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Animal Keeper Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Allegan County

Animal Caretaker - Part-time

Allegan, MI · On-site

$17.83/hr

The position will also handle administrative tasks such as animal intake, keeping an inventory of animal food and shelter supplies and keeping records of animal care activities. Starting Wage: $17.83 ...

Allegan County

Animal Caretaker - Part-time

Allegan, MI · On-site

The position will also handle administrative tasks such as animal intake, keeping an inventory of animal food and shelter supplies and keeping records of animal care activities. Starting Wage: $17.83 ...

Daybreak Foods, Inc.

Animal Caretaker

Martin, MI · On-site

$17.33/hr

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key ... Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors locked to protect ...

Daybreak Foods, Inc.

Animal Caretaker

Otsego, MI · On-site

$17.33/hr

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key ... Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors locked to protect ...

Daybreak Foods, Inc.

Animal Caretaker

Holland, MI · On-site

$17.33/hr

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key ... Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors locked to protect ...

Daybreak Foods

Animal Caretaker

Martin, MI · On-site

$17.33/hr

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key ... Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors locked to protect ...

Daybreak Foods

Animal Caretaker

Otsego, MI · On-site

$17.33/hr

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key ... Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors locked to protect ...

Daybreak Foods

Animal Caretaker

Holland, MI · On-site

$17.33/hr

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key ... Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors locked to protect ...

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How much do animal keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal keeper in Michigan is $17.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $20.34 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.
More about Animal Keeper jobs

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The most popular types of Animal Keeper jobs in Michigan are:

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For Animal Keeper jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Keeper jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Keeper jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Keeper jobs in MI?

For Animal Keeper jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Animal Keeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Keeper job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,650 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Reptile Keeper (Evergreen)

Josh's Frogs

Owosso, MI • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Josh’s Frogs is a fast-growing online pet store and leader in the industry, and we pride ourselves on selling only happy, healthy captive-bred amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates, and aquatics. We respect and protect our people and animals, value integrity, and commit to constant improvement. We promote from within and offer ample opportunities for growth and advancement.
**This job ad is evergreen, meaning it will remain open for the foreseeable future. We are not actively hiring for this position at this time, but someone from our recruiting team may be in contact to get you into consideration for future openings.**
Do you have more cold-blooded buddies than warm ones? Does the thought of working with hundreds every day fill you with a sense of satisfaction? We’re looking for individuals with hands-on experience to be full-time Reptile Keepers opening in our Animal Department. As members of the Animal Department, you’ll be ensuring we provide excellent care for our reptiles and that they produce healthy offspring for sale. Your primary responsibilities will include feeding, husbandry, and observing numerous reptile genera. If you have your own menagerie at home and want to make your hobby a career, you’ve come to the right place!
Full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM
$16.00/hour
Benefits include:
Health, dental, and vision Insurance (Josh’s Frogs contributes 80% for single and family coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield)
Paid time off (Holiday, Sick, and Vacation, with Sick pay and 24 Holiday hours added upon hire)
Short-term and long-term disability
$50,000 life insurance
Fully vested 401(k) (100% company matching up to 3%, then 50% match up to 6%), with additional options for Roth
Free membership to Calm Premium (including up to 5 dependents)
Generous employee discount on the Josh’s Frogs website
Free breakfast, snacks, and coffee provided at work
Travel opportunities for expos/shows (in some positions)

Day-to-day tasks include:
Reptile care and husbandry
Research and data entry
Prep tasks
Meetings and team-building
​Maintaining work area cleanliness
For this position, you MUST possess:
Working knowledge of reptiles
Experience caring for and breeding reptiles
Strong communication skills
Special consideration is given to those with:
Professional herpetology experience
Examples of how an employee could exhibit our core values in this position:
Integrity - Quick to communicate mistakes
One Team - Getting along well with everyone and being willing to help others in other divisions when necessary
Constantly Growing - Taking feedback well and immediately applying it
Herpetoculture is booming, and we're the proof! Josh's Frogs was one of the INC 5000's fastest-growing businesses in 2022, and we're proud of it. What's more impressive is that this is Josh's Frogs' FIFTH year in a row on the INC 5000 List! Only 5% of businesses have made the list five years consecutively. One of our core values isn’t “constantly growing” for nothing; the proof is in the pond. Come join the team and expand alongside one of America’s top-growing companies!
It is the policy of Josh’s Frogs to provide equal employment opportunity in recruitment, selection, training, compensation, promotion, job transfer, and assignments. These opportunities and other conditions of employment are extended to qualified applicants and employees regardless of an individual’s race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, and/or other protected categories under applicable laws.

It is also the policy of Josh’s Frogs to make reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities, and to extend employment opportunities to such persons, as well as to special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam era, Recently Separated Veterans, Armed Forces Service Medal Veterans, and other protected veterans. The Vice President of Human Resources is the Equal Employment policy officer for the company.

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