Lead Zoo Keeper - Small Animal

The Chattanooga Zoo is looking for an exceptional zookeeper with a passion for working with small animals. The position primarily cares for a variety of taxa in our Ambassador Animal Program and Deserts and Forests of the world buildings including servals, caracals, fennec foxes, green aracari, parrots, meerkats, cape porcupine, raccoon, skunk, domestic rabbits, hedgehogs, 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. Lead keepers are the point person for communication with the team and the rest of the department. They will also be responsible for implementing the training and enrichment programs and maintaining the area's SOP. This position is responsible for maintaining area compliance with USDA and AZA regulations and standards. This position involves public speaking and good communication skills.

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
• Lead Keeper: eight (8) year paid experience in animal care is required.
• Knowledge of exotic animal care with relevant species
• 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.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Experience working with similar species or taxa cared for by the assigned team
• Specialized experience in venomous snake handling or hoof care if relevant
• Prior experience on an emergency response team at an AZA zoo
• Experience in an AZA accredited institution
  
  

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.

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

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

Salary: $21.00 per hour

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