotic and domestic animals
• Animal biology or zoology or other related field
• Techniques for restraining and capturing exotic and domestic animals
• Zoo policy and procedures
• Computer skills
• Experience in hospitality, customer services and/or retail customer contact

Communication (capable of):

• Taking and following work instructions
• Ability to self-direct work tasks while ensuring safety and productivity.
• Able to work individually while still maintaining communication with others in the department
• Effective communication and conflict resolution with coworkers and supervisors
• Interacting and communicating with the general public in an appropriate manner
• Reporting any animal care or departmental concerns to appropriate supervisor in a timely manner

Capable of:

• Completely performing the responsibilities outlined in the “Duties and Responsibilities” section
• Working in a team-oriented atmosphere while possessing independent problem-solving skills
• Scheduling flexibility to include special events, behind-the-scene tours, etc.
• Monitoring animal behavior and appearance
• Operating motorized vehicles and equipment; applicant must possess a valid driver’s license
• Maintaining USDA guidelines
• Maintaining MSDS guidelines concerning chemicals
• Attend and participate in staff training workshops

Physical Requirements:

• 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.

Education:

Must have a BS or AS in zoology, animal biology, animal husbandry or related field, and/or at least one year of work experience at a zoological facility or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required work skills, knowledge, and abilities. Strong consideration given to those with psittacine and neonate experience.

Special Note:

Applicant may be required to work any combination of five days in the seven day workweek including holidays and varied after hour events and feeding schedules as needed.  

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.

ABOUT VEG

In 2014, VEG was born with a mission to help people and their pets when they need it most. This meant challenging the status quo and fixing everything that was wrong with the ER experience. Since then, we’ve expanded rapidly, with hospitals nationwide open 24/7, 365 days a year, and created a better emergency experience—not only for people and their pets, but also for everyone who works here—our VEGgies!

At VEG we find a way to say yes to the career you want in veterinary emergency medicine. This means transforming how ER works, from our open-concept hospitals, where you can handle emergency cases of every kind (even exotics!) to our immersive, customer-focused experience, which helps us give people and their pets the care they deserve.

This also means saying yes to creating the greatest experience possible for our VEGgies. Yes to working in an environment where you can find your place and feel valued for the amazing work you do. Yes to having unparalleled opportunities for learning and mentorship so you can grow where you want to go in your career. And yes to making an impact here in ways you never thought possible.

VEG is a 2025 and 2026 certified Great Place to Work®.

THE JOB

As a per diem Emergency Veterinarian, you’re more than just passionate about helping people and their pets; you thrive on it, especially when they need you most. At VEG, we find a way to say yes to supporting you, so you can be the best, most confident ER professional possible and grow your career in unexpected directions. With a culture rooted in mentorship and continuous learning—from on-the-floor guidance to VEG Education programs and unlimited ER-focused CE—you’ll never stop learning. You’ll handle any emergency that comes through the door, from routine cases to complex surgeries, and treat every kind of pet, including exotics! As a leader on the hospital floor, you’ll have the chance to be a superhero for your customers, backed by a team and resources that empower you to take your career further than you ever imagined.

WHAT YOU’LL DO 

• Answer medical questions over the phone 
• See patients right away as part of the VEG Triage and VEG Spikes, our unique, customer-centered way of doing things—like ensuring people see a doctor right away and allowing families to stay with their pets 
• Gather the signalment, presenting complaint, vitals, and physical exam 
• Conduct physical examinations of animals, along with other required investigatory measures such as ultrasounds, X-rays, bloodwork, and biopsies 
• Complete a diagnosis of each pet's condition to create a diagnostic and therapeutic plan
• Communicate diagnosis and treatment options directly with customers
• Prepare estimates and present them to customers
• Create and review medical records to ensure accuracy
• Demonstrate the value of tests and treatments performed by speaking with the customer and addressing their concerns
• Perform minor and major emergency surgeries
• Perform endoscopic procedures
• Educate customers on after care and preventative measures where appropriate 

WHAT YOU NEED

• A DVM or equivalent degree
• Live and breathe emergency medicine, including emergency surgery (the soft tissue kind!) and endoscopy
• Thrive in team-oriented environments (think hospital retreats, team dinners, happy hours, and more)
• Ability to stand for prolonged hours, kneel, and work on the floor as well as ability to lift up to 25 kg on own and able to support up to 40 kg with assistance
• Must be willing to work in a noisy environment with strong or unpleasant odors
• Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating or as needed basis based on hospital needs
• Work well in a fast-paced environment with people from all backgrounds and different personality types

