Job Details

Position Type:
Operations/Ranger (Armed Security)

Date Posted:
1/15/2026

Location:
Zoo Knoxville
Job Title: Ranger

Department: Operations Date Updated: 3/25/2019

Reports To: Chief Ranger Status: Full Time

Supervises: N/A Payrate - Hourly: $ 15.00

SUMMARY OF POSITION: Under the supervision of the Chief Ranger, Zoo Rangers ensure a safe and secure environment at Zoo Knoxville by providing shift security protection of visitors, employees, animal collection, and zoo property. This role is primarily 2nd shift.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• As a team member, exemplify Zoo Knoxville's Core Values through interactions with guests and fellow team members.
• Provide security and safety for all guests, employees, and animal collection.
• Provide security for all property, buildings, and assets belonging to the Zoo.
• Responsible for bank/monies escorts both on and off grounds.
• Respond to emergencies or incidents that occur on Zoo property during your assigned shift. This may extend to times other than your assigned shift as needed.
• Provide medical treatment for injuries to visitors and staff that occur on Zoo grounds.
• Patrol Zoo grounds, keeping constant vigilance on all fences and gates for unauthorized entry.
• Identify, report, and respond to thefts, shoplifting, vandalism, unruly guests or employees, and other unlawful acts or violations of Zoo policies on Zoo grounds.
• Identify and report hazardous or dangerous situations or conditions to maintain safety throughout Zoo grounds.
• Monitor the Ranger Station to provide proper entry of employees, vendors, and guests.
• Provide customer service in a professional manner.
• May be required to work 2nd or 3rd shifts.
• Maintain reports and paperwork as required.
• Maintain confidentiality where required.
• Perform miscellaneous duties as directed.
• Will not deviate from established procedures unless directed to do so by the Chief Ranger, Director of Operations, or President & CEO.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must have a valid state driver's license.
• Must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years experience in police, security, or military background preferred.
• Must have the ability to diplomatically interact with guests, employees, public officials, and all others doing business with, working for, or visiting the Zoo.
• Must be proficient in (or with the required training, have the ability to quickly be proficient in) basic first aid, adult CPR, and infant CPR.
• Must be able to apply security training skills to properly handle routine and difficult security situations.
• Must possess the ability to correctly apply general knowledge of Zoo policies and procedures.
• Must be able to obtain a Tennessee Private Protective Services, Armed or Unarmed Guard/Officer card.
• Must be able to proficiently operate firearms and emergency equipment required for use on the job, if a member of the LFT team.
• Must have the ability to make critical decisions in high stress, life-threatening situations.

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 past 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 be required to work within 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.