Wild Encounters Seasonal Keeper

Zoo Knoxville; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Zoo Knoxville is seeking a Seasonal Keeper to join the Wild Encounters team. The role involves daily husbandry, upkeep of animal areas, and guest interpretation with zoo visitors.

Adherence to the Employee Handbook and departmental protocols is required, with duties overseen by the area supervisor. Responsibilities include supervising guest experience in animal experiences, maintaining records, and supporting training of staff.

Qualifications

• Six months to one year of experience working with animals in some capacity.
• Must be at least 18 years of age with valid state-issued identification.
• Physically able to perform tasks including lifting up to 60 pounds and walking long distances.
• Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and after-hours events.
• Adhere to zoo/departmental policies and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• As part of the Animal Care Team, provide daily husbandry for assigned animals.
• Administer the sale of tickets to paid animal experiences and ensure guest safety.
• Engage guests in paid and unpaid experiences with courtesy and professionalism.
• Monitor guest flow and interactions for safety of guests, staff and animals.
• Maintain daily reports, logs, and records related to enrichment, health, and care.
• Assist with training of new staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Lead in the supervisor's absence when requested.
• Participate in keeper chats, area tours, and media events.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Department: Wild Encounters Date Written:1/2 3 /202 4

Reports To:Area Supervisor Status: Seasonal

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Zoo Knoxville is part of the largest conservation movement on the planet. Zoo Knoxville is home to approximately 1400 animals representing more than 180 species. Driven by our mission to inspire action for wildlife and wild places, we serve more than 500,000 annual visitors, provide educational outreach to tens of thousands of students, and directly support global species conservation. At its core, Zoo Knoxville valuesanimal care and wellbeing and strives to provide a fun and educational environment that is inclusive and welcoming for all.

SUMMARY OF POSITION:
This is a Seasonal Keeper position that reports directly to the area supervisor. This role is responsible for a wide variety of tasks involving the husbandry of the area species, the daily upkeep of staff and guest areas, and interpretation with zoo guests. The individual must be able to carry out the position's duties as described below and comply with Zoo Knoxville policies and procedures as they appear in the Employee Handbook as well as follow departmental protocols.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• As a member of the Animal Care Team, exemplify Zoo Knoxville's core values, demonstrate a commitment to growth for oneself, and provide the highest level of wellbeing for animals.
• Administer the sale of tickets to paid animal experience.
• Provide excellent guest experience within our paid and unpaid animal experiences (Budgie Landing, Kids Cove Contact Yard, Tortoise Trail, Ostrich Feeding, Giraffe Feeding Platform, and as a Rhino Encounter Host) by engaging with guests in a courteous and professional manner.
• Manage and monitor guest flow and interactions for the safety of the guests, staff, and animals.
• Observe animals in the department areas daily for reproductive behavior, abnormal behavior, compatibility issues, or potential health problems, reporting these to the area keepers and supervisor.
• Prepare, distribute, and keep records of animal enrichment as outlined by enrichment protocols.
• Train animals using positive reinforcement techniques as directed by the supervisor.
• Maintain daily reports, logs, research, medical, and reproductive records and work orders.
• Be knowledgeable of natural history, conservation status, care, and well-being practices relevant to the assigned area.
• Collaborate with other departments to promote the zoo's mission by participating in keeper chats, area tours, and media events.
• Under supervisor's guidance, maintain the upkeep of all department facilities including animal enclosures, staff spaces, and guest areas while following safety protocols. In the event of an immediate safety risk, ensure guest, staff, and animal safety first, then report the issue for resolution.
• Provide daily husbandry for assigned animals in the department as requested by area supervisor, following all departmental protocols and procedures.
• Assist supervisor in the training of new staff, volunteers, and interns with regards to animal routines, husbandry, and facility maintenance as requested.
• Assume any leadership duties in the absence of the supervisor, when requested.
• Participate in professional training and development opportunities provided, as directed by the supervisor.
• Any other duties as requested by the supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Six months to one year of experience working with animals in some capacity is preferred. Examples include working with animals at veterinary clinics, pet stores, on farms, or as an intern or volunteer at a zoo.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age with valid state-issued identification.
• Must be physically able to: work in extreme temperatures (both inside and outside) and inclement weather conditions, walk an average of 10 miles per day, stand 90% of the time, lifting and carrying up to 60 pounds for a distance of 25 feet; performing tasks in an environment that requires repeatedly stooping, bending, climbing, while working in secured animal enclosures and service areas that often contain insects and various plant materials.
• Must be physically able and willing to safely work around animals that are delicate, large, unpredictable, and/or potentially dangerous.
• Use disinfectants, cleansers, and work around dusty enclosures/storage areas.
• Be flexible in accepting shift assignments on weekends, holidays, and occasional after hours events.
• Adhere to zoo/departmental policies and safety procedures

Don't meet every requirement? At Zoo Knoxville we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in thejobdescription, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

As an employee of Zoo Knoxville, you must possess English communication skills as well as the ability to communicate using a 2-way radio, email, and telephone. The position hours vary depending on business needs and will require weekend and some holiday shifts. Depending on the specific tasks, this position will require you to work in close proximity of exotic and domestic animals and must be aware that there are dangers inherent in working under those conditions. Zoo Knoxville is committed to maintaining a drug free workplace and as such each employee must pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Postings current as of 9/17/2026 6:39:50 AM CST.