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Animal Ambassador Keeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jungle Island

ANIMAL KEEPER 1

Miami, FL · On-site

The Animal Keeper performs all job assignments with a professional and positive attitude that ... Be an ambassador for Jungle Island inside and outside of the park * Capable of lifting 50lbs ...

Jungle Island

ANIMAL KEEPER 1

Miami, FL

The Animal Keeper performs all job assignments with a professional and positive attitude that ... Be an ambassador for Jungle Island inside and outside of the park * Capable of lifting 50lbs ...

Jungle Island

PART TIME ANIMAL KEEPER 1

Miami, FL · On-site

The PT Animal Keeper 1, under general supervision, performs a wide variety of functions in the ... Be an ambassador for Jungle Island inside and outside of the park * Capable of lifting 50lbs ...

Jungle Island

PART TIME ANIMAL KEEPER 1

Miami, FL

The PT Animal Keeper 1, under general supervision, performs a wide variety of functions in the ... Be an ambassador for Jungle Island inside and outside of the park * Capable of lifting 50lbs ...

Dallas Zoo

General Application - Animal Care

Dallas, TX

$15.50 - $21/hr

Whether you're an experienced keeper or just beginning your zoo career, we welcome your interest in ... Ambassador Animal Experiences The Animal Outreach team provides robust and diverse programming on ...

Pet Evolution Cypress

Groomer

Cypress, TX · On-site

$10 - $25/hr (+ commission)

Ambassador For Safety: You must be able to understand basic animal behavior and body language to be ... Keeping informed about pet industry and grooming standards. * Operating customer record retention ...

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Animal Ambassador Keeper information

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How much do animal ambassador keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal ambassador keeper in the United States is $24.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal ambassador keeper?

Animal Ambassador Keepers are specialized animal care professionals who work with animals that participate in educational programs and outreach events at zoos, aquariums, or wildlife centers. Their main responsibilities include the daily care, training, and enrichment of ambassador animals, as well as presenting these animals to the public to promote awareness and conservation. They also ensure the well-being of the animals and help create engaging, informative experiences for visitors. This role combines animal husbandry skills with public speaking and education.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an animal ambassador keeper?

To thrive as an Animal Ambassador Keeper, you need expertise in animal husbandry, behavior, and enrichment, typically supported by a degree in zoology, biology, or a related field. Familiarity with animal management software, safety protocols, and relevant certifications such as First Aid for animals are commonly required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, public speaking abilities, and a passion for education set top candidates apart in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring animal welfare, facilitating engaging educational programs, and promoting conservation messaging to the public.

How does an animal ambassador keeper collaborate with education and outreach teams?

Animal Ambassador Keepers regularly work alongside education and outreach teams to facilitate animal encounters, presentations, and interactive programs for visitors or the community. This collaboration ensures that animal welfare is prioritized while also delivering engaging, informative experiences. Keepers provide expert knowledge about animal behavior and handling, helping educators tailor their messaging and activities. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as both groups must coordinate schedules, animal selections, and safety protocols.

What is the difference between Animal Ambassador Keeper vs Zookeeper?

AspectAnimal Ambassador KeeperZookeeper
CredentialsHigh school diploma, animal care certificationsHigh school diploma, animal care certifications
Work EnvironmentZoos, wildlife centers, educational programsZoos, aquariums, wildlife parks
Primary FocusEducational outreach, public engagement, animal enrichmentAnimal husbandry, habitat maintenance, health monitoring

Animal Ambassador Keepers and Zookeepers share similar credentials and work environments, but their roles differ in focus. Animal Ambassador Keepers primarily engage in educational activities and public outreach, while Zookeepers focus on daily animal care and habitat management. Both roles are vital in wildlife conservation and public education, often overlapping in zoos and wildlife centers.

How much do animal ambassador keepers make?

Animal ambassador keepers typically earn between $25,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the institution. Salaries may increase with specialized skills, certifications, and years of service in zoos or wildlife centers.

What does an animal ambassador keeper do?

An animal ambassador keeper is responsible for caring for and managing animals used in educational and outreach programs to promote conservation awareness. They feed, clean, monitor health, and assist with training or enrichment activities to ensure the animals' well-being and safety. The role often requires knowledge of animal behavior, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications in animal care or handling.

What qualifications do you need to be an animal ambassador keeper?

