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Animal Education Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Peoria Park District

Animal Keeper

Peoria, IL · On-site

$20.96/hr

Duties: Under the supervision of the Animal Curator, the Animal Keeper will be responsible for ... Education : Four-year college degree in a related field. Although a degree is preferred, extensive ...

Santa Fe Animal Shelter

Animal Care Tech 1

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

The focus of responsibility for the Animal Care Tech I is to provide of extended animal care and ... in on-going education/training, including, but not limited to, on-line courses and in-person ...

Astrix Inc

Animal Technician

Plano, TX · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Animal Tech Experience/Education: * High school diploma with 2-3 years of related work experience. Associates Degree with 1-2 years of related work experience. * Bachelors in animal sciences is ...

Red Door Animal Shelter

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Red Door's mission is to promote respect for all animals through education, shelter, rehabilitation ... An Animal Care Steward is responsible for the day-to-day care of the shelter animals and cleaning ...

Red Door Animal Shelter

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Red Door's mission is to promote respect for all animals through education, shelter, rehabilitation ... An Animal Care Steward is responsible for the day-to-day care of the shelter animals and cleaning ...

Red Door Animal Shelter

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Red Door's mission is to promote respect for all animals through education, shelter, rehabilitation ... An Animal Care Steward is responsible for the day-to-day care of the shelter animals and cleaning ...

Red Door Animal Shelter

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Red Door's mission is to promote respect for all animals through education, shelter, rehabilitation ... An Animal Care Steward is responsible for the day-to-day care of the shelter animals and cleaning ...

Astrix Inc

Animal Technician

Plano, TX · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Animal Tech Experience/Education: * High school diploma with 2-3 years of related work experience. Associates Degree with 1-2 years of related work experience. * Bachelors in animal sciences is ...

Astrix Technology

Animal Technician

Plano, TX · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Animal Tech Experience/Education: * High school diploma with 2-3 years of related work experience.Associates Degree with 1-2 years of related work experience. * Bachelors in animal sciences is ...

Peoria Park District

Animal Keeper

Peoria, IL · On-site

$20.96/hr

Duties: Under the supervision of the Animal Curator, the Animal Keeper will be responsible for ... Education : Four-year college degree in a related field. Although adegree is preferred, extensive ...

Santa Fe Animal Shelter Inc

Animal Care Tech 1

Santa Fe, NM

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

The focus of responsibility for the Animal Care Tech I is to provide of extended animal care and ... Participating in on-going education/training, including, but not limited to, on-line courses and in ...

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Animal Education information

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How much do animal education jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal education 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 is animal education?

Animal education refers to the process of teaching people about animals, their habitats, behaviors, and the importance of their conservation. Professionals in this field often work in zoos, aquariums, wildlife centers, or educational institutions to create and deliver programs that raise public awareness about animal welfare and environmental stewardship. The goal is to inspire responsible attitudes toward animals and encourage actions that support their well-being. Animal educators may use live presentations, interactive exhibits, or classroom instruction to engage audiences of all ages.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in animal education?

To thrive in Animal Education, you need a solid background in animal science, biology, or education, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Experience with educational tools, presentation software, and sometimes animal handling or care certifications are typically required. Strong communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills help educators engage diverse audiences and foster curiosity. These skills ensure accurate information delivery, safe interactions with animals, and positive educational experiences for all participants.

How does an animal education specialist typically collaborate with other staff in a zoo or wildlife center setting?

Animal Education Specialists frequently work closely with animal care teams, veterinarians, and communications staff to create engaging educational programs. They coordinate with keepers to access up-to-date animal information and ensure presentations reflect current welfare standards. Additionally, they often partner with marketing or outreach departments to promote events and tailor content for diverse audiences. This collaborative environment helps ensure educational initiatives are accurate, impactful, and aligned with the organization's mission.

What is the difference between Animal Education vs Animal Care?

AspectAnimal EducationAnimal Care
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in education, zoology, or related fieldOften requires certification in animal handling or veterinary assistance
Work EnvironmentZoos, aquariums, educational programs, wildlife centersAnimal shelters, veterinary clinics, pet stores, zoos
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, wildlife organizations, museumsAnimal welfare organizations, veterinary practices, pet industry
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles related to teaching about animalsUnderstanding roles related to caring for animals

Animal Education focuses on teaching and informing the public about animals, often working in zoos or educational settings. Animal Care involves hands-on work with animals, providing daily care and health management. Both roles are vital in the animal industry but serve different purposes and require different skill sets.

