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Animal Keeper Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

City of Garden City (KS)

Animal Keeper

Garden City, KS · On-site

$18.93 - $23.08/hr

Description The City of Garden City is accepting applications for Animal Keeper with the Lee Richardson Zoo. This position is responsible for the care and maintenance of animals, habitats, grounds ...

City of Garden City, KS

Animal Keeper

Garden City, KS · On-site

$18.93 - $23.08/hr

Zoo Animal Care Opening Date: 08/21/2026 Closing Date: 9/4/2026 11:59 PM Central Description The City of Garden City is accepting applications for Animal Keeper with the Lee Richardson Zoo. This ...

City of Manhattan Kansas

Animal Keeper I

Manhattan, KS · On-site

$19.06 - $22.87/hr

Maintains exhibits, service areas and public areas through minor repairs or by reporting needed repairs to maintenance department or Head Keeper/Animal Curator. * Reports daily activities and the ...

New

TANGANYIKA WILDLIFE PARK LLC

BRAVO Keeper

Goddard, KS · On-site

$16/hr

Participate in animal training and behavioral husbandry to support welfare and cooperative care ... Desire to grow as a team member, animal keeper, and human being * Ability to stand or walk and be ...

Ceva Santé Animale

Animal Services Technician I

Lenexa, KS · On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

... record keeping in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). This includes compliance for research activities and documentation. • Animal Welfare ...

Ceva Santé Animale

Animal Services Technician I

Lenexa, KS · On-site

$11.25 - $14.50/hr

Documentation and Compliance requires accurate and concurrent record keeping in accordance with ... Animal Welfare: prioritizing the welfare of animals within AVMA, USDA and company regulations and ...

WESTWOOD ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Veterinarian

Westwood, KS · On-site

$95K - $135K/yr

Westwood Animal Hospital is seeking a full-time associate veterinarian to join our AAHA-accredited ... while keeping pet restraint to a minimum, and have strong but easy-going client and staff ...

WESTWOOD ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Veterinarian

Westwood, KS · On-site

$95K - $135K/yr

Westwood Animal Hospital is seeking a full-time associate veterinarian to join our AAHA-accredited ... while keeping pet restraint to a minimum, and have strong but easy-going client and staff ...

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Animal Keeper information

See Kansas salary details

$10

$17

$25

How much do animal keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal keeper in Kansas is $17.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $20.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal keeper?

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 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 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 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 much do animal keepers earn?

Animal keepers typically earn between $25,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of animals cared for. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and working in larger or more prominent facilities.

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 demands of the job.
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For Animal Keeper jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Animal Keeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Keeper job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,478 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Animal Keeper

City of Garden City (KS)

Garden City, KS • On-site

$18.93 - $23.08/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provide care for animals by preparing diets, feeding, cleaning, and maintaining habitats and related structures.

  • Perform daily observations of animals to monitor health and behavior, and assist with medical treatments and veterinary procedures as needed.

  • Communicate with visitors for educational, behavioral, and safety purposes, and assist with training and documentation related to animal care.

Job description

Description The City of Garden City is accepting applications for Animal Keeper with the Lee Richardson Zoo. This position is responsible for the care and maintenance of animals, habitats, grounds and facilities, as well as some clerical responsibilities. Examples of Duties Provides care (prepares diets for, feeds and cleans) for animals and maintains habitats, related structures, and surrounding non-public areas.

Perform daily observation of animals to identify normal and abnormal behaviors related to husbandry/health issues; coordinate with senior staff on animal training programs to facilitate husbandry behaviors. Communicate questions or concerns regarding medical/health issues of specimens in collection to supervisor. Assist with treatment as directed including administering medication.

Provides behavioral and psychological enrichment for animals. Communicate with visitors as needed for educational (delivers public talks/demos) and behavioral/safety purposes. Disposes of trash and debris in zoo.

Maintains landscaping and grounds for and around habitats. Services and maintains tools and equipment and facilities to ensure safe use, includes opening and closing of facilities. Follows all safety rules and regulations, policies and procedures.

Attends regular safety meetings. Assists with training for new keepers or seasonal staff as assigned. Documents observations and information on animal health, behavior, diet, enrichment, and facilities for department records.

Assists with veterinary procedures if needed. Performs basic health care procedures (hoof trims, etc.) as assigned. Typical Qualifications Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Skill in the use and maintenance of tools and equipment

Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. Knowledge of animal diet preparation, general biology, and behavior. Knowledge of maintenance methods and materials.

Ability to receive, understand, and carry out verbal and written instruction, direction, and assignments. Ability to perform physical work activities in varying weather conditions. Ability to communicate and cooperate with city employees and to deal with the public in an effective and positive manner.

Education, Certification and Experience: Valid Kansas driver's license required. A.S. degree in one of the life sciences with at least two years of full-time, paid experience working with animals in an accredited institution; OR B.S

degree in one of the life sciences with experience working with animals; OR Five years full-time, paid experience working with animals in an accredited institution. Supplemental Information Environment: Work is performed in all types of weather. Majority of work is performed outside with indoor work in cages, barns and compounds housing animals.

Weather conditions include extreme, moderate and temperate cold and heat; snow, ice, fog, rain, sleet, hail, high and gusting winds, humid and dry conditions. Works with chemicals as required. Surfaces: Sand, gravel, dirt, asphalt, concrete, rock, clay, indoor & outdoor ponds and waterfall.

Some chemicals and medication involved. Physical Characteristics: Ability to lift up to 75 lbs., push, pull, bend, stoop, kneel, climb, carry, shovel, rake, scoop, sit, stand, see, hear, drive, tug, speak and sweep.

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