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Animal Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Audubon Institute

Curator of Birds

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$67K/yr

Animal Reports To: General Curator Location: Audubon Zoo FLSA Status: Exempt Position Type: Full Time Who We Are Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium ...

Zoological Society

Curator of Mammals

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Curator of Mammals Job Code: Department: Living Collections Job Grade: Reports To: Vice President ... Ensures prescribed Standards for animal care and welfare are met, including those set by USDA, AZA ...

Virginia Living Museum

Animal Keeper

Newport News, VA

The Animal Keeper I works in cooperation with Living Exhibits staff as well as other departments to ... This position reports to the Bird and Mammal Curator. Qualifications * A passion for animals, their ...

The Living Desert

Gardens Curator

Palm Desert, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

The Gardens Curator is a leadership position responsible for the oversight of all aspects ... Collaborates with Animal Care and the Browse Coordinator to support the nutritional efforts for the ...

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$25.5K

$72.6K

$119.5K

How much do animal curator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal curator in the United States is $72,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do zoo curators get paid?

Zoo curators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the institution. Advanced degrees and specialized knowledge in animal care or conservation can lead to higher salaries.

What degree do you need to be an animal curator?

Animal curators typically need at least a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, wildlife management, or a related field. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or higher, along with experience in animal care, conservation, or museum studies.

What is an Animal Curator job?

An Animal Curator is responsible for the care, management, and well-being of animals in a zoo, aquarium, or wildlife facility. They oversee enclosures, coordinate feeding and medical care, and develop enrichment programs. Additionally, they may participate in conservation efforts, research, and public education. The role requires knowledge of animal behavior, veterinary care, and habitat maintenance. Strong leadership and organizational skills are important, as curators often manage zookeepers and collaborate with other professionals.

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

To thrive as an Animal Curator, you need a deep understanding of animal husbandry, species-specific care, and biological sciences, often supported by a relevant degree and extensive experience in zoological management. Familiarity with animal management software, breeding programs, regulatory compliance systems, and sometimes specialized certifications (such as AZA accreditation) is important. Leadership, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help you coordinate with teams, manage staff, and interact effectively with the public. These capabilities are crucial to ensure animal welfare, operational efficiency, and educational outreach in zoos, aquariums, or wildlife organizations.

What does an animal curator do?

An animal curator is responsible for managing and caring for animals in a zoo, aquarium, or wildlife facility. They oversee animal health, habitat maintenance, and enrichment, often working with veterinary staff and using record-keeping tools to ensure proper care and conservation efforts.

What is the highest paid job working with animals?

The highest paid jobs working with animals typically include veterinary surgeons, especially specialized or research veterinarians, and zoo directors or curators with extensive experience. These roles often require advanced degrees, certifications, and management skills, and can offer salaries exceeding $100,000 annually depending on location and responsibility level.

What are the primary responsibilities of an Animal Curator on a typical day?

An Animal Curator is responsible for overseeing the care, health, and enrichment of animal collections, which involves supervising keepers, developing exhibit and breeding plans, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and ethical standards. Daily tasks may include monitoring animal health and behavior, coordinating with veterinary staff, maintaining records, and planning educational or conservation initiatives. You may also be involved in developing new exhibits and training staff on best practices. Regular collaboration with other departments, such as education, maintenance, and guest services, is key to creating a safe and engaging environment for both animals and visitors. This dynamic role requires adaptability and a hands-on approach to animal welfare and leadership.

More about Animal Curator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Curator jobs? The most popular types of Animal Curator jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Animal Curator jobs? The top employers for Animal Curator jobs are:
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Animal Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Curator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,627 per year, or $34.9 per hour.
Animal Team Member

Animal Team Member

Don Harrington Discovery Center

Amarillo, TX

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Job Title: Animal Care Team Member

Reports to: Animal Curator

Hours: Part-Time, 10-20 hours per week

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Animal Care Team Member works with the Animal Team to provide exceptional animal care and unique animal programming for Discovery Center and Wildcat Bluff Nature Center guests. The candidate will have knowledge of animal care, including fresh and saltwater aquariums, reptiles, amphibians, insects, arachnids, birds, mammals, and others, as needed. Candidates must have demonstrated abilities in creativity, innovation, organization, and time management. They must be flexible to the changing needs of the animal collection and have the ability to work in a fast-paced and public-facing environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Discovery Center & Wildcat Bluff Animal Care

Provide overall daily care to animals at WBNC & DHDC in conjunction with other Animal Care Team members. This includes feedings, maintaining the cleanliness of animals and enclosures, socializing animals, carrying out enrichment activities, and other relevant tasks as necessary and assigned.

Maintain cleanliness, organization, and order of the animal care lab.

Responsible for consistent communication with the Animal Curator, Animal Team Lead, Director of Education, and other staff as needed about the needs, status, and well-being of the animals.

Follow animal care plans and feeding schedules as directed by Animal Curator or other staff members.

Successfully and efficiently follow plans, schedules, and expectations laid out by the Animal Curator and the Director of Education. This includes animal science lab cleanliness and order, animal handling expectations, documentation requirements, communication expectations, and the implementation of animal care plans and schedules.

Assist with maintaining supplies as needed for any animal needs at DHDC and WBNC.

Assist with new animal education programming, including presenting to the public.

Monitor animals for signs of illness, distress, needs, and unusual behavior. Communicate these concerns and actions taken in a timely manner with the Animal Curator
and the Director of Education.

Respond to emergency situations and natural disasters such as animal escapes, injuries, fires, etc., in accordance with established operating procedures and communicate with management.

Regularly care for animals independently, particularly on weekends.


Daily Experience

Animal care and operations duties on weekdays and weekends as needed, completing all duties as expected in a timely manner.

Exhibit great customer service with all guests, both from the public and with scheduled groups.

Responsible for the implementation of daily public education programs as needed.

Assists with school field trips and Family Nature Days as needed

Wildcat Bluff Education Programming & Daily Experience

Work with Animal Curator to develop, enhance, and carry out programs and guided hikes for school groups and the public as needed.

Maintain consistent communication with Animal Curator concerning WBNC education.

Care for and learn about the wildlife in Wildcat Bluff. Communicate any issues, concerns, or unusual happenings with the Animal Curator and Education Director.

Exhibit great customer service with all guests, both from the public and with scheduled groups.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of and previous professional experience with animals and animal care is required.

Knowledge of and experience with aviaries and saltwater aquariums preferred.

Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Exceptional organization and time management skills.

Demonstrated leadership skills

Demonstrated ability to prioritize projects and multi-task is a must!

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Outgoing and willing to work with large groups of people.

Superior customer service skills.

Apply