Job Details

Position Type:
Operations

Date Posted:
9/24/2026

Location:
Zoo Knoxville
Job Title: Ranger 3rd Shift

Department: Facilities Date Written: 3/25/19

Reports To: Chief Ranger Status: Full- Time (non-exempt)

Supervises: N/A Pay Rate: $15.00 per hour

SUMMARY OF POSITION: Will provide a safe and secure environment at Zoo Knoxville by providing shift security protection of visitors, employees, animal collection and zoo property.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide security and safety for all guests, employees and the animal collection at the Zoo.
• 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 and times other than your assigned shift as required.
• 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 violation 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, guests and provide customer service related duties in a professional manner.
• Maintain reports and paperwork as required.
• Perform miscellaneous duties as directed.
• Will not deviate from established procedures unless directed to do so by the Chief Ranger, Facilities Director, or CEO.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Have the ability to diplomatically interact with guests, employees, public officials and all others doing business with, working for or visiting the Zoo.
• Have the ability to keep confidentialities where required.
• 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.
• Must have the ability to make critical decisions in high stress, life threatening situations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid state driver's license.
• Must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years experience in police, security or military background preferred.
• Preference to be to those who already have a Tennessee Private Protective Services, Armed or Unarmed Guard/Officer card.

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.