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Assistant Zoo Keeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Audubon Institute

Zoo Keeper (Primates)

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$18 - $24.25/hr

Assistant Curator of Section working Location: Audubon Zoo FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Date Revised: 8 ... With 6+ years of experience, an individual can qualify for a Senior Keeper position. Additional ...

New

Fort Worth Zoo

Elephant Keeper

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

Present keeper talks to park visitors and media as required • Assist in directing the proper ... zoo keeping experience, elephant zoo keeping experience preferred • Valid driver license with ...

Fort Worth Zoo

Temporary Mammal Keeper

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

To maintain and care for a variety of animals within the Zoo; to assist veterinary staff as needed ... record keeping Must possess ability to: • Work with a variety of domestic and wild animals • ...

Fort Worth Zoo

Temporary Bird Keeper

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$17/hr

To maintain and care for a variety of animals within the Zoo; to assist veterinary staff as needed ... record keeping Must possess ability to: • Work with a variety of domestic and wild animals • ...

fwzoo

Elephant Keeper

Fort Worth, TX

Present keeper talks to park visitors and media as required • Assist in directing the proper ... zoo keeping experience, elephant zoo keeping experience preferred • Valid driver license with ...

Oglebay

Oglebay Good Zoo Animal Keeper 2

Wheeling, WV · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Supervises and assigns work to zoo volunteers and interns scheduled in keeper's area of ... may give tours to assist with training classes and to zoo guests. Follows written and oral ...

fwzoo

Temporary Mammal Keeper

Fort Worth, TX

To maintain and care for a variety of animals within the Zoo; to assist veterinary staff as needed ... record keeping Must possess ability to: • Work with a variety of domestic and wild animals • ...

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How much do assistant zoo keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant zoo keeper in the United States is $22.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant zoo keeper?

Assistant zoo keepers are entry-level professionals who help care for animals in zoos and wildlife parks. Their duties typically include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal behavior, and assisting with health checks or enrichment activities. They often work under the supervision of senior zoo keepers and may interact with visitors or help with educational programs. This role is a great way to gain hands-on experience in animal care and learn more about zoological practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant zoo keeper?

To thrive as an Assistant Zoo Keeper, you need foundational knowledge in animal care, biology, and husbandry, often supported by a relevant degree or vocational training. Familiarity with animal management software, enclosure maintenance tools, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring the well-being of animals, maintaining a safe environment, and supporting efficient zoo operations.

What are some typical challenges an assistant zoo keeper faces when caring for a diverse range of animals?

Assistant Zoo Keepers often encounter the challenge of managing the unique needs of various species, from dietary requirements to specific enrichment activities. Adapting to rapidly changing situations, such as animal health emergencies or unexpected behavior, is a common part of the job. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as keepers work closely with veterinarians and other staff to ensure animal welfare. Staying organized and attentive to detail helps maintain high standards of care across all assigned enclosures.

What is the difference between Assistant Zoo Keeper vs Zoo Keeper?

AspectAssistant Zoo KeeperZoo Keeper
CredentialsHigh school diploma, animal care certificationsHigh school diploma, animal care certifications, experience
Work EnvironmentAssists with daily animal care, cleaning, and enrichmentPerforms direct animal care, feeding, and habitat maintenance
ResponsibilitiesSupports zoo keepers, handles routine tasksManages animal health, behavior, and habitat

The main difference between an Assistant Zoo Keeper and a Zoo Keeper lies in their level of responsibility. Assistant Zoo Keepers support zoo keepers with routine tasks and animal care, often requiring less experience. Zoo Keepers take on more complex responsibilities, including direct animal management and health oversight. Both roles are essential for maintaining a healthy zoo environment, with Assistant Zoo Keepers serving as entry-level support positions.

How hard is it to get an assistant zoo keeper job?

Securing an assistant zoo keeper position typically requires relevant education such as a degree in biology, zoology, or animal science, along with hands-on experience through internships or volunteer work. Competition can be high due to the specialized nature of the role, and candidates often need strong animal handling skills, knowledge of safety protocols, and good physical fitness.

What does an assistant zoo keeper do?

An assistant zoo keeper supports the daily care and maintenance of animals, including feeding, cleaning enclosures, and monitoring animal health. They often assist with habitat enrichment, record keeping, and may need to follow safety protocols and use specialized tools. This role typically requires good physical stamina and knowledge of animal behavior.
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Assistant Zoo Keeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Zoo Keeper job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,782 per year, or $22 per hour.

Zoo Keeper III - Ectotherms

Chattanooga Zoo

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

We're expanding! The Chattanooga Zoo is looking for an exceptional zookeeper with a passion for working with reptiles and amphibians to join our ectotherm team. The ectotherm collection includes several species of chelonians (Aldabra tortoises, Forsten's tortoises, Radiated tortoises, Roti Island Snake Neck Turtles, Spider tortoises, etc), snakes (Burmese python, Bushmaster, Gaboon Viper, Santa Catalina Island Rattlesnakes, Eastern Indigo Snake, etc), lizards (Komodo Dragon, Giant Horned Lizards, Beaded Lizards, etc), American and Chinese Alligators, and amphibians (Panamanian Golden Frogs, Eastern Hellbender, Dart Frogs, etc). The ideal candidate will perform routine animal husbandry duties to maintain the care and well-being of the animals. This position is responsible for the daily care of animals in a given area, including the administration of regular food, water, and medication for individual animals. Will also be responsible for training and enrichment with all animals in the area. This position is responsible for maintaining area compliance with USDA and AZA regulations and standards.

Animal Care Duties will include day to day husbandry, daily log reports regarding the animals, routine maintenance of physical area and enclosures, assisting in veterinary procedures and medication distribution to animals, maintain training and enrichment programs, assist with special projects, etc. Keeper must be able to maintain area compliance with USDA and AZA regulations and standards, including record keeping, husbandry care, training, enrichment, etc. For a complete list of roles and responsibilities, please see Full Job Description below.


Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in animal science, zoology, life science, or similar
  • Must have 5 years experience with professional animal care at an AZA accredited facility or comparable institution to be considered
  • Knowledge of exotic animal care in a zoo setting
  • Venomous handling experience preferred
  • Experience in an AZA accredited institution is preferred
  • Any combination of equivalent education and experience to successfully perform the essential functions of the position will be considered
  • Open availability is required. The candidate will be expected to work weekends and holidays as the animal care schedule necessitates.

The Friends of the Zoo, Inc (Chattanooga Zoo) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Zoo will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.


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