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Part Time Exotic Animal Handler Jobs in Tennessee

Knoxville Zoo

Animal Nutrition Specialist

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$15/hr

Nutritional Services Supervisor Status: Part time, Non-Exempt Supervises: N/A Pay Rate (hourly ... exotic and domestic animals and must be aware that there are dangers inherent in working under ...

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Part Time Exotic Animal Handler information

What does a part time exotic animal handler do?

A Part Time Exotic Animal Handler cares for and manages exotic animals, such as reptiles, birds, or small mammals, usually in settings like zoos, wildlife parks, or educational programs. Their responsibilities include feeding, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and sometimes assisting with educational demonstrations. Since the position is part-time, hours may be flexible or limited, but handlers are still expected to maintain high standards of animal welfare and safety. This role requires knowledge of animal behavior and the ability to follow strict guidelines for handling potentially dangerous or sensitive species.

What are some common challenges faced by part time exotic animal handlers, and how can they be addressed?

Part-time exotic animal handlers often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to the behaviors and needs of a wide variety of species, managing unpredictable animal responses, and maintaining strict safety protocols within limited working hours. Building strong communication with full-time staff and participating in ongoing training can help address these challenges. Proactive learning, teamwork, and following established procedures are key to ensuring both handler and animal safety while fostering a positive environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a part time exotic animal handler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Part Time Exotic Animal Handler, you need foundational knowledge of animal behavior, husbandry, and safety practices, often supported by relevant coursework or experience in zoology or animal care. Familiarity with handling equipment, animal restraint tools, and record-keeping systems is typically required. Strong observation skills, patience, and effective communication help in monitoring animal health and educating the public or team members. These skills are vital to ensure animal welfare, handler safety, and positive educational or outreach experiences.

What is the difference between Part Time Exotic Animal Handler vs Part Time Zookeeper?

AspectPart Time Exotic Animal HandlerPart Time Zookeeper
CredentialsAnimal handling certifications, safety trainingAnimal care certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentZoos, wildlife parks, private collectionsZoos, aquariums, wildlife reserves
Employer & IndustryWildlife facilities, private ownersZoos, aquariums, conservation organizations
Common Search/ComparisonPart Time Exotic Animal Handler vs Part Time Zookeeper

Part Time Exotic Animal Handlers and Part Time Zookeepers often share similar environments and certifications related to animal safety and care. However, handlers typically focus on managing exotic or wild animals in specialized settings, while zookeepers have broader responsibilities including daily animal care, enrichment, and habitat maintenance. Both roles require safety training and animal handling skills, but zookeepers usually work in larger institutions with diverse species.

What are popular job titles related to Part Time Exotic Animal Handler jobs in Tennessee?

For Part Time Exotic Animal Handler jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Part Time Exotic Animal Handler jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Part Time Exotic Animal Handler jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Part Time Exotic Animal Handler jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Part Time Exotic Animal Handler job openings:

Part Time Exotic Animal Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Part Time Exotic Animal Handler job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Animal Nutrition Specialist

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Knoxville Zoo
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Knoxville Zooexternal

$15/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Position Type:
Animal Collections
Date Posted:
8/14/2026
Location:
Zoo Knoxville
Job Title: Nutrition Specialist
Department: Animal Care Date Written: 8/22/2024
Reports To: Nutritional Services Supervisor Status: Part time, Non-Exempt
Supervises: N/A Pay Rate (hourly): $15.00
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 values animal 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 specialist position that reports directly to the supervisor. The nutrition specialist is responsible for a wide variety of tasks involving daily diet preparation and delivery for all animals, food procurement and stock management and the daily upkeep of the commissary. 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 and departmental protocols.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • 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.
  • Prepare all animal diets following the written dietary plan for each animal.
  • Deliver food to animal habitats, as needed.
  • Wash and disinfect all food buckets and containers, refilling when appropriate.
  • Participate in food shopping at local stores, as needed.
  • Harvest bamboo from the community twice monthly in all weather conditions.
  • Maintain the feed room, ensuring stock is stored neatly, rotated and feed is in date.
  • Maintain feed dates on all secondary containers.
  • Maintain a clean workspace daily to prevent pest infestation.
  • Collaborate with other departments to promote the zoo's mission by participating in keeper chats, area tours and media events.
  • Assist supervisor in the training of new staff and volunteers with regards to animal diet preparation, cleaning tasks and general upkeep when requested.
  • Assume any leadership duties in the absence of the supervisor, when requested.
  • Participate in professional training and development opportunities provided, as directed by supervisor.
  • Any other duties as requested by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Vehicle operation is required, and applicants must be at least 21 years of age with a valid driver's license.
  • Must be physically able to work in extreme temperatures (both inside and outside) and inclement weather conditions while walking, standing, lifting and performing tasks in an environment that requires repeatedly stooping, bending and climbing.
  • Negative Tuberculosis test required for employment.

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 the job description, 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.

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