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Animal Keeper Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

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$10

$17

$25

How much do animal keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal keeper in Utah is $17.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $21.25 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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For Animal Keeper jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

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

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

Animal Keeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Keeper job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,236 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Animal Keeper

Layton Aquarium & Wildlife Encounters LLC

Layton, UT

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Bring Curiosity to Life. Care for Animals. Inspire Every Guest. 

At NorCal Aquarium & Wildlife Center, Animal Keepers do more than care for animals—they create moments of connection that spark curiosity, empathy, and lifelong respect for wildlife. 

As an Animal Keeper, you’ll play a hands-on role in animal care while helping guests experience the wonder of the natural world up close. Whether you’re preparing habitats, observing animal behavior, or sharing stories with families, your work directly supports animal welfare, education, and conservation. 

If you’re passionate about animals, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and enjoy engaging with people just as much as caring for wildlife—this role is for you. 

What You’ll Do 

Animal Care & Husbandry 

  • Provide daily care for a diverse collection of animals, including feeding, cleaning, habitat maintenance, and enrichment  

  • Follow established procedures to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare and safety  

  • Observe animals closely and report any changes in behavior, appetite, or health  

  • Support animal movements, introductions, and routine care activities  

Guest Experience & Education 

  • Engage guests in meaningful, memorable interactions throughout the facility  

  • Share animal stories, fun facts, and conservation messaging in a way that is approachable and engaging  

  • Help guests understand the “why” behind animal care and conservation efforts  

  • Maintain awareness of guest safety and exhibit boundaries in a dynamic environment  

Mission & Conservation 

  • Actively support the organization’s mission through daily actions and guest interactions  

  • Inspire guests to care about wildlife, conservation, and responsible stewardship  

  • Represent the organization with professionalism, enthusiasm, and authenticity  

Safety & Operations 

  • Follow all safety protocols, PPE requirements, and emergency procedures  

  • Maintain clean, organized, and safe animal care areas  

  • Respond quickly to changing environments to protect both animals and guests  

  • Participate in drills, training, and ongoing safety education  

Growth & Development 

  • Learn and apply animal care techniques, handling skills, and education strategies  

  • Participate in training and actively seek feedback  

  • Build knowledge across species, habitats, and conservation topics  

  • Grow into increased responsibility over time  

Teamwork & Culture 

  • Collaborate with Animal Care, Guest Services, and leadership teams  

  • Communicate clearly, respectfully, and proactively  

  • Show up reliably and contribute to a positive, solutions-focused team environment  

What You Bring 

Required 

  • Degree in Zoology, Marine Biology, Animal Science, or a related field  

  • Passion for animal care, education, and conservation  

  • Comfort working in a guest-facing, interactive environment  

  • Strong communication and teamwork skills  

  • Willingness to learn, take direction, and follow established procedures  

  • Ability to work on your feet, indoors and outdoors, in a physically active role  

Preferred 

  • Hands-on experience with animals in a professional, academic, or volunteer setting  

  • Experience in education, public speaking, or customer service  

  • Background in biology, animal science, or environmental education  

Physical & Environmental Requirements 

  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds  

  • Ability to work around animals, water systems, cleaning agents, and food prep areas  

  • Ability to stay alert and responsive in a fast-paced, guest-facing environment  

What Success Looks Like 

  • Animals in your care are healthy, safe, and thriving  

  • Guests leave with a memorable, positive experience  

  • You consistently follow procedures while growing your skills  

  • You build strong, collaborative relationships with your team  

  • You contribute to a culture of safety, accountability, and passion  

Schedule Expectations 

This role requires a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays. Shifts may vary based on operational needs, and reliability is essential. 

Why Join Us? 

  • Be part of a mission-driven team making a real impact  

  • Work hands-on with animals in a dynamic, engaging environment  

  • Grow your career in animal care, education, and conservation  

  • Create meaningful experiences for guests every day