WHO YOU ARE

• Empathetic, instinctively taking a people-centric approach, whether supporting your colleagues or making an effort to understand different perspectives
• Have a sense of humility; acknowledging mistakes, sharing credit with others, and lifting up your team’s’ accomplishments
• Feel a strong sense of ownership over your work, taking responsibility for outcomes and staying committed to achieving long-term, impactful results 
• Curious by nature; you ask insightful questions and continuously seek out opportunities to learn and grow your skills and knowledge

HOW WE INVEST IN YOU

• Competitive compensation
• Flexible work schedules to support your life outside of work
• Generous referral reward program, so our awesome people can bring in more awesome people
• And the little (big) things, like comfy scrubs, cool VEG swag, food in the fridge for when you’re hungry

DEI

At VEG, diversity is not just a word—it's a strength that fuels innovation and kindness. Our mission is “Helping people and their pets when they need it most.” And we do that better when our VEGgies (employees) feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. That's why we're devoted to creating an environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve—where different perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated.

We are focused on providing equitable opportunities for growth, promoting inclusive decision-making, and ensuring that everyone's perspective is considered. Saying yes to VEG means helping us build a culture where your unique experiences and background contribute to a shared vision: being the world’s veterinary emergency company.

Position: Area Supervisor Aquatics
Department: Ectotherm
Supervisor: Assistant Curator of Ectotherm

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: Under limited supervision, employee will serve as the Area Supervisor of the Aquatics Department at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. Primary responsibility is to supervise keeper staff and participate in the general care of assigned collection animals and work on conservation initiatives; maintain exhibits, perform light exhibit construction; operate zoo vehicles; maintain integrity of existing graphics and exhibits. Employee will be responsible for ensuring that all supplies and needs for their areas (ordering feed products, acquisition of tools and cleaning supplies etc.) are ordered by them or informing the appropriate staff member of the need. Employee will generate appropriate work requests; supervise and coach assigned staff; remain a positive role model for the keeper staff/keeper associate setting an example in their daily work. Area supervisors are full-time working supervisors and are required to know all aspects of the day-to-day activities of their assigned areas. They must be proficient in conflict resolution when dealing with staff as well as the general public. Employee will be responsible for educating the public on the Aquatics Departments animal collection and providing a friendly, safe and clean atmosphere for families to enjoy the Nashville Zoo. In Addition, the successful candidate will represent the zoo at meetings and will help direct Aquatics departmental conservation initiatives which currently include a population monitoring program funded by USFWS for the federally endangered Nashville Crayfish and our AZA-FRTRP coral conservation facility. The successful candidate will work closely with the Herpetology Supervisor and the LSS manager.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Animal Husbandry

• Prepare food and water for collection animals by cutting and measuring diet portions
• Feed collection animals
• 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.
• Monitor assigned animals closely with regard to general appearance, diet consumption levels, condition of fecal matter, etc.
• Maintain feed intake records
• Maintain water quality log books
• Record daily observations pertaining to the health and behavior of Aquatics Department animals on a Daily Report to be submitted to the Curator
• Clean animal exhibits, and service areas
• Participate in capturing, incapacitating, and moving animals
• Assists Veterinarian staff in the treatment of collection animals
• Provide exhibit security and take appropriate actions to prevent vandalism and maltreatment of animals and facilities by the public.
• Participate and train direct reports in basic animal conditioning techniques.

Maintenance

• Clean and disinfect utensils, work tools, and containers.
• Maintain high standards of exhibit appearance and 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.

Public Education

• Coordinate daily keeper talks designed to educate the public on the Aquatics Department animal collection.
• Respond to questions from the public concerning the animals and exhibits.
• Model the Zoos image and code of professional ethics in words and actions at all times.

Skills:
Thorough knowledge of:

• Aquatic animal behavior, Life support systems, water quality.
• Ability to self-direct work tasks while ensuring safety and productivity.
• Coral care and propagation.
• Care, feeding, and handling of aquatic fish and invertebrates.
• Safety practices around exotic animals.
• Animal biology or zoology or other related fields.
• Techniques for restraining and capturing exotic and domestic animals
• Zoo policies and procedures.
• Personnel management.
• Animal conditioning.

