Amphibian Conservation Specialist

About the Team

The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. As an AZA-accredited facility, we are committed to top-tier animal care, ethics, and global conservation efforts. Our Ectotherm department manages a diverse collection of animals with a specific focus on wildlife preservation, providing engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

We believe in taking care of our team just as well as we care for our animals. We foster a collaborative and inclusive culture where your voice matters, your growth is nurtured, and collaboration thrives across all departments.

About the Role

As an Amphibian Conservation Specialist, you will serve as the primary conservation expert for a specific taxon within the Ectotherm department. This role exists to manage conservation populations to the highest standards possible while ensuring the general care of assigned collection animals. You will be a vital link between field conservation work and the zoo's mission, participating in research destined for release and grant-funded projects.

In this position, you will not only maintain exhibits and perform light construction but also act as a positive role model for coworkers, researchers, and other conservation biologists. You will collaborate closely with the Curator and Assistant Curator on all aspects of conservation projects, author peer-reviewed scientific publications, and provide coaching to keeper staff. Your day will involve a blend of hands-on animal husbandry, data collection, public education, and the maintenance of facility integrity.

Hiring Process

Nashville Zoo is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. 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. All employment is at-will, and reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Our Culture

We are committed to a diverse team where your voice matters. Whether you are interacting with the general public, the media, or your colleagues, you will model the Zoo's image and code of professional ethics. We offer a supportive environment that values your health, well-being, and future, ensuring that rest and recovery are prioritized alongside your meaningful impact on conservation.

Work location

Work model: On-site

Stockyard Boulevard, Downtown Nashville, Nashville, Davidson County, Middle Tennessee, Tennessee, 37219, United States

Nashville, Tennessee

Key Responsibilities

check_circleManage conservation populations to the highest standards possible
check_circlePrepare food and water for research and conservation populations
check_circleClean animal exhibits and service areas
check_circleParticipate in capturing, incapacitating, and moving animals
check_circleAssist veterinarian staff in the treatment of collection animals
check_circleTrain other keepers in basic animal conditioning techniques
check_circleOperate light and medium equipment and zoo vehicles
check_circleSpeak to the public and give presentations at meetings
check_circleDocument and collect data for conservation projects
check_circleAuthor or coauthor peer-reviewed scientific publications

Requirements

verifiedBS in zoology, animal biology, animal husbandry or related field
verifiedAt least 7 years of work experience with amphibians
verifiedMaster's degree in an appropriate field and 2 years of paid experience with the taxa
verifiedValid driver's license
verifiedCriminal background check
verifiedDrug screening
verifiedTuberculosis (TB) screening

Benefits & Perks

check_circleComprehensive healthcare coverage including medical, dental, and vision planscheck_circleEmployee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental, emotional, and financial well-beingcheck_circle401(k) retirement plan with company matchingcheck_circleGenerous paid time off and sick leaveExclusive zoo perks including discounts on park experiences, retail, food, and complimentary membership

Company

Nashville Zoo

Industry

Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos

Headquarters

Nashville, TN

Open Roles

Inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation & leadership.

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere operates as a prominent institution within the museums, historical sites, and zoos industry, situated in Nashville, Tennessee. Spanning 188 acres, this facility holds accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and focuses its mission on fostering a culture of understanding and discovery regarding the natural world. The organization achieves this goal through dedicated efforts in conservation, innovation, and leadership. The zoo features an extensive collection of animals housed within 88 acres of developed exhibits located in the heart of Nashville. This attraction draws over one million visitors each year, serving as a major destination for the region. Beyond general admission, the institution supports the local population through various outreach programs designed to engage the diverse communities of greater Nashville and mid-Tennessee. These initiatives extend the zoo's impact beyond its physical boundaries, ensuring broader educational access to wildlife and environmental stewardship.

Skills, education and keywords

Skills: Aquatic Animal Behavior, Life Support Systems, Water Quality, Animal Husbandry, Zoology, Animal Biology, Data Management, Animal Conditioning, Statistical Analysis, Data Entry.

Education: Master's degree in an appropriate field.

Frequently asked questions about Amphibian Conservation Specialist at Nashville Zoo

What does a Amphibian Conservation Specialist at Nashville Zoo do?expand_more

A Amphibian Conservation Specialist at Nashville Zoo is responsible for the following: Manage conservation populations to the highest standards possible; Prepare food and water for research and conservation populations; Clean animal exhibits and service areas; and Participate in capturing, incapacitating, and moving animals.

What are the requirements for this Amphibian Conservation Specialist role?expand_more

Nashville Zoo is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements: BS in zoology, animal biology, animal husbandry or related field; At least 7 years of work experience with amphibians; Master's degree in an appropriate field and 2 years of paid experience with the taxa; Valid driver's license; Criminal background check; and Drug screening.

Where is the Amphibian Conservation Specialist role at Nashville Zoo located?expand_more

Amphibian Conservation Specialist at Nashville Zoo is based in Stockyard Boulevard, Downtown Nashville, Nashville, Davidson County, Middle Tennessee, Tennessee, 37219, United States. This is a on-site role.

Is this Amphibian Conservation Specialist job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more

Nashville Zoo has listed this Amphibian Conservation Specialist role as on-site.

How much experience is required for this Amphibian Conservation Specialist role?expand_more

Amphibian Conservation Specialist at Nashville Zoo typically requires 2–7 years of relevant experience at the mid level level.

What skills do you need for the Amphibian Conservation Specialist role at Nashville Zoo?expand_more

Key skills for Amphibian Conservation Specialist at Nashville Zoo include Aquatic Animal Behavior; Life Support Systems; Water Quality; Animal Husbandry; Zoology; Animal Biology; Data Management; and Animal Conditioning.

What education is required for Amphibian Conservation Specialist at Nashville Zoo?expand_more

Educational requirements for this role: Master's degree in an appropriate field.

What category does the Amphibian Conservation Specialist role belong to?expand_more

Amphibian Conservation Specialist at Nashville Zoo is part of the scientific & qa job category on Recrutus.

About Nashville Zoo

The zoo features an extensive collection of animals housed within 88 acres of developed exhibits located in the heart of Nashville. This attraction draws over one million visitors each year, serving as a major destination for the region. Beyond general admission, the institution supports the local population through various outreach programs designed to engage the diverse communities of greater Nashville and mid-Tennessee. These initiatives extend the zoo's impact beyond its physical boundaries, ensuring broader educational access to wildlife and environmental stewardship.

Browse more roles: All Nashville Zoo jobs, scientific & qa jobs on Recrutus.