Zoo Keeper Apprentice - Hoofstock

Chattanooga Zoo; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The Chattanooga Zoo is seeking an exceptional zookeeper with a passion for exotic animals. The temporary part-time role supports diverse teams within bird and mammal departments, including primates and regional exhibits.

16-24 hours per week for six months, with potential extension based on performance and needs. Responsibilities include daily animal husbandry, maintaining logs, enclosure upkeep, assisting with veterinary procedures, conducting enrichment, and ensuring USDA/AZA compliance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Degree in animal science, zoology, life science, or similar preferred.
• Prior job or internship in AZA accredited institution preferred.

Responsibilities

• Day to day animal husbandry.
• Daily log reports regarding the animals.
• Routine maintenance of enclosures and surrounding areas.
• Assist in veterinary procedures and medication distribution.
• Maintain training and enrichment programs.
• Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Ensure compliance with USDA and AZA regulations and standards.

Skills

Animal care

Husbandry

Record keeping

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Animal science / zoology degree preferred

Job description

The Chattanooga Zoo is looking for an exceptional zookeeper with a passion for working with exotic animals. This position can swing through a variety of teams within the bird and mammal department, including primates, South America, small animal, hoofstock, North America, and Asia. This is a temporary part time position, lasting for 6 months working 16-24 hours a week. After this 6 month period the opportunity to continue could possibly be offered.

Animal Care Duties will include day to day husbandry, daily log reports regarding the animals, routine maintenance of physical area and enclosures, assisting in veterinary procedures and medication distribution to animals, maintain training and enrichment programs, assist with special projects, etc. Keeper must be able to maintain area compliance with USDA and AZA regulations and standards, including record keeping, husbandry care, training, enrichment, etc. For a complete list of roles and responsibilities, please see Full Job Description below.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Applicants seeking a degree in animal science, zoology, life science, or similar is preferred
• Prior job or internship experience in an AZA accredited institution is preferred
• Any combination of equivalent education and experience to successfully perform the essential functions of the position will be considered

• Open availability is required. Incumbent will be expected to work weekends and holidays as the animal care schedule necessitates.

The Chattanooga Zoo has adopted a smoke-free campus to serve as a leader in promoting a healthy workplace and environment.

The Chattanooga Zoo is a member of the Tennessee Drug-Free Workplace program. This position requires pre-employment screenings which will include: a background check, credit check, drug screen & tuberculin skin test.

The Friends of the Zoo, Inc (Chattanooga Zoo) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Zoo will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.