Zoo Keeper III - Ectotherms

Chattanooga Zoo; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chattanooga Zoo is expanding and seeks an exceptional zookeeper to join the ectotherm team, working with reptiles and amphibians across several species. You will perform daily husbandry tasks to care for animals, including feeding, watering, and medication administration, and you will train and enrich the animals in your area.

The ideal candidate will uphold area compliance with USDA and AZA standards, handle record keeping, and contribute to special projects as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a relevant life sciences field.
• Minimum 5 years of professional animal care experience at an AZA accredited facility or comparable institution.
• Knowledge of exotic animal care in a zoo setting.
• Venomous handling experience preferred.
• Experience in an AZA accredited institution is preferred.
• Open availability including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Perform day-to-day mammal husbandry and reptile/aquatic care tasks.
• Maintain daily log reports on animal status and activities.
• Assist in veterinary procedures and distribute medications.
• Maintain training and enrichment programs for animals in the area.
• Ensure area compliance with USDA and AZA regulations and standards.

Skills

Animal care experience

Training & enrichment

Record keeping

USDA/AZA compliance knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in animal science, zoology, life science, or similar

Job description

We\'re expanding! The Chattanooga Zoo is looking for an exceptional zookeeper with a passion for working with reptiles and amphibians to join our ectotherm team. The ectotherm collection includes several species of chelonians (Aldabra tortoises, Forsten\'s tortoises, Radiated tortoises, Roti Island Snake Neck Turtles, Spider tortoises, etc), snakes (Burmese python, Bushmaster, Gaboon Viper, Santa Catalina Island Rattlesnakes, Eastern Indigo Snake, etc), lizards (Komodo Dragon, Giant Horned Lizards, Beaded Lizards, etc), American and Chinese Alligators, and amphibians (Panamanian Golden Frogs, Eastern Hellbender, Dart Frogs, etc). The ideal candidate will perform routine animal husbandry duties to maintain the care and well-being of the animals. This position is responsible for the daily care of animals in a given area, including the administration of regular food, water, and medication for individual animals. Will also be responsible for training and enrichment with all animals in the area. This position is responsible for maintaining area compliance with USDA and AZA regulations and standards.

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

• Bachelor\'s degree in animal science, zoology, life science, or similar
• Must have 5 years experience with professional animal care at an AZA accredited facility or comparable institution to be considered
• Knowledge of exotic animal care in a zoo setting
• Venomous handling experience preferred
• 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. The candidate will be expected to work weekends and holidays as the animal care schedule necessitates.

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.