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Assistant Zoo Maintenance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper III, Elephants

Houston, TX · On-site

In conjunction with the Zoo's pest control officer, may assist in pest control using exclusion or traps. * Identifies potential maintenance or safety issues and reports them to the Zoo Supervisor.

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Assistant Zoo Maintenance information

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$10

$18

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How much do assistant zoo maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant zoo maintenance in the United States is $18.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant zoo maintenance?

Assistant Zoo Maintenance workers are responsible for helping to maintain the cleanliness, safety, and functionality of zoo facilities and animal enclosures. Their duties often include cleaning animal habitats, repairing equipment, assisting with landscaping, and ensuring that public areas are safe for visitors. They may also help with setup for special events and support other zoo staff as needed. This role is essential for providing a healthy environment for both animals and guests at the zoo.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Zoo Maintenance Worker, you need a solid understanding of facility maintenance, basic plumbing, electrical work, and groundskeeping, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with power tools, landscaping equipment, and safety protocols is typically required, and certifications such as OSHA safety training can be advantageous. Reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with zookeepers and other staff are standout soft skills. These abilities ensure the zoo's infrastructure is safe, functional, and conducive to both animal welfare and visitor experience.

What are some common challenges faced by an assistant zoo maintenance and how can they be addressed?

Assistant Zoo Maintenance workers often face challenges such as working outdoors in varying weather conditions, responding quickly to unexpected repairs, and ensuring safety standards are met around both animals and visitors. Effective communication with animal care staff and staying up to date with maintenance protocols are key to addressing these challenges. Being adaptable, organized, and proactive in identifying potential issues can help make daily tasks more manageable and contribute to a safe, well-maintained zoo environment.

What is the difference between Assistant Zoo Maintenance vs Keeper?

AspectAssistant Zoo MaintenanceKeeper
Primary ResponsibilitiesAssisting with habitat upkeep, cleaning enclosures, maintaining equipmentCaring for animals, feeding, monitoring health, enrichment activities
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, basic maintenance skills, safety trainingHigh school diploma, animal care certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentMaintenance areas, animal enclosures, zoo facilitiesAnimal habitats, zoo exhibits, outdoor and indoor enclosures
Industry UsageSupport staff in zoo operations, maintenance teamsAnimal care staff, directly involved with animals

Assistant Zoo Maintenance roles focus on habitat upkeep and facility maintenance, supporting the zoo's infrastructure. Keepers are primarily responsible for animal care and welfare. While both roles work within the zoo environment and may require similar safety training, keepers have more direct interaction with animals and often require specialized animal care knowledge.

Can I get a job at the zoo with no experience?

Assistant zoo maintenance positions often do not require prior experience, as on-the-job training is typically provided. However, having basic knowledge of animal care, safety procedures, and physical fitness can be beneficial for applicants. Entry-level roles may also require a high school diploma or equivalent.

What does an assistant zoo maintenance do?

An assistant zoo maintenance worker helps with the care and upkeep of zoo facilities, enclosures, and equipment. They may perform cleaning, repairs, and habitat maintenance, often working under supervision and using tools like cleaning supplies and basic repair equipment to ensure a safe and clean environment for animals and visitors.

What cities are hiring for Assistant Zoo Maintenance jobs?

Cities with the most Assistant Zoo Maintenance job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo Maintenance jobs?

The most popular types of Zoo Maintenance jobs are:

What states have the most Assistant Zoo Maintenance jobs?

States with the most job openings for Assistant Zoo Maintenance jobs include:

Assistant Zoo Maintenance jobs near you

Seasonal Horticulture Assistant - Zoo

Cleveland, OH • On-site

Cleveland Metroparks
Public Administration • 501 - 1,000 employees

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks

Learn more about Cleveland Metroparksexternal

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

The Horticulture Assistant performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks in maintaining indoor and outdoor plant collections.

  1. Assists in planting trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals
  2. Performs landscape maintenance as needed or assigned, including mowing, weeding, pruning, spring cleanup, edging, mulching, and fall cleanup
  3. Assists with landscape construction projects, including building of retaining walls, paver installation, grading, drainage work, and irrigation installation
  4. Operates water truck and pump
  5. Properly prunes indoor and outdoor ornamental plant specimens
  6. Supports the Zoo's animal browse supplemental feeding program
  7. Assists in various housekeeping tasks
  8. Keeps direct supervisor promptly informed of key/significant issues or concerns.
  9. Carries out duties and responsibilities in a safe and efficient manner to maintain a safe work environment and surrounding area for oneself, co-workers and public. Responds to hazardous situations and/or potentially unsafe conditions by taking corrective action as capable and promptly notifying supervisory personnel.
  10. Actively participates in related training
  11. Performs related duties as assigned or apparent.

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license under the laws of the state of Ohio.

Knowledge of ornamental horticulture, plant identification skills, and experience operating small landscape equipment.

Must be age 18 or older.

Ability to use a variety of tools and equipment including: Automatic vehicles, small landscape equipment including: rototiller, string trimmer, bed edger, gas powered shears, and backpack blower, sprayers, pumps, and irrigation equipment, mower.

Willingness to work in all weather conditions outdoors and able to work on steep inclines

Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, including employees and the general public.

Ability to speak and write clearly, concisely and persuasively using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation with ability to communicate one-on-one or in group settings.

Ability to perform work with a high degree of accuracy and organization.

Ability to work cooperatively with others.

Ability to perform with considerable independence and initiative.

Work Schedule:Must be available to work a flexible schedule.

Application Deadline:Open until filled.

What Cleveland Metroparks employees say

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