ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Encounters Jobs (NOW HIRING)

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsAnimal Encounters Jobs

Animal Encounters information

See salary details

$9

$21

$27

How much do animal encounters jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal encounters 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 some common challenges faced by professionals working in animal encounters roles at zoos or wildlife centers?

Professionals in Animal Encounters roles often face the challenge of balancing animal welfare with providing engaging guest experiences. They must ensure that interactions are safe for both animals and visitors, requiring close teamwork with animal care staff and strict adherence to safety protocols. Additionally, adapting educational messages to diverse audiences and managing unpredictable animal behavior are typical aspects of the job. Collaboration with veterinarians, educators, and operations teams is essential to create positive, educational, and safe encounters.

What is an animal encounter?

Animal Encounters are interactive experiences that allow people to get up close with animals, often in a controlled environment like a zoo, aquarium, sanctuary, or wildlife park. These encounters may include feeding, touching, or learning about different species under the supervision of trained staff. The goal is to educate visitors, promote conservation, and foster a deeper appreciation for animals and their habitats. These programs typically prioritize animal welfare and safety for both the animals and participants.

What is the difference between Animal Encounters vs Animal Care Specialist?

AspectAnimal EncountersAnimal Care Specialist
Required CredentialsBasic animal handling, customer service skillsVeterinary or animal science certifications, animal handling experience
Work EnvironmentZoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, educational eventsAnimal shelters, veterinary clinics, research facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEntertainment, education, tourismAnimal welfare, healthcare, research
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles involving direct animal interaction with visitorsUnderstanding roles focused on animal health and care

Animal Encounters typically involve engaging with visitors through interactive animal experiences, often in entertainment or educational settings. Animal Care Specialists focus on the health, well-being, and medical needs of animals in shelters, clinics, or research. While both roles require animal handling skills, Animal Encounters emphasize customer interaction, whereas Animal Care Specialists prioritize animal health and welfare.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an animal encounters role?

To excel in an Animal Encounters position, you typically need a background in animal science, biology, or a related field, along with experience handling and caring for various species. Familiarity with animal care protocols, safety equipment, and potentially certification in first aid or animal handling is essential. Strong communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills help you engage and educate diverse audiences while ensuring safety. These skills are crucial for both the well-being of the animals and for providing safe, informative, and engaging experiences to visitors.
More about Animal Encounters jobs

What cities are hiring for Animal Encounters jobs?

Cities with the most Animal Encounters job openings:

What states have the most Animal Encounters jobs?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Animal Encounters jobs are:

Animal Encounters jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Encounters job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,783 per year, or $21 per hour.

Wild Encounters Office Associate

Wildlife Conservation Society

New York, NY

$19/hr

Part-time

Posted 17 days ago

Wildlife Conservation Society rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description


Position: Wild Encounters Office Associate
Reports to: Manager, VIP Experiences
Position Managed: N/A
Location: Bronx Zoo
Department: Visitor Services
Scope: Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium
Position Type: Part Time
Pay Range: $19/hr
Job Summary:
We have an immediate opening for an Office Associate on the Wild Encounters team at the Bronx
Zoo. This position plays a vital role in the success of our popular up-close animal programs and
exclusive tours. The position's core responsibility is providing superior service to guests before,
during, and after their VIP experience. This includes handling phone calls and email
correspondence, booking reservations, processing tickets and payments, and supporting the
operations of the Wild Encounters team.
Major Responsibilities: 
  • Developing a thorough understanding of Wild Encounters programs, policies and guest experience, to provide appropriate visit information and assist VIP guests with planning their zoo visit or virtual experience.
  • Performing professional customer service and reliable administrative tasks with accurate order processing, and clear communication with guests and staff.
  • Working collaboratively within and across department teams including, but not limited to, Guest Relations, Groups Sales and Membership.
  • Maintaining accurate knowledge of general park attractions and amenities. Answer questions and provide information to help create highly satisfying visitor experiences, in accordance with WCS standards of guest service.
  • Up-sell other unique experiences, programming, and/or annual Membership options, to help cultivate long-lasting relationships with clients and WCS.
  • Assist with VIP programming needs including but not limited to guest check-in, escorting guests, and driving VIP vehicles.
  • Aid in preparations for the day, including but not limited to: performing roster checks, creating roster reports, monitoring new ticket sales and supporting Host operations.

EOE/ AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled
#LI-DNI

What Wildlife Conservation Society employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply