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Zoo Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Memphis Zoo

Zoo Hospital Manager (Full Time)

Memphis, TN · On-site

$57K/yr

The Zoo Hospital Manager is responsible for administrative and practice management for the Veterinary Department. This position provides direct leadership to Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary ...

Chattanooga Zoo

Animal Care Supervisor

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

The Chattanooga Zoo is looking for an exceptional Animal Care Supervisor. This position is the primary support to the Director of Animal Care & Conservation. This position requires a strong attention ...

Chattanooga Zoo

Animal Care Supervisor

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$24.50/hr

The Chattanooga Zoo is looking for an exceptional Animal Care Supervisor. This position is the primary support to the Director of Animal Care & Conservation. This position requires a strong attention ...

Chattanooga Zoo

Animal Care Supervisor

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$24.50/hr

The Chattanooga Zoo is looking for an exceptional Animal Care Supervisor. This position is the primary support to the Director of Animal Care & Conservation. This position requires a strong attention ...

Nashville Zoo

Security Guard

Nashville, TN

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere Position Description Position Title: Security Guard Department: Safety & Security Supervisor: Safety & Security Manager, Environmental Health & Safety Director Position ...

Nashville Zoo

Interpreter

Nashville, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. With a diverse collection of animals and a ...

Nashville Zoo

Security Guard

Nashville, TN

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere Position Description Position Title: Security Guard Department: Safety & Security Supervisor: Safety & Security Manager, Environmental Health & Safety Director Position ...

Nashville Zoo

Security Guard

Nashville, TN · On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. With a diverse collection of animals and a ...

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Zoo information

What is a zoo worker?

Zoo workers are professionals who care for animals in zoos and ensure their well-being. Their duties can include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and providing enrichment activities. Some zoo workers, like zookeepers, may specialize in certain species, while others assist with education programs or maintenance. They also help educate the public about wildlife conservation and animal behavior. Working at a zoo requires a passion for animals, attention to detail, and strong communication skills.

What are the qualifications to work in a zoo?

The qualifications to work in a zoo vary greatly. As a zoologist, you need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, or a closely related degree. Some zookeepers have zoology degrees as well, but that is not always a strict requirement for becoming a zookeeper. To work on the administrative side, you need a strong grasp of business administration, animal science, and community planning and engagement. Tour guides may be volunteers that lead tours or full-time employees with a high school diploma or GED certificate. Strong research skills and good interpersonal communication skills are essential.

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

To thrive as a Zookeeper, you need a background in animal science or biology, experience with animal care, and often a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with animal husbandry tools, record-keeping software, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong observation skills, patience, and effective communication help zookeepers manage animals and interact with the public and colleagues. These skills ensure the health and welfare of animals while promoting education and safety within the zoo environment.

What are some of the common challenges faced by zookeepers in their daily work?

Zookeepers often encounter challenges such as ensuring animal welfare while managing a variety of species with different needs, maintaining strict safety protocols, and handling physically demanding tasks in all weather conditions. They also need to adapt to rapidly changing situations, such as animal health emergencies or behavioral issues, and frequently collaborate closely with veterinarians, educators, and maintenance staff. Building trust with the animals and staying updated on best practices in animal care are ongoing aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Zoo vs Zookeeper?

AspectZooZookeeper
CredentialsTypically none required, but education in biology or animal science helpsOften requires a degree in biology, zoology, or related field
Work EnvironmentPublic, educational, and conservation-focused settingsHands-on animal care in zoo habitats
Employer & IndustryZoos, wildlife parks, conservation organizationsZoos, aquariums, wildlife reserves

While 'Zoo' refers to the facility or organization, a 'Zookeeper' is the professional responsible for animal care within a zoo. Zookeepers work directly with animals, ensuring their health and well-being, whereas 'Zoo' describes the environment or institution where these activities occur.

What are different jobs at a zoo?

Zoo jobs include zookeepers, who care for animals and maintain enclosures; educators, who provide public programs and interpretive services; veterinarians, who diagnose and treat animal health; and administrative staff, who handle management and operations. Other roles include security personnel, maintenance workers, and research scientists, often requiring specific skills, certifications, or training related to animal care and facility management.
More about Zoo jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Zoo jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Zoo jobs in Tennessee?

For Zoo jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Zoo jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Zoo jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Zoo jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Zoo job openings:

Zoo jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Zookeeper - Elephants/Rhinos (Full Time)

Memphis Zoo

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Summary:
We are currently in search of a motivated individual to join our Pachyderm Team. This position would primarily be responsible for the daily husbandry and care of African elephants, Southern White Rhinos, Grant's Zebra and Scimitar-Horned Oryx.
Now is an exciting time to join our team as we begin the process of designing a new Africa habitat, which would include new exhibits for our elephants, rhinos, giraffes and other area hoofstock. This renovation and expansion will serve to further the Memphis Zoo's commitment to elephants in the future. The ideal candidate would be proficient in all aspects of zoo animal care including husbandry, enrichment, training, exhibit maintenance, record keeping, public presentations, and conservation. Candidates for this position should be self-motivated, hard-working, positive, dependable, who can work independently, but also thrive in a team setting.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Daily husbandry of assigned animals.
  • Facilitates formal and informal public presentations to engage guests and provide a positive guest experience.
  • Actively observes animals' behavior, checking for any signs of illness or disorder; reports irregularities and abnormal behavior to supervisor; works with vet staff to address medical needs.
  • Prepares and administers appropriate daily diets and maintain accurate records of assigned animals.
  • Appropriately cleans and disinfects assigned animal enclosures/habitats according to written protocols and ensures a sanitary and safe environment.
  • Exercises good judgement when making decisions that affect our collection.
  • Assists hospital staff in all aspects of animal treatment within the assigned section.
  • May incorporate modern behavioral husbandry techniques such as operant conditioning and environmental enrichment into animal care.

Minimum Education and Experience:
  • High school diploma.
  • Some college level coursework in the fields of Zoology, Biology, Psychology, or related field.
  • Experience working with animals (preferably rhinos or similar large taxa) in a zoological setting and/or similar experience working large mammals in the field of agriculture

Preferred Education and Experience:
  • Previous experience working with elephants and/or rhinos in a captive setting.

Competencies:
  • Written and Oral Communication.
  • Proficient in MS office, current technology and applications for communication, research, and record keeping.
  • Records and Reports Creation and Management.
  • Problem Solving/Analysis.
  • Stress Management/Composure.
  • Flexibility.
  • Teamwork Orientation.

Supervisory Responsibility: None.
Reporting Structure: Reports to Associate Curator, Team Lead.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Full-time positions are defined as positions scheduled to work approximately 40 hours a week. Scheduling is at the discretion of the manager.
This position is considered non-exempt under the federal and state wage and hour laws.
Scheduling Availability Requirements: This position regularly requires flexible hours including weekdays, holidays, and weekends.
Work Environment: While performing the duties of the job, the employee will frequently work in outdoor settings (Zoo grounds). When outdoors this position is required to work in various weather conditions including rain, humidity, and extreme heat or cold.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
This position requires frequent sitting/standing/walking/bending/kneeling and may occasionally move or lift objects up to 50 pounds.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Other Requirements:
  • 18 years or older.
  • Clear background check.
  • Clear drug screening.
  • Clear TB screening.

Benefits & Perks
The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see our Memphis Zoo Careers page for details.
EEOC and Inclusion Statement:
The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply.
The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org.
The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.
All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
How to Apply:
Applications should be submitted via the Memphis Zoo Careers page. Please note that any other application submissions will not be considered. www.memphiszoo.org/careers.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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