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Animal Keeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Fort Worth Zoo

Animal Programs Swing Keeper

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Fort Worth Zoo

Aquatic Ectotherms Keeper

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Animal Programs Keeper The responsibility of this position is to maintain and care for a variety of animals within the Bait Shack, Great Barrier Reef and Mountains and Deserts as directed; to assist ...

fwzoo

Animal Programs Swing Keeper

Fort Worth, TX

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Fort Worth Zoo

Aquatic Ectotherms Keeper

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

fwzoo

Aquatic Ectotherms Keeper

Fort Worth, TX

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

The CALDWELL ZOO

Swing Keeper

Tyler, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position will be trained to work in all of the animal departments including the Giraffe feeding station, Birds, Reptiles, Mammals 1, Mammals 2, Education, and Commissary. Swing Keepers may be ...

Fort Worth Zoo

Part-Time Houston Toad Keeper

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$14.50 - $17/hr

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

Fort Worth Zoo

Elephant Keeper

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... repair animal quarters as required; shovel, rake, hose, sweep, dust and mop floors • Prepare ... Present keeper talks to park visitors and media as required • Assist in directing the proper ...

fwzoo

Elephant Keeper

Fort Worth, TX

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... repair animal quarters as required; shovel, rake, hose, sweep, dust and mop floors • Prepare ... Present keeper talks to park visitors and media as required • Assist in directing the proper ...

fwzoo

Temporary Bird Keeper

Fort Worth, TX

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 • ...

fwzoo

Part-Time Houston Toad Keeper

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

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

HFE Valdosta LLC

Animal Keeper Assistant

Valdosta, GA · On-site

POSITION SUMMARY Under direction by Senior Biologist, Zoological Supervisor, or Zoological Curator the assistant responsibilities will include basic animal husbandry on a daily basis. This will ...

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How much do animal keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 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 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 they care for. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and working in larger or more prestigious 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 nature of the work.

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 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
Infographic showing various Animal Keeper job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,902 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Oglebay Good Zoo Animal Keeper 2

Oglebay

Wheeling, WV • On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Oglebay rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 57 rated amusements

Job description

SUMMARY

Provides for the physical and psychological well-being of zoo animals and enclosures; assists with interpreting the collection to visitors.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Cleans and maintains animal habitats, service areas, and guest areas around and adjacent to habitats using chemical agents and special tools to assure the health and safety of the animals.

Prepares and distributes animal diets according to approved guidelines provided by the curator of animals.

Performs regular maintenance to animal habitats by collecting, installing and maintaining furnishings and substrata to maximize the guest viewing of the animal and to depict its natural environment.

Maintains horticulture and grounds in and around animal habitats using tools such as lawn mowers, weedeaters, sprinklers, and blowers.

Monitors and records health of animals with observation and periodic physical exams, monitors eating habits, behaviors and reproductive patterns.

Observes and interprets normal and abnormal behaviors, health status, and food consumption; advises managers of problems or concerns.

Supervises and assigns work to zoo volunteers and interns scheduled in keeper’s area of responsibility; assists in training and evaluation of volunteers.

Maintains comprehensive records, reports, and training plans; handles routine correspondence from zoo colleagues and the public; maintains food, supply, and equipment inventory.

Reviews available library resources and develops a working knowledge of the in-situ and ex-situ biology of all species in assigned areas.

Conducts fecal, water chemistry and minor blood tests and other laboratory procedures.

Assists zoo veterinarians in the evaluation, examination and treatment of zoo animals; administers medications and provides first aid to injured zoo animals or wildlife until veterinary help arrives.

Assists other park managers with resident wildlife problems within the resort, may include trapping, relocation or euthanasia of sick or nuisance wildlife in accordance with state & federal laws and AVMA and AZA guidelines.

Monitors and reports physical plant problems and fire/safety hazards; trained in CPR, first aid and crisis response, may discharge pepper spray or firearms.

Provides for the psychological well-being of the animal collection by practicing, documenting and evaluating enrichment; recognizes and addresses abnormal or stereotypical behaviors; applies the principles of operant conditioning to facilitate animal husbandry and veterinary procedures; and completes welfare assessments for the species in their care.

Possesses sufficient strength, delicacy, agility and coordination to restrain, capture and/or transfer neonates, fragile or injured animals, or large and strong animals.

May hand rear neonates at home and/or return to the zoo at night to care for sick or newborn animals.

Provides informational, promotional and educational programs to guests and volunteers; may give tours to assist with training classes and to zoo guests.

Follows written and oral instructions.

Adheres to the code of professional ethics of the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Interact with guests with a cheerful and positive attitude, solve guest concerns in a proper manner, and maintain harmonious working relationships with fellow employees.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education experience.


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