ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Keeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Manhattan Kansas

Animal Keeper I

Manhattan, KS

$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 ...

Z&A Management

Senior Animal Keeper

Folsom, CA

$22 - $24/hr

The Senior Animal Keeper is responsible for the overall health, wellness, and environmental management of the facility's terrestrial and aquatic animal collections. This role combines expertise in ...

Z&A Management

Senior Animal Keeper

Folsom, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

The Senior Animal Keeper is responsible for the overall health, wellness, and environmental management of the facility's terrestrial and aquatic animal collections. This role combines expertise in ...

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 ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsAnimal Keeper Jobs

Animal Keeper information

See salary details

$11

$19

$28

How much do animal keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 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.

Do zookeepers make good money?

Zookeepers typically earn a median annual salary of around $30,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and the institution. Entry-level positions may pay less, while specialized roles or those with advanced certifications can earn higher wages. The job often requires physical work, animal handling skills, and sometimes working weekends or 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 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.

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.
More about Animal Keeper jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Keeper jobs? Cities with the most Animal Keeper job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Keeper jobs? The most popular types of Animal Keeper jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Animal Keeper jobs? The top employers for Animal Keeper jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Keeper jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Keeper jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animal Keeper jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Keeper jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Keeper jobs? For Animal Keeper jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Animal Keeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Keeper job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,902 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Animal Keeper (Wild Animal Keeper) - Full Time - Bergen County Zoo - Department of Parks

Bergen County

Hackensack, NJ • On-site

$37K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Animal Keeper (Wild Animal Keeper) - Full Time - Bergen County Zoo - Department of Parks
Organizational Overview:
The Bergen County Zoo provides a clean, aesthetically pleasing facility that meets or exceeds the physical, environmental, and behavioral needs of the animals in its care. The goal of the zoo is to develop and maintain exhibits which emphasize natural behavior, encourage longevity, and promote breeding success. The zoo provides a unique and effective educational experience that fosters an appreciation for the interrelationships between the animals and their environments. It provides an enjoyable recreational experience for the residents and visitors of Bergen County.
Job Description:
This employment opportunity is to serve as the Animal Keeper at the Bergen County Zoo. Under direction, feeds and cares for mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians in accordance with established programs; carries out regular husbandry programs of cages, pens, paddocks, and other areas; provides daily enrichment to animal collection in accordance with AZA and USDA guidelines. Does related work as required.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Ability to care for and feed domesticated and non-domesticated animals.
  • Works with other animal keepers and staff members to ensure optimal care for the animals housed within the facility.
  • Carries out a regular scheduled program designed to ensure prompt feeding, cleaning and care to the animal collection assigned.
  • Reports immediately any mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians that are not well.
  • Carries out regular daily maintenance program involved in keeping cages, pens, paddocks, and animal areas in good repair and in a manner that ensures maximum cleanliness and neatness.
  • Performs minor repairs to animal displays and exhibits.
  • Carefully enforces established zoo safety regulations relating to the protection of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians in a manner that ensures maximum protection to them and maximum safety to the public.
  • Works to meet and exceed the AZA guidelines for animal welfare. Supports the Bergen County's Zoo vision and mission statement.
  • Actively participates in professional development through webinars, online courses and county mandated courses to improve job knowledge.
  • Maintains positive relationships within the work environment. Ability to work harmoniously with associates and people visiting the zoo.
  • Ability to interact with the public in a positive manner, providing educational information regarding the zoo and the animals.
  • Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Schedule:
  • Full time (40 hours/week)
  • Weekends and Holidays as needed

Education Requirements:
  • A.S or B.S. degree in biology, life sciences or related field. Sufficient relevant experience will be considered.

Other Requirements:
  • One year of experience in the care and feeding of non-domesticated animals in a zoological park, game, nature farm or other animal sanctuary
  • Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Physical ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
  • Valid New Jersey Driver's License.

What we offer:
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Enrollment into the state pension system
  • Life, Short-term Disability & Long-term Disability coverage
  • Generous Paid Time Off
  • Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance and Employee Wellness Programs

Salary: $37,440 / per annum

Apply