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Animal Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Santa Barbara Zoo

Animal Keeper

Santa Barbara, CA

$23.90 - $26.30/hr

A commitment to wildlife conservation and an eagerness to engage in local field conservation activities. * Strong teamwork ethic and personal accountability. * Excellent public speaking and ...

Santa Barbara Zoo

Animal Keeper

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$23.90 - $26.30/hr

A commitment to wildlife conservation and an eagerness to engage in local field conservation activities. * Strong teamwork ethic and personal accountability. * Excellent public speaking and ...

Washburn County, WI

Conservation Technician

Shell Lake, WI · On-site

$53.82K - $62.54K/yr

Examples include wetland restoration, animal waste storage, runoff control and grade stabilization ... conservation initiatives. * Mining Reclamation : Knowledge of procedures for financial assurance ...

Dallas Zoo

General Application - Animal Health

Dallas, TX

$15.50 - $21/hr

The Dallas Zoo participates in in-situ and ex-situ conservation programs and encourages and ... Animal Nutrition/Browse Program The Animal Nutrition Center (ANC) ensures the highest standards of ...

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How much do animal conservation jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal conservation in the United States is $21.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are the Qualifications to Get a Job in Animal Conservation?

The qualifications to get a job in animal conservation typically include a bachelor’s degree and some experience with life sciences, research, and wildlife conservation through summer jobs or internships. As an undergraduate, study courses in biology, zoology, math, statistics, chemistry, and environmental science. If you want to do fieldwork, whether it’s research or direct conservation, you should have good physical strength and stamina. Strong interpersonal communication and analytical problem-solving skills, as well as a commitment to protecting the natural world, are all essential. Public-speaking skills are also vital for roles that entail educating the public about wildlife issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Animal Conservation, and why are they important?

To thrive in Animal Conservation, you need a solid background in biology, ecology, or environmental science, often supported by a relevant degree and fieldwork experience. Familiarity with GIS software, data collection tools, and sometimes certifications in wildlife handling or conservation management are commonly required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help professionals collaborate with diverse stakeholders and adapt to challenging environments. These competencies are vital for effectively protecting wildlife, managing conservation projects, and engaging communities in sustainable practices.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in animal conservation roles?

Professionals in animal conservation often encounter challenges such as securing consistent funding for projects, managing human-wildlife conflicts, and working in remote or challenging field environments. Collaboration with local communities and stakeholders is essential, as gaining their support can be vital for project success. Additionally, conservationists must stay informed about evolving environmental regulations and scientific research, ensuring that their efforts are both effective and sustainable.

What is animal conservation?

Animal conservation is the practice of protecting endangered species and their habitats to ensure their survival for future generations. It involves scientific research, habitat preservation, anti-poaching efforts, and education programs. Conservationists work with governments, communities, and organizations to implement strategies that reduce threats such as habitat loss, climate change, and illegal wildlife trade. The goal is to maintain biodiversity and restore populations of threatened animals.

What is the difference between Animal Conservation vs Wildlife Biologist?

AspectAnimal ConservationWildlife Biologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Conservation, Ecology, or related fields; certifications in wildlife managementBachelor's or Master's in Biology, Ecology, or related fields; research experience often required
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, conservation projects, NGOs, government agenciesResearch labs, field sites, academic institutions, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageEnvironmental NGOs, government conservation agencies, research organizationsUniversities, research institutes, government agencies, environmental consultancies

Animal Conservation focuses on protecting species and habitats through management and policy, often working with NGOs and government agencies. Wildlife Biologists primarily conduct research to understand animal behavior, ecology, and populations, often working in labs or field research. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in their primary focus and work settings.

More about Animal Conservation jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Conservation jobs? Cities with the most Animal Conservation job openings:
What states have the most Animal Conservation jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Conservation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animal Conservation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Conservation jobs are:
Animal Conservation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Conservation job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,783 per year, or $21 per hour.
Animal Keeper

Animal Keeper

Santa Barbara Zoo

Santa Barbara, CA

$23.90 - $26.30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Santa Barbara Zoo rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 32 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Immediate Opening!

The Santa Barbara Zoo is seeking a full-time Animal Keeper for our Animal Care and Health team. If you are a dedicated, passionate, and experienced individual with a strong commitment to animal care and wildlife conservation, we encourage you to apply for the Animal Keeper position on this portal, outlining your relevant experience and motivation for joining our team.
Position Status: Full-time, Regular, Non-exempt, Hourly
Schedule: Thursday to Monday, 8am to 5pm
Compensation: $23.90 $26.30 per hour DOE
*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*

