Zookeeper III - Swing (Full-Time)
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
Employment offers for all positions may be contingent on the satisfactory results of a criminal background check and preemployment drug screen. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Lucky Ladd Farms does not discriminate in hiring or terms and conditions of employment because of an individual's race creed, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or national origin. Lucky Ladd Farms only hires individuals authorized for employment in the United States.