1

Snake Handling Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

... Snake Rivers, Great Lakes, and Mississippi-Ohio-Cumberland-Tennessee-Arkansas Rivers. Our U.S. flag ... Piloting and Boat Handling experience on coastal and river waterways: minimum 6months, desired 1yr.

... Snake Rivers, Great Lakes, and Mississippi-Ohio-Cumberland-Tennessee-Arkansas Rivers. Our U.S. flag ... Piloting and Boat Handling experience on coastal and river waterways: minimum 6months, desired 1yr.

... Snake Rivers, Great Lakes, and Mississippi-Ohio-Cumberland-Tennessee-Arkansas Rivers. Our U.S. flag ... Piloting and Boat Handling experience on coastal and river waterways: minimum 6months, desired 1yr.

... Snake Rivers, Great Lakes, and Mississippi-Ohio-Cumberland-Tennessee-Arkansas Rivers. Our U.S. flag ... Piloting and Boat Handling experience on coastal and river waterways: minimum 6months, desired 1yr.

... Snake Rivers, Great Lakes, and Mississippi-Ohio-Cumberland-Tennessee-Arkansas Rivers. Our U.S. flag ... Piloting and Boat Handling experience on coastal and river waterways: minimum 6months, desired 1yr.

... Snake Rivers, Great Lakes, and Mississippi-Ohio-Cumberland-Tennessee-Arkansas Rivers. Our U.S. flag ... Piloting and Boat Handling experience on coastal and river waterways: minimum 6months, desired 1yr.

Snake Handling information

What are some common safety protocols snake handlers follow when working with venomous species?

Snake handlers working with venomous species adhere to strict safety protocols to minimize risk. This often includes using specialized tools like hooks and tongs, wearing protective gloves and boots, and always working with a partner or under supervision. Regular training on emergency procedures, such as treating bites and having antivenom on hand, is standard practice. Additionally, handlers must ensure enclosures are secure and clearly labeled, and maintain meticulous records of each animal's behavior and health.

What is the difference between Snake Handling vs Reptile Keeper?

AspectSnake HandlingReptile Keeper
Required CertificationsHerpetology or safety training, sometimes specialized handling certificationsGeneral reptile care certifications, often less specialized
Work EnvironmentWildlife sanctuaries, snake shows, outdoor settingsZoological parks, pet stores, research facilities
Industry UsagePrimarily in entertainment, education, or conservation involving snakesCare and maintenance of various reptiles, including snakes

Snake Handling and Reptile Keeper roles share overlapping skills in reptile care and safety. However, Snake Handling typically involves specialized training for working with venomous snakes in specific environments, while Reptile Keepers manage a broader range of reptiles in more controlled settings. Both roles are essential in education, conservation, and pet industries, but differ in scope and environment.

What is snake handling?

Snake handling is a specialized occupation that involves safely capturing, relocating, caring for, or studying snakes. People in this role may work in wildlife management, pest control, research, zoos, or as educators. Their responsibilities can include removing snakes from inhabited areas, conducting field surveys, or providing public demonstrations and safety training. Proper knowledge of snake behavior, species identification, and handling techniques is essential to ensure both human and animal safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a snake handler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Snake Handler, you need extensive knowledge of herpetology, animal behavior, and proper handling techniques, often backed by specialized training or certifications in wildlife management. Familiarity with tools such as snake hooks, tongs, secure containers, and protective equipment is crucial for safe handling and transportation. Excellent observation skills, patience, and calmness under pressure are essential soft skills for preventing accidents and ensuring animal welfare. These abilities are vital for maintaining personal safety, protecting the animals, and educating the public or supporting conservation efforts.
What are popular job titles related to Snake Handling jobs in Tennessee? For Snake Handling jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Snake Handling jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Snake Handling jobs in Tennessee are:
Infographic showing various Snake Handling job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Third Mate
American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique itineraries along inland and coastal waterways of the East Coast, Pacific Northwest, Columbia-Snake Rivers, Great Lakes, and Mississippi-Ohio-Cumberland-Tennessee-Arkansas Rivers. Our U.S. flag ships are state-of-the art designed for safe operation and five-star service to 100-200 guests.
Third Mates are responsible for safe vessel and launch operations, adherence to company and regulatory standards, and representing the company as a professional leader and example. Our Third Mates are licensed mariners with basic maritime experience and keen interest in gaining experience in challenging U.S. coastal and river waterways. Our Third Mates are team-oriented, self-disciplined, and hands-on workers. Third Mates work alongside Deckhands and Engineers completing watch standing, maintenance, sanitation, and logistics tasks. Third Mates operate and maintain our 35ft-50ft certificated passenger launches. Our Third Mates are people-oriented professionals and meticulous officers, in service to our guests and as examples to our crews.
Third mates enjoy comfortable onboard accommodations and chef prepared meals. American Cruise Lines operates our own bridge simulator, enabling rigorous recurrent training and development focused on critical decision-making and advanced piloting skills. American Cruise Lines recruits and retains the best professional mariners in the industry.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values-Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America's Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities:
  • Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel.
  • Safe launch operations in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
  • Conduct daily inspections of all vessel spaces.
  • Standing helm, security, gangway watches in Deckhand rotation.
  • Execution of vessel cleaning, sanitation, maintenance, and logistics.
  • Standing piloting watches under instruction of Captain or Mate.
  • Assisting Engine Room Attendant with machinery and system maintenance.
  • Support hotel and culinary teams in delivering five-star guest service.
  • Maintain logs, reports, and administrative records.
  • Maintain exemplary professional grooming and uniform appearance

Work Schedule:
  • Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or repositioning year-round.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.

Qualifications:
  • U.S. Coast Guard Master's license: Masters 100T.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Piloting and Boat Handling experience on coastal and river waterways: minimum 6months, desired 1yr.
  • Self-disciplined work habits and personal grooming.
  • Good communication skills and team skills.
  • Pre-employment drug test and continual participation in random testing.
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20" diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Access to advanced simulator-based training.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training

Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.‎
*Job sites across the nation.
This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.