SUMMARY:
Under general direction of the Zoological Manager, Director of Animal Care and V.P. of Animal Care & Health, the Keeper is responsible for the application of daily animal care, maintenance of exhibits, guest experience and applicable research.
In this role, you will work with a diverse range of taxa, including mammals, birds, and ectotherms. You will be responsible for husbandry, maintaining naturalistic exhibits, and ensuring the highest standards of animal care and well-being. The ideal candidate would also welcome the challenge of participating in the zoos local field conservation activities including California condor, island fox, as well as local bird and ectotherm species.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Provide exemplary husbandry and care for a variety of animals, both large and small
  • Maintain and enhance naturalistic exhibits, creating a safe and stimulating environment for the animals, focused on demonstrating natural behaviors
  • Actively participate in on-grounds or local field conservation activities, contributing to initiatives involving California condor, island fox, and local ectotherm species
  • Collaborate closely with the Animal Care & Health team, reporting to a Zoological Manager and the Director of Animal Care
  • Engage with the public through educational programs and public speaking engagements
  • Ensure the safety and well-being of both animals and team members in a strenuous work environment that may require lifting up to 50lbs as needed, navigate uneven surfaces, reaching overhead, climbing and other physical requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Minimum of 1 year experience in working at an AZA accredited facility or similar facility with a variety of taxa
  • Proficiency in animal husbandry, exhibit maintenance, and behavioral enrichment.
  • A commitment to wildlife conservation and an eagerness to engage in local field conservation activities.
  • Strong teamwork ethic and personal accountability.
  • Excellent public speaking and communication skills.
  • Physical fitness to handle the demands of the position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Animal Care:
  • Performs all basic animal husbandry and health duties in the safest manner following established Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) and protocols
  • Records the signs of normal health and changes in animal under his/her care using the daily report system
  • Records results of training sessions and enrichment to document and evaluate progress toward team goals
  • Develops and documents training and enrichment programs
  • Facilitates established animal presentations
  • Regular attendance necessary
Understanding/Handling Emergency Situations:
  • Responds to animal emergencies quickly and calculates risks involved for animal, guest and staff
  • Remains calm and creates an atmosphere of calm and control for those dealing with the emergency situation
  • Uses physical capture and restraint equipment as required
  • Evaluates the impact of emergency or mock situations on all areas of the Zoo and suggests improvements to the emergency response systems
Guest Relations:
  • Associates with guests to assist and share information
  • Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relation procedures
  • Meets exhibit presentation quality standards for cleanliness and maintenance to maximize our guest experience
  • Develops and facilitates formal and informal educational programs
Staff development:
  • Supervises volunteers and interns
  • Shares critical information, best practices, and procedures on a consistent basis with staff
  • Coaches coworkers, volunteers and interns and provides informal feedback
  • Provides training for new keepers on husbandry standard operating guidelines
Operation and Business:
  • Exemplifies the highest ethical standards to ensure the health and well being of the animal collection
  • Ensures that all regulatory standards are met such as USDA Animal Welfare Act, regional, federal and AZA standards
  • Reports animal maintenance issues and potential hazards for staff
  • Ensures consistent productive operating practices by identifying areas for potential revenue generation, reduction of costs and more efficient procedures
  • Holds peers accountable for their performance
  • Adheres to Zoos policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
  • Attends bi-monthly all-employee meetings
  • Attends departmental meetings
SECONDARY DUTIES:
  • Greets every guest with a smile
  • Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
  • Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly and in a professional manner
  • Insures the Zoos presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
  • Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoos uniform dress code
  • Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings
  • Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement and the Employee Pledge
  • Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality zoo operations

POSITION CRITERIA:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and Experience:
  • Bachelors degree or graduation from two-year college program focused on captive animal husbandry
  • Experience in routine animal husbandry, exhibit maintenance, and behavioral enrichment in a zoo, aquarium or closely related activity
License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelors degree in Life Science such as Biology, Zoology, Ecology or closely related discipline is preferred
  • Previous work experience in an AZA accredited facility is preferred
  • Valid drivers license with good driving record is desirable
Knowledge, Skills and Ability:
  • Available to work weekends and holidays, and when events are scheduled
  • Knowledge of animal behavior and natural history
  • Knowledge of procedures for observation, handling/restraint, training, enrichment, reproduction, facility needs and health of animals
  • A commitment to wildlife conservation and an eagerness to engage in local field conservation activities
  • Strong teamwork ethic and personal accountability
  • Excellent public speaking and communication skills
  • Physical fitness to handle the demands of the position
  • Understanding of emergency situation procedures, specifically those involved with guest and staff safety
  • Basic computer skills
  • Ability to follow oral and written direction
  • Effective oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to develop warm and friendly relationships at work
  • Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, our guests
  • Ability to exercise safe work habits while in proximity of potentially dangerous animals
  • Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
  • Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility
  • Ability to negotiate the zoo work environment including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, and hilltop
  • Must be able to participate in operational practices; including climb stairs, manipulate tools, and stand/walk for long periods of time
  • Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including electric cart, two-way radio and capture equipment
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds occasionally, and 10 or fewer pounds frequently
  • Ability to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly push, pull or otherwise move objects
  • The ability to use abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing
  • The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs
  • Involves working out of doors in all weather conditions
  • Supportive and open employment culture
Tools Used:
  • Standard cleaning equipment such as hoses, rakes, shovels, and brooms
  • Two-way radio
  • Personal Computer and software (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Capture equipment
  • Electric cart
  • Hand tools

BENEFITS & PERKS:
  • Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round!
  • Free parking, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases
  • Access to the CollaborNation platform, professional development events, and lunch & learn opportunities
  • Comprehensive benefits package for FTR staff, voluntary supplemental insurances, zoo membership, paid sick leave, paid vacation time, 403(b) and SEP retirement plans, a paid conservation day, a paid Zoo Day to visit another AZA accredited institution, paid time off to take your pet to the vet, and much more...

*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*

Please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
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This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.
The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.
At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.