Zookeeper III - Eagleville, TN

JOB DESCRIPTION · Lucky Ladd Farms, an award-winning agritourism destination in Middle Tennessee, is seeking an experienced Zoo Keeper III - Swing to join our Animal Care team. This senior keeper role is ideal for a motivated professional who wants broad taxa experience, the chan ...

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Lucky Ladd Farms, an award-winning agritourism destination in Middle Tennessee, is seeking an experienced Zoo Keeper III - Swing to join our Animal Care team. This senior keeper role is ideal for a motivated professional who wants broad taxa experience, the chance to mentor others, and a meaningful role in raising animal care standards at a growing facility.

As a Keeper III - Swing, you will be cross-trained and rotate through multiple sections (hoofstock and farm animals, small mammals, birds/aviary, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates), providing advanced daily husbandry, behavioral enrichment, and training support. You will also help guide Keeper I/II staff and support compliance and record-keeping.

YOUR ROLE ON OUR TEAM:

• Provide advanced daily husbandry for a mixed domesticated and exotic collection
• Conduct detailed health and behavior observations; assist with veterinary procedures and treatments
• Implement and help refine enrichment and positive-reinforcement training programs
• Maintain accurate records using AnimalCare software and paper logs
• Follow all SOPs to ensure USDA and TWRA compliance, and plan for ZAA accreditation
• Assist with guest-facing encounters and scheduled keeper talks, promoting welfare-focused, educational interactions
• Act as an informal section lead when assigned, helping mentor junior keepers and seasonal staff

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES HAVE THESE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in animal science, zoology, life science, or similar field preferred.
• Typically 4-6+ years of paid animal care experience, including significant time in an AZA or ZAA accredited facility (or equivalent)
• Strong independent husbandry skills across multiple taxa (e.g., hoofstock plus small mammals or birds/reptiles) (e.g., hoofstock, small mammals, birds, reptiles/amphibians)
• Demonstrated experience with enrichment and positive-reinforcement training
• Excellent observational and problem-solving skills
• Experience mentoring or training junior staff, interns, or volunteers
• Passion for animal welfare and a commitment to maintaining high standards of care
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting up to 50 lbs, standing on your feet for extended periods of time, bending, stooping, and extending oneself
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Willing and able to work a variable swing schedule, including weekends and holidays
• Proof of current rabies vaccination, or willingness to be vaccinated, at LLF expense

BENEFITS OF JOINING OUR TEAM:

• Competitive annual salary based on experience: $39,520-$49,920 ($19.00-$24.00 equivalent)
• Free meal when you work a 6+ hour shift
• 401(k) with match
• Medical Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Life Insurance
• Paid Professional Development
• Free meal when you work a 6+ hour shift
• Unlimited admission for you and 5 guests
• Discounts on dining and merchandise
• Annual team member appreciation event
• Employee referral bonus program
• Work shirt, work boots, and name badge provided

SCHEDULE:

• Variable swing schedule with weekend and holiday requirements
• On call rotation for after hours animal emergencies

Pay: $39, $49,920.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Experience:

• supervisory: 1 year (Required)
• animal care at an AZA, ZAA, or similar accredited facility: 4 years (Required)

Work Location: In person