Capable of:

• Completely performing the responsibilities outlined in the Duties and Responsibilities section.
• Monitoring animal behavior and appearance.
• Operating motorized vehicles and equipment; applicant must possess a valid driver's license.
• Following work instructions.
• Working in a team-oriented atmosphere.
• Effectively communicating with coworkers and supervisors.
• Interacting and communicating with the general public in an appropriate manner.
• Supervising, training, and mentoring assigned staff.
• Making unbiased and non-judgmental decisions when dealing with direct reports.

Physical Requirements:

• 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.

Education:
Must have a BS in zoology, animal biology, animal husbandry or related field and/or at least two years of work experience at a zoological facility or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required work skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Special Note:
May be required to work any combination of five days in the seven-day workweek including holidays.

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.

Heart + Paw offers experienced and talented veterinarians a unique opportunity to co-own and lead modern veterinary centers across the East Coast, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. As a Partner Veterinarian and Co-Owner, you’ll build and lead your hospital with the potential to expand your ownership over time. We provide the infrastructure, experience, and support so you can focus on medicine, leadership, and culture-building. Design a practice where you control clinical and cultural decisions, supported by our veterinarian-led community where Heart + Paw provides operational support, including recruiting, marketing, and financial expertise, empowering your success. 

Why Partner with Heart + Paw? 

• 5% - 49% ownership options with financing assistance if needed. 
• Earn a competitive salary from day one, plus profit distributions. 
• Build a successful, well-run practice supported by proven operational systems. 
• Enjoy full clinical autonomy to design protocols and set practice standards. 
• Gain full transparency into hospital financials. 
• Leverage Heart + Paw’s operational expertise in marketing, accounting, finance, HR, recruiting, and more. 
• Design and build your dream hospital to serve your community and their pets. 
• Be part of our growing community of Heart + Paw veterinarians and gain the support of our veterinarian-led Operations team. 
• Benefit from mentorship and shared expertise in a supportive, growth-focused environment. 

As Partner Veterinarian and Co-Owner, you will: 

• Lead and co-own your Heart + Paw center. 
• Build a team culture aligned with your vision and provide outstanding veterinary care. 
• Mentor your team, oversee daily operations, and ensure exceptional client experiences. 
• Collaborate with your Center Director and Heart + Paw leadership on hiring, scheduling, budgeting, and more. 

Qualifications 

• DVM/VMD with a valid state license. 
• 4+ years of clinical experience and leadership expertise. 
• A passion for preventive care, client service, and practice ownership. 
• Tech-savvy with a focus on enhancing the pet and parent experience. 
• Fear Free and HABRI certification (or willingness to obtain). 

Ready to build your dream practice?
Let’s talk! Apply now to start the conversation and join us in creating a place where you can be happy, healthy, and successful while building the practice you’ve always envisioned.

Position Title: Aquatics Keeper

Department: Aquatics

Supervisor: Area Supervisor: Aquatics

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 Aquatics Keeper’s primary responsibilities are to feed, clean, and maintain assigned collection animals, monitor water quality; maintain and control filtration on animal exhibits, off exhibit enclosures, and contiguous areas; perform light exhibit construction and maintain LSS filtration systems; operate zoo vehicles; maintain integrity of existing exhibits and exhibit plant life.   Additionally, employee may be responsible for educating the public through keeper talks and other impromptu educational sessions as well as providing a clean and safe atmosphere for families to enjoy the Nashville Zoo.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare food and water for collection animals by cutting and measuring diet portions.
• Demonstrate a daily commitment to Nashville Zoo’s mission and values.
• 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.
• Feed collection animals including use of proper supplementation.
• Monitor assigned animals closely with regard to general appearance, diet consumption levels, condition of fecal matter, etc.
• Interpret proper water quality parameters per species requirements. 
• Maintain records in ZIMS database
• Clean animal exhibits, off-exhibit enclosures, and service areas
• Participate in capturing, incapacitating, and moving animals
• Assists Veterinarian staff in the treatment of collection animals
• Provide exhibit security and take appropriate actions to prevent vandalism and maltreatment of animals and facilities by the public.
• Clean and disinfect utensils, work tools, and containers
• Operate a variety of light and medium equipment

Skills:

General knowledge of:

• Animal behavior
• Ability to self-direct work tasks while ensuring safety and productivity.
• Knowledge of filtration and water chemistry
• Care, feeding, and handling of aquatic organisms
• Safety practices around exotic and domestic animals
• Animal biology or zoology or other related field
• Techniques for maintaining water Quality

Education/ Experience:

Degree in zoology, animal biology, animal husbandry or related field, and/or at least one year of work experience at a zoological facility or experience with LSS equipment or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required work skills, knowledge, and abilities to do this job.

