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Snake Handling Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Nashville, TN · On-site

... 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.

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

... 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.

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

... 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.

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Nashville, TN · On-site

... 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.

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Memphis, TN · On-site

... 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.

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Memphis, TN · On-site

... 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.

All JobsSnake Handling JobsSnake Handling Jobs in Tennessee

Snake Handling information

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 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 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 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.

How do you become a snake handler?

To become a snake handler, individuals typically gain experience through apprenticeships or training with experienced handlers, learn about snake behavior and safety protocols, and may obtain certifications in venomous snake handling from relevant authorities. Knowledge of local laws and safety equipment is also essential for this specialized job.

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:

Snake Handling jobs near you
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.

Zoo Keeper III - Ectotherms

Chattanooga Zoo

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$17.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

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 QualificationsBachelor's degree in animal science, zoology, life science, or similarMust have 5 years experience with professional animal care at an AZA accredited facility or comparable institution to be consideredKnowledge of exotic animal care in a zoo settingVenomous handling experience preferredExperience in an AZA accredited institution is preferredAny combination of equivalent education and experience to successfully perform the essential functions of the position will be consideredOpen 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.
Job Posted by ApplicantPro