What are the responsibilities and job description for the Zoo Keeper III - Ectotherms position at Chattanooga Zoo?
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.