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Animal Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jungle Island

ANIMAL CARE SUPERVISOR

Miami, FL · On-site

This position reports to the Animal Care Curator. The Supervisor must have the ability to understand, create and execute daily plans with little to no supervision, teach the technical components of ...

Joia Beach Club

ANIMAL CARE SUPERVISOR

Miami, FL · On-site

This position reports to the Animal Care Curator. The Supervisor must have the ability to understand, create and execute daily plans with little to no supervision, teach the technical components of ...

Jungle Island

ANIMAL CARE SUPERVISOR

Miami, FL · On-site

This position reports to the Animal Care Curator. The Supervisor must have the ability to understand, create and execute daily plans with little to no supervision, teach the technical components of ...

ODYSEA AQUARIUM LLC

Animal Care Specialist II

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

Report purchasing needs to area senior, curator, and appropriate department representatives. * Coordinate with Director of Animal Health and Animal Health department in carrying out medical ...

OdySea Aquarium

Animal Care Specialist II

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

Report purchasing needs to area senior, curator, and appropriate department representatives. * Coordinate with Director of Animal Health and Animal Health department in carrying out medical ...

ODYSEA AQUARIUM LLC

Animal Care Specialist II

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

Report purchasing needs to area senior, curator, and appropriate department representatives. * Coordinate with Director of Animal Health and Animal Health department in carrying out medical ...

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Animal Curator information

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$25.5K

$72.6K

$119.5K

How much do animal curator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 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.

What is an animal curator?

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 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.

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.

How much does an animal curator make?

Animal curators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the institution. Advanced certifications and specialized knowledge in animal care can lead to higher salaries, and the role often requires working in a zoo, aquarium, or wildlife sanctuary environment.

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 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.
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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?

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What states have the most Animal Curator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Animal Curator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Curator jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Animal Curator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,627 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Wild Animal Keeper, Mammals

New York, NY • On-site

New York Aquarium
Scientific Research and Development Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about New York Aquariumexternal

$48K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Title: Wild Animal Keeper
Reports To: Supervisor of Animals/Animal Dept. Curator
Position Managed: N/A
Department: Animal Programs
Location: Bronx Zoo
Employment Type: Union, Full-Time
Pay Range: $48,119.00 per year
About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS): 
WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world's premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean.  We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence.  Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.
Position Summary:
To perform any activity necessary for the safe, proper, and humane management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, holding facilities and associated service.
Principal Responsibilities:
  • Perform safe, proper and humane care of assigned animals according to established protocols or under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and /or the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Prepare animal diets according to established protocols or under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Perform safe and proper maintenance of assigned animal exhibits, holding facilities and associated service areas according to established protocols or under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff. 
  • Assist curatorial/supervisory staff in developing safe, proper and humane protocols for the management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, holding facilities and associated service areas.
  • Participate in the modification and enhancement of animal exhibits under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff to include, but not limited to the installation of plant material, perches and exhibit props such as rocks and logs, monitoring water quality, addition of substrates, and cleaning of exhibit glass and graphic panels.
  • Inspect animal exhibits, holding facilities and associated service areas to ensure that they are clean, well lit, properly ventilated, properly heated or cooled, and that all mechanical systems are operating properly.  
  • Observe the animals entrusted to his/her care and report promptly on any indication of illness.
  • Carry out the veterinarian's instructions for the care of sick animals and follow all protocols established for the daily care of the animals.
  • Participate in Bronx Zoo animal behavior programs to facilitate animal management and to enhance and enrich the daily lives of the animals in our care.
  • Develop animal conditioning skills and techniques. Implement department programs to condition behaviors and acclimate both naive and experienced animals to exhibits.  
  • Participate in daily enrichment programs.
  • Aid the general public and provide information concerning the Bronx Zoo, visitor services, exhibits and the animal collection.
  • Enforce the Bronx Zoo's visitor rules and regulations.
  • Perform other related tasks and duties at the instruction of senior animal keepers and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff.

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