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Animal Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Oglebay

Oglebay Good Zoo Animal Keeper 2

Wheeling, WV · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Prepares and distributes animal diets according to approved guidelines provided by the curator of animals. Performs regular maintenance to animal habitats by collecting, installing and maintaining ...

fwzoo

Animal Programs Swing Keeper

Fort Worth, TX

The Senior Mammal Curator will manage the work schedule for this position. Essential Duties and ... repair animal quarters as required; shovel, rake, hose, sweep, dust and mop floors • Prepare ...

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$25.5K

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How much do animal curator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 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:
What states have the most Animal Curator jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Curator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animal Curator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Curator jobs are:
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 Keeper 1 (Maryland Wilderness)

Animal Keeper 1 (Maryland Wilderness)

Maryland Zoo

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$19.20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Maryland Zoo is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status
General Summary: The Animal Keeper 1 (Maryland Wilderness) will provide care and maintenance of the animals and their associated exhibits and holding areas. The Animal Keeper is responsible for working collaboratively with other keepers and coworkers to achieve departmental and Zoo-wide initiatives. The Animal Keeper will report to their assigned Area Manager and the General Curator. Additionally, the Animal Keeper will support the Zoo's mission to save wildlife and protect wild places and contribute to its environmental, social, governance sustianability, conservation, education, and DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion) goals.
Essential Functions:
Primary Function:
  • Provides basic daily husbandry, food and water for animals in assigned area in accordance with department and area standards
  • Observes behavior and physical condition of animals, and reports concerns to area supervisor
  • Transfers animals between enclosures in accordance with department and area standards, and follows established safety guidelines
  • Provides approved enrichment to animals in compliance with behavior team requirements
  • Participates in approved training programs in compliance with behavior team requirements
  • Maintains daily electronic records to track animal behavior and well-being over time
  • Attends annual welfare assessments and submits regular welfare evaluations
  • Participates in data collection for approved behavior and research projects
  • Participates in animal medical procedures as directed by the area supervisor
  • Participates in animal escape drills and incidents as directed by the recapture coordinator
  • Conducts daily inspections of animal facilities, animal equipment and area buildings for structural defects and potential safety issues, and reports concerns to area supervisor
  • Performs minor repairs and maintenance of animal facilities, animal equipment and area buildings as needed
  • Maintains cleanliness of animal facilities, area buildings, public spaces and back of house areas
  • Implements pest control measures as needed, and in accordance with the Zoo's pest control program
  • Complies with all AZA standards and USDA regulations
  • Adheres to all policies and procedures of the department and the Zoo
  • May train new staff on daily area routines with oversight from higher level keepers or manager.

Communication (Internal and External):
  • Completes daily records for tracking animal health, animal behavior, enrichment and training
  • Reviews area records and updates in order to stay informed of new developments and changes in assigned area
  • Checks Zoo email regularly for updates from department and Zoo management
  • Provides area supervisor with timely updates on animal concerns
  • Actively participates in team meetings, discussions and debriefings
  • Adheres to the Zoo's communication policy regarding social media posts and confidentiality
  • Enhances the guest experience by actively engaging with visitors
  • Supports the Zoo's mission by sharing the organization's conservation messages with visitors and the general public

Management of Resources (Financial, Human Resources, Facilities):
  • Proper storage and use of animal food items and animal medications
  • Proper use and care of Zoo radios and cell phones, and timely reporting of issues
  • Safe use of Zoo vehicles and timely reporting of issues, including any accidents
  • Maintenance and safe use of tools and minor equipment, including kitchen knives

Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in zoology, biology, or a related field of study strongly preferred.

Experience/Training:
  • At least one year of animal care experience with applicable species preferred
  • Zoo experience preferred (paid or unpaid)
  • Understanding of current trends in animal training and behavior management
  • Able to collect and collate data for studying animal behavior
  • Familiarity with electronic communication and record-keeping
  • Must possess a valid driver's license

Traits Desirable:
  • Ability to work with a wide variety of individuals from ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds;
  • Ability to operate both independently and as part of a team in a productive, respectful, and efficient manner with proper time management skills;
  • Extremely well organized, self-directed, collaborative, and detail oriented; and,
  • Possess a positive attitude and a general philosophy/outlook in line with the Zoo's mission.

Equipment:
  • Must be able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including computer, telephone, radio, and vehicles, hand tools, animal restraint and capture devices, incubators, gardening/carpentry tools and machinery, scales, etc.

Working Conditions:
  • Must be able to lift 75 pounds with assistance and 50 pounds unassisted as needed;
  • Must be able to climb a ladder carrying up to 15 pounds;
  • Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 25 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
  • Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work; Must be able to stand and remain active for an eight-hour shift; must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, push, pull, climb, balance;
  • Must be able to travel large areas of the Zoo on foot as needed;
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, holidays, and special events;
  • Must be able to work in an outdoor weather environment in all seasons and weather, including heat/humidity, cold temperatures, and/or wet conditions;
  • Exposure to zoonotic diseases and risk of animal attack;
  • Exposure to potential environmental hazards such as poison oak/ivy, uneven terrain, insect bites/stings, and Hepatitis B depending on the position; and,
  • Initial tuberculosis (TB) test and physical required.

Benefits:
  • We offer an excellent benefits package including 24 days of Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick and Safe Leave, and 2 paid holidays.
  • Eligible for medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability and life insurance.
  • 401(k) with employer match.

Disclaimer:
The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified. Therefore, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change.
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