Animal ambassador keepers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience working with animals, such as volunteering or internships. A background in biology, zoology, or animal science is often preferred, and certifications in animal handling or safety may be required. Good communication skills and the ability to work outdoors in various conditions are also important.

What cities are hiring for Animal Ambassador Keeper jobs?

Cities with the most Animal Ambassador Keeper job openings:

What states have the most Animal Ambassador Keeper jobs?

States with the most job openings for Animal Ambassador Keeper jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Ambassador Keeper jobs?

For Animal Ambassador Keeper jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Animal Ambassador Keeper job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 66% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,573 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Animal Care Associate - Animal Ambassadors (Full-Time)

Tampa, FL • On-site

ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Traveler Accommodation • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about ZooTampa at Lowry Parkexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Are you passionate about animals and conservation? ZooTampa is looking for a full-time Animal Care Associate - Animal Ambassadors.
  • Are you the kind of person who is passionate about rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for animals?
  • Do you care about creating exceptional, personal experiences with co-workers and guest?
  • Do you want to work in a fun and immersive environment where your contribution impacts the mission of the organization?
If so, apply today, we are scheduling interviews soon.
The Animal Ambassador team at Zoo Tampa is a group of energetic individuals caring for a variety of animals such as parrots, serval and clouded leopards, bird of prey, reptiles, and other small mammals. Our team and the Animal Ambassadors offer unique, immersive experiences for our guests including animal mingles, presentations, themed shows and media appearances. We promote positive reinforcement, choice-based training and focus on relationship building with all of our animals. We are looking for motivated individuals who are passionate about inspiring others to develop a greater appreciation of animals in the wild and can support the Zoo’s mission and goals.
Duties include, but are not limited to, daily care and feeding of assigned animals in collection, maintenance of animal exhibits and night-houses,
behavioral observations, record keeping, animal enrichment and training, assisting veterinary staff, operation of utility vehicles, and public presentations.
Who We Are
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1 million visitors annually. We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities. The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos.
Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.
Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.
Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!
Your day to day
Essential Functions (including but not limited to):
  • General husbandry and care of assigned animals, including preparing and distributing approved animal diets
  • Close observation of animal behaviors with a particular focus on appropriate appetite, mobility, and waste production to monitor health of animals; notification of appropriate animal care staff of any concerns
  • Develop a stronger understanding of Operant Conditioning and behavior modification through staff development and hands on application.
  • Shift animals according to area’s standard operating procedures (SOP)
  • Basic animal capture, restraint and handling techniques.
  • Engage with Zoo guests at exhibits, conservation stations, keeper talks, training demonstrations, and/or shows.
  • Strong stage presence and comfortability on microphone in front of large crowds.
  • Maintain detailed daily records on assigned animals
  • Strong knowledge of zoo layout and general animal collection to respond quickly during animal emergencies and also assist guests on a daily basis with exhibit location
  • Adherence to area’s standard operating procedures (SOP)
  • Knowledge of safety SOP, safety concerns, and reporting protocols
  • Assist registrar in area’s record keeping
  • Inspect, clean, and maintain both exhibit and off-exhibit areas
  • Species-specific enrichment and guest engagement as assigned.
  • Actively seek opportunities to participate in guest engagement through interaction with guests during both formal and informal discussions, during events, and as otherwise assigned
  • Report animal illness, maintenance, safety, horticulture, or other needs to appropriate staff
  • Observe safety policies and procedures in regard to the use of zoo equipment, materials, chemicals, and vehicles
  • Respond to emergency situations (e.g., Code I, II, III) within the Zoo.
  • Other duties as assigned.
What are we looking for?
Qualifications and Experience:
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required; advanced degree in Zoology, Biology, or related field of study preferred.
  • Minimum of one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • SCUBA and First-Aid Certification for specific areas.
  • Basic animal training through the use operant conditioning.
  • Strong speaking skills on and off microphone for large groups and/or media.
  • Basic knowledge of zoonotic diseases.
  • Basic knowledge of husbandry requirements.
  • Knowledge of Word Processing software and Spreadsheet software.
  • Must have good written and oral communication skills.
  • Must be self-motivated and goal oriented.
Our Perks at ZooTampa:
  • Generous PTO (Vacation and Wellness Time)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Medical, Dental, Vision and Supplemental insurance options
  • Pet insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Free membership to the Zoo, MOSI, Glazer Children's Museum and the Florida Aquarium
  • Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
  • Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
  • Discounted gym membership
  • And so much more!
Equal Opportunity Employer amp; Drug-Free Workplace

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