More about Animal Education jobs

What cities are hiring for Animal Education jobs?

Cities with the most Animal Education job openings:

What states have the most Animal Education jobs?

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

What job categories do people searching Animal Education jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Education jobs are:

Animal Education jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Education job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,783 per year, or $21 per hour.

Animal Keeper

Peoria Park District

Peoria, IL • On-site

$20.96/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Duties: Under the supervision of the Animal Curator, the Animal Keeper will be responsible for:
  • Care for the wild and domestic animals in the Zoo's collection.
  • Clean and disinfect displays and off-site areas in a timely and efficient manner.
  • Clean and disinfect dishes, pans, and utensils used in diet preparation and animal care. Participate in all aspects of kitchen clean-up.
  • Keep work areas and public areas neat and orderly.
  • Prepare and distribute diets, assist in the formulation of diets, and the procurement of animal needs.
  • Assist in the handling of, administration of medication to, assisting in surgery, and record keeping of medications to assigned string.
  • Aide in the acquisition and distribution of consumable products necessary to maintain a wild animal population. Submit requests for animal supplies, expenditures, and bills to the Animal Curator.
  • Maintain accurate records and paperwork necessary to maintain a captive animal population.
  • Participate in preventative medicine/procedures and report animal health concerns to the Animal Curator or Zoo Director; serve as the liaison with the veterinarian as needed.
  • Recommend procedures for animal care, and research, and recommend animals for acquisition/disposition. Meet monthly in animal collection meetings as well as regularly with the Animal Curator to maintain information flow on the animal collection. Set goals and objectives based on review.
  • Participate in behavioral enhancement for the animal collection.
  • Report all malfunctions of heating, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical equipment and submit maintenance needs to the Animal Curator and maintenance staff.
  • Report emergencies and unusual situations to appropriate personnel.
  • Perform routine maintenance tasks as needed. Assist in exhibit repair and construction. Ensure exhibits are properly maintained for the species displayed and the general public.
  • Assist in programming and promotions of the zoo including working with volunteers. May be required to provide programming on an ongoing basis.
  • Wear the designated uniform during regular zoo hours.
  • Assume responsibility for knowing, being trained, and following all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed.
  • Follow all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed. Support all aspects of the Park District's safety program.
  • Perform other duties assigned:
    • which are reasonably related to the duties described; or
    • which need to be performed promptly to avoid safety hazards or to protect Park District property; or
    • which are not generally described in other job descriptions; or
    • when the amount of work exceeds the availability of Park District employees within the appropriate job classification.

Essential Functions:
  • Ability to reach, walk, pull, kneel, squat, and bend at the waist and knees.
  • Ability to understand and complete record keeping and paperwork relative to job duties.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Education: Four-year college degree in a related field. Although a degree is preferred, extensive experience in a similar position with similar duties and responsibilities may be substituted for all or part of the educational requirement.
Experience: One year of full-time experience in the care and maintenance of wild and/or domestic animals is required. A combination of education and experience may substitute.
Knowledge and Ability:
  • Basic knowledge of characteristics, diet, habits, and well-being of wild and domestic animals.
  • Aptitude for on-the-job training and ability to follow written and oral instructions.
  • Ability to work harmoniously with the public and fellow employees in a positive and cooperative manner.
  • Must be dependable, courteous, and able to work with people of all ages.
  • Ability to be professional, respectful, accountable, innovative, to follow safety procedures, and be equitable to both internal and external customers.
  • Requires valid Illinois State Driver's License.
  • Personal: Must demonstrate reliability, initiative, tact, and resourcefulness.
  • This position is represented by the AFSCME, AFL-CIO's Local Union No. 3774.

Benefits and Perks:
  • Paid sick days, vacation days, and holidays.
  • Longevity bonus program and wellness program.
  • Pension and retirement programs and Social Security participating.
  • Exceptional health plan.
  • Paid Life Insurance.
  • Disability Insurance.
  • Full-time employees and dependents enjoy discounted recreation classes and free admission to select Park District facilities.

The Peoria Park District hires without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, protected veteran status, or on the basis of any characteristic protected by law.
All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

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