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Animal Enrichment Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stark County Auditor

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

The Stark County Park District is currently seeking unpaid, part-time Wildlife Ambassador Enrichment interns to further their education in animal enrichment and experience at our Wildlife ...

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Animal Enrichment information

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How much do animal enrichment jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal enrichment 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 typical daily responsibilities for an Animal Enrichment professional?

Animal Enrichment professionals spend their days designing, implementing, and evaluating enrichment activities that stimulate the physical and mental health of animals in their care. Responsibilities often include observing animal behaviors, creating activity plans, preparing and distributing varied enrichment devices or foods, and documenting the results. Teamwork is common, requiring collaboration with keepers, veterinarians, and education staff to tailor enrichment strategies to individual animals. This dynamic workday ensures animals experience a stimulating environment tailored to their species-specific needs.

What is an Animal Enrichment job?

An Animal Enrichment job involves designing and implementing activities that enhance the physical and mental well-being of animals in captivity, such as those in zoos, shelters, or research facilities. These professionals create stimulating environments, provide interactive toys, and develop behavioral training to encourage natural instincts. The goal is to reduce stress, prevent boredom, and promote overall health. This role often requires knowledge of animal behavior, creative problem-solving, and collaboration with animal care teams.

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

To thrive in Animal Enrichment, you need a solid background in animal behavior, biology, or zoology, often supported by relevant degrees or experience in animal care. Familiarity with enrichment planning software, behavioral observation tools, and safety protocols is commonly required. Creativity, patience, strong observational skills, and collaboration are essential soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial to designing effective enrichment activities that promote animal well-being and comply with facility standards.

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What cities are hiring for Animal Enrichment jobs? Cities with the most Animal Enrichment job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Enrichment jobs? The most popular types of Animal Enrichment jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Enrichment jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Enrichment jobs include:
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Animal Enrichment jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Enrichment job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,783 per year, or $21 per hour.

Animal Enrichment Internship 2026

Columbus Zoo Family of Parks

Powell, OH

$13.25 - $18/hr

Internship

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

The goal of our animal enrichment internships is to conceptualize and build animal enrichment devices that will stimulate our animals mentally and physically in order to promote species appropriate behaviors.  Through interactions with keeper staff and observations of multiple species both before and after enrichment is given, students will gain an understanding of species specific behaviors, what is needed to stimulate or deter specific behaviors and the process used to approve and evaluate enrichment items.


Responsibilities will include but are not limited to conceptualizing new enrichment items, utilizing the current system for approval, construction of items to meet all safety standards, observation and documentation of the use of these items, and modifications to items as needed.  In addition, the interns will assist the keeper staff in the maintenance of our current monthly enrichment calendars and enrichment tracking sheets.  Interns may also be responsible for delivering educational interpretation to the general public regarding animal enrichment.  Interns will also be required to complete various quizzes, trainings, projects, and a final reflection paper assigned by the department.


  • Second Year College Student or recent graduate (2 years or less).
  • 3.0 or above accumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale preferred.
  • TB test required upon starting.
  • General interest in animal behavior and a willingness to work around exotics.
  • Demonstrated ability in the use of power tools and basic construction
  • Basic computer knowledge preferred (Word, Excel, Internet explorer)
  • Ability to perform strenuous physical work required (see Physical Demands section on next page)
  • Ability to balance multiple assignments successfully.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must be neat in appearance and maintain courteous behavior at all times.
  • Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships with all Zoo team members and contacts regarding company business required.
  • Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures including but not limited to safety protocols required.
  • Ability to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests and upholding the Make It G.R.E.A.T. guest services standards.
  • Ability to work in varied weather conditions (i.e. extreme heat, cold, rain, snow).
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings and holidays (July 4th, Memorial Day, Columbus Day) required.
  • Subject to BMV check.
  • Subject to Criminal Background check.
The RISE Scholarship, generously funded by Battelle, is now open! Eligible interns can apply for a $5,000 scholarship supporting handson, missiondriven internship experiences across the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds—applications are open May 1– June 30, 2026.
To Apply to the RISE Scholarship, please visit: https://www.columbuszoo.org/rise-scholarships

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