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Animal Keeper Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

IN

$45K - $54K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY The Animal Care Technician shall provide animal care and upkeep animal areas in ... Responsible for maintaining and keeping health and herd management records * Perform estrus ...

Keeps accurate records of feeding, cleaning, and care of animals * Maintains responsibility for sanitation of the animal buildings, cages and support areas Qualifications: * Education and experience

GENERAL JOB STATEMENT The Animal Production Technician is responsible for assisting with the daily ... record keeping. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE High School diploma or GED and experience in the swine ...

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Animal Keeper information

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$10

$18

$26

How much do animal keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal keeper in Indiana is $18.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $22.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Animal Keeper Do?

An animal keeper works at a zoo or other wildlife reserve. As an animal keeper, you ensure that the animals under your supervision receive proper care. Your duties include feeding animals, cleaning and maintaining cages or exhibits, monitoring the animals for any signs of behavioral or health problems, and working with other keepers to make sure facility operations are running smoothly. Qualifications for the job vary. Some animal keepers can find work with a high school diploma or GED certificate, while others seek post-secondary instruction in natural science courses. Observational and animal-handling skills are crucial, so aspiring animal keepers should gain experience working with animals in any capacity.

What are some typical challenges Animal Keepers face in their daily work, and how can they be addressed?

Animal Keepers often encounter challenges such as managing the diverse needs of different species, maintaining rigorous cleanliness standards, and responding to animal health issues promptly. Adapting to variable schedules, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays, is also common. Effective communication with veterinarians and other staff is essential for ensuring animal welfare. Building strong observation skills and staying updated on best practices in animal care can help keepers address these challenges successfully.

How do you become an animal keeper?

To become an animal keeper, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience caring for animals through volunteering or internships. Relevant skills include knowledge of animal behavior, safety procedures, and sometimes certifications in animal handling or first aid; a background in biology or zoology can also be beneficial.

Do zookeepers make a lot of money?

Zookeepers typically earn modest salaries, with the median annual pay around $30,000 to $40,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the size of the institution, and many zookeepers pursue certifications or specialized training to advance their careers.

How much do animal keepers earn?

Animal keepers typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $25,000 to $40,000, depending on experience, location, and the type of animals they care for. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced keepers or those working in specialized environments can earn higher wages. Certifications and skills in animal handling can also influence earning potential.

What qualifications do you need to be an animal keeper?

Animal keepers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant experience or education in animal care, biology, or zoology. Certifications in animal handling, first aid, or specific species care can be beneficial, and physical stamina is often required due to the physical nature of the work.

What are animal keepers?

Animal keepers are professionals responsible for the daily care, feeding, and well-being of animals in facilities such as zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, and research centers. Their duties often include cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health and behavior, preparing diets, and providing enrichment to encourage natural behaviors. Animal keepers may also assist with breeding programs, medical treatments, and educational outreach to the public. This role requires a strong commitment to animal welfare and a willingness to work in various weather conditions, often including weekends and holidays.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Keeper, and why are they important?

To excel as an Animal Keeper, you typically need knowledge of animal care, husbandry practices, and a degree in biology, zoology, or a related field. Familiarity with animal management software, safety protocols, and sometimes certification such as AZA Professional Development is often required. Strong observation skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for monitoring animal health and interacting with the public or team members. These competencies ensure the well-being of animals, compliance with regulations, and positive visitor experiences in zoological settings.
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Animal Keeper jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Animal Keeper job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Keeper jobs in IN? For Animal Keeper jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Animal Keeper job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,921 per year, or $18.7 per hour.
Seasonal Primate Keeper

Seasonal Primate Keeper

Indianapolis Zoo

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$13/hr

Temporary

Posted 10 days ago


Indianapolis Zoo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 36 rated wildlife parks and zoos


Job description

The Indianapolis Zoo's Primate Department is searching for a seasonal keeper to join our team. This position will primarily care for our chimpanzee, orangutan, baboon, gibbon, and tamarin residents. Duties include cleaning and maintaining animal environments, preparing and distributing daily enrichment, observing animal behavior, ensuring optimal animal welfare, supporting a variety of research activities, and educating zoo guests.
Ideal candidates are committed to advancing the Zoo's mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. Having a professional attitude and appearance to visitors, volunteers, and co-workers is vital to the position as well as being a team-oriented individual that is temperamentally suited to work with the public and animals. Prior experience working with primates is highly desired. This is a seasonal, 40 hours per week position that requires availability to work weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. Seasonal assignments are temporary in nature and are expected to last approximately six (6) months with a pay rate of $13.00/ hr.
Position Requirements and Experience (Note: there are strenuous physical requirements to this position including but not limited to):
  • Minimum of one (1) year animal care experience, preferably with primates, is preferred. College course work in a suitable animal-related field may be substituted for work experience.
  • Demonstrates patience, gentleness, respect, and consistency with animals in their care.
  • Displays a professional attitude and appearance to visitors, volunteers, and co-workers.
  • Completes daily husbandry tasks and recordkeeping.
  • Ability to work outdoors and indoors under all environmental conditions and temperatures.
  • Ability to transport and move items, exerting at least 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/ or up to 50 pounds of force frequently.
  • Ability to ascend/ descend ladders, steps, and uneven terrain, while maintaining body equilibrium while performing various jobs.
  • Ability to crouch, bend, kneel for prolonged periods of time.
  • Exceptional visual acuity is required, along with the ability to communicate, comprehend, and decipher information accurately, using a two-way radio.
  • Possible occupational exposure (Category B employee) to human bloodborne pathogens. Possible exposure to dangerous chemicals (e.g. chlorine bleach, cleaning agents, etc.) Must follow Universal Protection Precautions and Bloodborne Pathogens Guidelines.
  • High school diploma or equivalent is required. Bachelor's degree in a Life Science area from an accredited college/university in life sciences is strongly preferred.

To apply:
  • Interested candidates must complete an online application.
  • Interested applicants must include a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to be considered.

Employment at the Indianapolis Zoo is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a background check, motor vehicle check (if applicable) and a drug test.

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