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Animal Keeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Akron Zoo

Lead Avian Animal Keeper

Akron, OH · On-site

$27.23/hr

The Lead Avian Animal Keeper will be scheduled to work an animal routine multiple days each week depending upon the needs of the Zoo. They will maintain training and knowledge of all the routines ...

Akron Zoological Park

Lead Avian Animal Keeper

Akron, OH · On-site

$27.23/hr

The Lead Avian Animal Keeper will be scheduled to work an animal routine multiple days each week depending upon the needs of the Zoo. They will maintain training and knowledge of all the routines ...

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Oglebay

Oglebay Good Zoo Animal Keeper 2

Wheeling, WV · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Cleans and maintains animal habitats, service areas, and guest areas around and adjacent to ... Supervises and assigns work to zoo volunteers and interns scheduled in keeper's area of ...

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Akron Zoological Park

Lead Avian Animal Keeper

Akron, OH · On-site

$27.23/hr

The Lead Avian Animal Keeper will be scheduled to work an animal routine multiple days each week depending upon the needs of the Zoo. They will maintain training and knowledge of all the routines ...

fwzoo

Animal Programs Swing Keeper

Fort Worth, TX

Present keeper talks to park visitors and media as required • Feed live prey and or euthanize ... animal facilities, equipment and life support systems (as apply) as trained for specific positions ...

Z&A Management

Senior Animal Keeper

Folsom, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Behind every thriving animal is a perfectly balanced environment. At NorCal Aquarium and Wildlife Adventures our Senior Environmental Quality Keeper plays a critical leadership role in ensuring that ...

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fwzoo

Aquatic Ectotherms Keeper

Fort Worth, TX

... keeper (use check sheet, record observations, accurate communication, clean and feed, etc.) • ... Each animal must have an updated cage card (if applicable) and records in TRACKS • Animal ...

Fort Worth Zoo

Temporary Mammal Keeper

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

Demonstrated knowledge of: • Operations, services, and activities of a zoo animal program • ... record keeping Must possess ability to: • Work with a variety of domestic and wild animals • ...

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Animal Keeper information

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How much do animal keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal keeper in the United States is $19.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $23.32 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.
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Animal Keeper jobs near you
Animal Keeper - Primate Department (Multiple Positions)

Animal Keeper - Primate Department (Multiple Positions)

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 33 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

Animal Keeper – Primate Department
The Cincinnati Zoo amp; Botanical Garden is known for many things- our conservation efforts, our green initiatives, our friendly staff… but did you know that we have a strong set of core values that make us the best team around, and a Top Workplace in Cincinnati? We’re more than coworkers… we’re family. By building Collaborative Relationships, displaying Positivity amp; Energy, having Pride, Passion amp; a Sense of Ownership, supporting Accountability, Mutual Trust amp; Respect, and embracing Progressive Thinking, we have built a team of dedicated staff that focuses on our visitors, our community amp; our future.
This is what we believe and how we act. If this gets you fired up, we look forward to having you join the team!
We are hiring for NEW positions added to each CZBG primate team!
Jungle Trails – Bonobos, Orangutans, Gibbons (multiple species), Gray’s Guenon, Black Howler Monkeys, White-Faced Saki Monkeys, Golden Headed Lion Tamarin, Sifaka, Aye-Aye, Greater Galago, Potto, Pygmy Slow Lorises
Primate Center – 3 Gorilla Troops, Gibbons, Guereza Colobus, Lemur
Description: These are full-time (40 hours per week with benefits) Union keeper positions, which are subject to the successful completion of a probationary (or trial period) and the deduction of union dues. Regular off-days will be determined upon hire but will fall between Monday thru Friday. The area schedule consists of 4 10-hour days.
Summary: These positions encompass skilled professional and technical work in the routine daily care of assigned animals, enclosures, and related facilities in the Primate Department.
Position Benefits:
  • Union negotiated pay rates, with a starting range between 22.27-28.65 per hour, determined by years of field experience.
  • 200 PTO hours accrued throughout the first year of service, 80 of which is loaded into the PTO bank upon hire
  • Competitive benefit packages and retirement matching programs
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • Facility culture that highlights the following core values:
    • Collaborative Relationships
    • Pride, Passion, and a Sense of Ownership
    • Positivity and Energy
    • Accountability, Mutual Trust, and Respect
    • Progressive Thinking
  • Intentional professional development opportunities, for both animal care and "people” skills
Qualifications:
  • Demonstration of excellent communication and problem-solving skills, while applying good judgment, to deliver animal care and guest experiences that meet the highest standards
  • Demonstration of knowledge and successful experience in animal husbandry, operant conditioning, and understanding of modern zoological practices
  • Ability to understand and adhere to area safety policies and best practices
  • The ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with co-workers (including staff, interns, students and volunteers)
  • A degree in the biological sciences or related field, preferred
  • 2 years of primate husbandry experience in an AZA institution, preferred
  • Experience with outdoor habitat maintenance is preferred
***Equivalent combinations of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job will be considered***
Duties:
  • Clean animal displays, holding areas, service areas, public sections and grounds
  • Complete inspection of all enclosures to ensure the safety of the animals
  • Identify maintenance issues and correct or repair each as required, reporting non-correctable maintenance issues, including potential safety hazards, to the Team Leader and/or Zoological Manager
  • Observe general animal health and behavior, on a daily basis, and report any abnormal circumstances to a supervisor
  • Maintain records of health, behavior, enrichment, operant conditioning and visitor engagement
  • Prepare and follow prescribed diets and feeding procedures for the animal collection
  • Perform operant conditioning and enrichment programs in assigned areas
  • Instruct new personnel in the proper methods of animal care and handling consistent with approved policies and procedures
  • Assist in the training, supervision, evaluation of volunteers, interns, and vocational students, as needed
  • Assist animal health and curatorial staff with animal handling, capture, restraint, transport and medication administration
  • Support visitor engagement programs
  • Interact with the public and Zoo staff in a professional and courteous manner
  • Make decisions consistent with the Cincinnati Zoo amp; Botanical Garden policies and procedures when required
  • Perform daily duties in all sections of assigned department as required
  • Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor.
Working Conditions: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; climb or balance and grasp objects. In addition, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions; Must be able to lift amp; move 50 pounds without mechanical assistance; possess a valid driver’s license (and insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle).
We offer a highly competitive benefits package supporting our employees’ Total Well-Being, including comprehensive amp; affordable medical, dental amp; vision coverage (starting the first day of the month following date of hire); free mental health counseling, 401(k) plan with company match; flexible spending accounts; company-paid disability amp; life insurance; park discounts and free passes.
To Apply: Cover letter and resume should be attached to your online application

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