Aquatic Invertebrate Conservation Specialist

Position Title: Aquatic Invertebrate Conservation Specialist

Department: Ectotherm

Supervisor: Area Supervisor- Aquatics

Description:

Under limited supervision, the Invertebrates Conservation Specialist will serve as the primary conservation specialist for a given taxon in the Ectotherm department. Primary responsibility is to manage conservation populations to the highest standards possible and participate in the general care of assigned collection animals; 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 remain a positive role model for coworkers and other conservation biologists and researchers. Attend meetings as required and give presentations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Animal Husbandry

  • Prepare food and water for research and conservation populations destined for release or for grant funded research

  • Field collection and conservation work with species.

  • 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.

  • Document and collect data.

  • Collaborate with Curator and Assistant curator on all aspects for conservation for individual conservation projects.

  • Clean animal exhibits, and service areas.

  • Participate in capturing, incapacitating, and moving animals.

  • Assist Veterinarian staff in the treatment of collection animals.

  • Act as primary keeper for some collection animals and conservation populations of amphibians.

  • Participate in and train other keepers in basic animal conditioning techniques.

  • Provide coaching and guidance to keeper staff.

• Maintenance

  • Clean and disinfect utensils, work tools, and containers

  • 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

  • Speak to public, media and give presentations at meetings.

  • Model the Zoo’s image and code of professional ethics in words and actions at all times

  • Author/coauthor peer reviewed scientific publications

Skills:

Thorough knowledge of:

• Aquatic animal behavior, Life support systems, water quality.

• Care, feeding, and handling invertebrates.

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

• Safety practices around exotic animals.

• Animal biology or zoology or another related field.

• Techniques for restraining and capturing exotic and domestic animals.

• Zoo policies and procedures.

• Animal conditioning.

• Data management.

Capable of:

• Monitoring animal behavior and appearance.

• Operating motorized vehicles and equipment; applicant must possess a valid driver’s license.

• Taking and following work instructions.

• Working in a team-oriented atmosphere.

• Effectively communicating with coworkers and supervisors.

• Interacting and communicating with the general public and media in an appropriate manner.

• Utilizing programs for statistical analysis and data entry.

Education/ Experience:

A BS in zoology, animal biology, animal husbandry or related field and/or at least 7 years of work experience with amphibians. Alternatively, a master’s degree in an appropriate field and 2 years of paid experience with the taxa.

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.

Work Schedule:

Must be willing and able to work any combination of five days in the seven-day workweek including weekends and 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.