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Assistant Zoo Keeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of El Paso

Zoo Keeper

El Paso, TX · On-site

$37K - $54K/yr

Report animal illness or injury to appropriate staff. Assist veterinary staff with administering ... public regarding zoo animals, exhibits and related. Interact with the public in keeper chats ...

City of El Paso, TX

Zoo Keeper

El Paso, TX · On-site

$37K - $54K/yr

Report animal illness or injury to appropriate staff. Assist veterinary staff with administering ... public regarding zoo animals, exhibits and related. Interact with the public in keeper chats ...

Audubon Institute

Zoo Keeper (Primates)

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$18 - $24.25/hr

Assistant Curator of Section working Location: Audubon Zoo General Summary: This position is a ... Keeper position. Additional benchmarks would need to be met and/or a timeline created to achieve ...

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper, Primates

Houston, TX

Participates in keeper chats, tours, animal presentations or demonstrations, and/or other public interactions as requested by the Zoo Supervisor. * May assist with departmental research projects ...

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper II, Birds

Houston, TX · On-site

Participates in keeper chats, tours, animal presentations or demonstrations, and/or other public interactions as requested by the Zoo Supervisor. * May assist with departmental research projects ...

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper II, Wildlife Connections

Houston, TX · On-site

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

Participates in keeper chats, tours, animal presentations or demonstrations, and/or other public interactions as requested by the Zoo Supervisor. * May assist with departmental research projects ...

houstonzoo

Zookeeper II, Birds

Houston, TX · On-site

Participates in keeper chats, tours, animal presentations or demonstrations, and/or other public interactions as requested by the Zoo Supervisor. * May assist with departmental research projects ...

houstonzoo

Zookeeper II, Birds

Houston, TX · On-site

Participates in keeper chats, tours, animal presentations or demonstrations, and/or other public interactions as requested by the Zoo Supervisor. * May assist with departmental research projects ...

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 • ...

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Assistant Zoo Keeper information

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How much do assistant zoo keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 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.

How hard is it to get a 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 volunteering. Competition can be high due to the specialized nature of the work, and employers often seek candidates with strong animal handling skills, knowledge of safety protocols, and a passion for animal care.

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.

What jobs pay $400 an hour?

Jobs that pay $400 an hour are typically highly specialized roles such as experienced surgeons, top-tier legal professionals, or senior executives. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes certification or licensing, and they are usually found in industries like healthcare, law, or finance.

How much money does a zookeeper assistant make?

A zookeeper assistant typically earns between $25,000 and $35,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the specific zoo or facility. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Certifications in animal care or related fields can also influence salary levels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Zoo Keeper, and why are they important?

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 assistant zoo keepers?

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 does a zookeeper assistant do?

A zookeeper assistant supports zoo staff by feeding, cleaning, and caring for animals, ensuring their habitats are safe and clean. They may also assist with animal enrichment, monitor animal health, and help with educational programs, often working under supervision and following safety protocols.
More about Assistant Zoo Keeper jobs
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What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo Keeper jobs? The most popular types of Zoo Keeper jobs are:
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What states have the most Assistant Zoo Keeper jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Zoo Keeper jobs include:
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Assistant Zoo Keeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Zoo Keeper job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,782 per year, or $22 per hour.
Zoo Keeper

Zoo Keeper

City of El Paso

El Paso, TX • On-site

$37K - $54K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

City Of El Paso (Texas) rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

220th of 649 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Requirements MOS Code: None Education and Experience: High School Diploma or GED, or higher, and one (1) year of confined animal care and handling experience, excluding personal pets. Licenses and Certificates: Texas Class "C" Driver's License or equivalent from another state. General Purpose Under immediate supervision, provide proficient and excellent care for the zoo's animals in accordance with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) animal health, welfare and conservation principles, standards and practices.

Typical Duties Feed, water and care for exotic zoo animals and clean and maintain animal enclosures. Involves: Prepare regular and special diets to feed animals. Clean, disinfect and maintain holding areas, enclosures and exhibit areas.

Maintain safety of animals, self, coworkers, and public. Monitor animal health and well-being. Report animal illness or injury to appropriate staff.

Assist veterinary staff with administering medications, providing treatment and restraining for medical procedures and/or exams. Assist with behavioral conditioning and enrichment programs for animals. Involves: Utilize system of positive reinforcement techniques to achieve desired behaviors to meet health and/or husbandry needs.

Provide animals with interactive items and activities to relieve stress and encourage natural behaviors. Assist other zoo staff and the public. Involves: Identify maintenance problems and resolve or report as necessary.

Assist with grounds and landscaping maintenance and construction. Test water quality in aquatic exhibits. Answer questions from other staff and the public regarding zoo animals, exhibits and related.

Interact with the public in keeper chats/encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, media interviews, or other public educational presentations and event interactions. General Information For the complete job specification, click here. Note: This eligible list will be used to fill full-time and part-time positions.

Note: Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. This position will close when a preset number of qualified applications have been received. Important Note: The required Supplemental Questions and answers are considered an examination component and will generate a score.

Applicants are being tested on a conditional basis pending a review of minimum qualifications. Applications will be reviewed for applicants who pass the Supplemental Questions exam. Per CSC Rules & Regulations, after review of the minimum qualifications for applicants that pass the Supplemental Questions exam, a passing score, combined with applicable seniority points and veteran points, will be used to create a list of candidates.

Please note: Applicants with foreign diplomas, transcripts, and degrees must have all documents translated and evaluated by an agency of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) prior to submitting them to the Human Resources Department. Please visit www.naces.org/members for more information. A resume and/or other documents will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application

Comments such as "See resume" are not acceptable and will result in the application being considered incomplete. To qualify for this position, the required education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be clearly stated on your application's employment history. We do not use any information on your resume to review if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

Failure to fully detail all experience and job duties in the application, or copying/pasting directly from the job specification, or responses referring to your resume will eliminate you from consideration for the position.

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