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:

Nashville Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, Employee Assistance Programs, a 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off, sick leave, long-term disability coverage, park discounts, and membership benefits.

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.

VETERINARY EXTERNSHIPS & PRECEPTORSHIPS

Nashville Zoo Veterinary Department is offering an externship for 4th-year Veterinary School Students, both international and domestic, working towards a career in exotic animal medicine. This internship is posted May 1^st through September 15^th of every year with interviews in October.

Purpose
The Veterinary Intern assists in every aspect of the medical care of the Nashville Zoo’s animals, including veterinary procedures, clinical lab work, and care of hospitalized/quarantined animals.

Key Responsibilities
-Work with three full-time veterinarians, three full time licensed veterinary technicians, and two full-time hospital keepers.

-Assist with day-to-day operations of the zoo’s medical procedures including preventative and emergency care including examinations, clinical procedures, surgery, and necropsy. 

-Assist doctors in keeping thorough records of all medical cases and procedures. 

-Assist with animal husbandry (cleaning, feeding, and medicating) of hospitalized patients and quarantine animals.  

-Provide laboratory support for veterinary medical technicians, including hematology, parasitology, and cytology.

-Responsible for researching and studying about upcoming and current cases

-Assist with tasks that keep the hospital function smoothly including stocking of medical supplies, wrapping surgical equipment, and maintaining the cleanliness of the hospital.

-Responsible for presenting a 25 to 30- minute presentation towards the end of their externship to the animal care staff on either a current, pertinent topic or on a research project performed by the student.

Reporting Relationships and Supervision

Dr. Louden Wright, Associate Veterinarian
MJ Fehlhaber, Hospital Keeper

Duration
Minimum of 4 weeks

Qualifications

- Must be enrolled in clinical year of Veterinary school

- Internship requires a minimum commitment of 40 hours a week

- Applicants for this position must apply and are required to submit to a criminal background check as well as show recent proof of a negative TB test.

Desired Skills
- Ability to perform duties without direct supervision
- Ability to function as a team with both paid and volunteer staff
- Ability to follow both oral and written direction
- Ability to adhere to the schedule agreed upon
- Ability to interact positively with the public, especially to give them information about the animals and the zoo
- Ability to responsibly use and maintain zoo equipment and tools
- Willingness to work with a large variety of animals
- Ability to lift 30 pounds
- Ability to perform duties outdoors in all weather conditions, as needed

Benefits to Intern
- Gain professional, hands-on experience at an AZA accredited Zoo
- Meet new and exciting people
- Gaining knowledge of Nashville Zoo’s history
- Ambassador for animal and conservation education
- Enhance personal creativity and portfolio
- Volunteer hours for organizational benefits
- Letters of reference for future job opportunities

Note: Nashville Zoo Externships are unpaid. We are, however, able to provide housing. We are not able to provide reimbursement for travel expenses. Academic requirements for institution credit are the responsibility of the student intern to fulfill. Nashville Zoo will make every effort to support the student in their academic goals as they relate to the internship position outlined in the provided position description.

TO APPLY:

You will need to include the following:

1. Cover letter stating your interest in zoological/wildlife medicine
2. Resume
3. Contact information for two references

Applications are open May 1 to September 15

Interviews will be conducted October for the following school year

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

ABOUT NASHVILLE ZOO

Nashville Zoo is a 200-acre institution accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) whose mission is to inspire a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation and leadership. Located in the heart of Nashville, the zoo has an extensive animal collection and attracts more than one million visitors annually, as well as serving a diverse community through outreach programs within greater Nashville and mid-Tennessee. For more information, visit www.nashvillezoo.org

Nashville Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. Weekend, holiday, and some evening work may be required.