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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.

mkecounty

Zoo - Associate Veterinarian

Milwaukee, WI

$89K - $100K/yr

Maintains medical records. * Commissary Management - Manage the Commissary and Commissary Animal ... Assist in diet development and evaluate diets within the park for diet drift and modify them as ...

mkecounty

Zoo - Associate Veterinarian

Milwaukee, WI

$89K - $100K/yr

Maintains medical records. * Commissary Management - Manage the Commissary and Commissary Animal ... Assist in diet development and evaluate diets within the park for diet drift and modify them as ...

City of Boise, ID

Zoo Keeper

Boise, ID · On-site

$19.29 - $22.90/hr

... animals, assist with animal exhibits and transportation, and engage with visitors by sharing ... This position is required to qualify and maintain qualification standards to carry firearms. Why ...

City of Boise

Zoo Keeper

Boise, ID · On-site

$19.29 - $22.90/hr

... animals, assist with animal exhibits and transportation, and engage with visitors by sharing ... This position is required to qualify and maintain qualification standards to carry firearms. Why ...

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Assistant Zoo Maintenance information

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How much do assistant zoo maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 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 the highest paying job in a zoo?

The highest paying job in a zoo is typically the zoo director or executive director, who oversees operations, staff, and budgets. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the size and location of the zoo.

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

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 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.

What are Assistant Zoo Maintenance workers?

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 some common challenges faced by an Assistant Zoo Maintenance worker 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 jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In the US, high-paying roles such as specialized surgeons, anesthesiologists, and corporate executives often earn $300,000 or more annually. Certain senior management positions, investment bankers, and experienced professionals in technology or law can also reach this salary level, especially with advanced skills, certifications, and extensive experience.

Is it hard to get hired at the zoo?

Getting hired as an assistant zoo maintenance worker can be competitive, as it often requires relevant experience, physical fitness, and sometimes certifications in animal care or safety. Applicants should demonstrate reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions. Having a background in horticulture, animal husbandry, or maintenance skills can improve chances of employment.

What does a zoo assistant do?

A zoo assistant helps with daily maintenance tasks such as cleaning animal enclosures, feeding animals, and monitoring their health. They also assist with habitat repairs, record keeping, and ensuring a safe environment for both animals and visitors, often working under the supervision of senior staff and following safety protocols.
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
Zookeeper III, Elephants

Zookeeper III, Elephants

Houston Zoo

Houston, TX • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

Houston Zoo rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 34 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

Under the direction of a Zoo Supervisor, the Zookeeper is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations associated with the husbandry of the animals and the maintenance of animal enclosures within a specified Houston Zoo animal program. This position will coordinate all program objectives in addition to day-to-day husbandry and enclosure maintenance. Members of the Aquarium and Sea Lion/Penguin team will need to be active members on the dive team to do routine maintenance and cleaning of the aquatic environments, following all dive protocols.
Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.
Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
  • Carries out all aspects of the daily care of assigned animals including cleaning, feeding, exhibit maintenance, general upkeep of support facilities.
  • Maintains clean and organized exhibits, holding areas, service areas and equipment.
  • Prepares and feeds appropriate diets as per established feeding practices and diet sheets.
  • Administers prescribed medications, supplements, or treatments under the guidance of the veterinary and supervisory staff.
  • Records and reports any abnormal animal health or behavioral issues to the Zoo Supervisor.
  • Maintains daily reports, logs, training and enrichment records, research, or veterinary records, as appropriate and according to established guidelines; requires basic skills with TRACKS and Microsoft Office software applications.
  • Understands and applies a practical understanding of operant conditioning as it relates to the daily management of species under his/her care.
  • Understands and applies the basic principles of animal enrichment as part of the daily management of species under his/her care.
  • Maintains clean and organized exhibits, equipment, and keeper areas.
  • As appropriate, maintains water quality through filtration, balance of chemical elements, and sanitation methods for aquatic or semi-aquatic animal species.
  • As appropriate, maintains live exhibit plantings to enhance exhibit aesthetics; eliminates weeds and toxic plants from animal enclosures.
  • 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.
  • 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, conservation, AZA, or other industry activities as directed/approve by the Zoo Supervisor or Curator; provides support for the Zoo projects.
  • Exhibits good teamwork and communication skills both within the home team and when working with other teams or departments.
  • May be required to safely operate a motor vehicle.
  • Demonstrates proficiency in all duties and all assigned work areas within a specified timeframe.
  • Serves as a point of contact for area staff, veterinarians, Facilities staff, and/or other departments in the absence of a Zoo Supervisor.
  • Assists with training, mentoring, and may oversee and direct activities of interns, volunteers, and other area Keepers.
  • Assists Zoo Supervisors in the oversight of team projects.
  • Assists in the development and implementation of area standard operating guidelines.
  • Assumes select supervisory duties in the absence of Zoo Supervisors.
  • Serves as a positive role model for interns, volunteers, and other keepers and staff.
  • Demonstrates a clear understanding of the roles AZA zoos play in conservation and saving animals in the wild.
  • Actively pursues feedback and other resources to improve leadership skills and helps to improve such skills in other team members.
  • Contributes to saving animals in the wild through: reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from four-year college or university in zoology, biology, animal husbandry or a related field.
  • Experience and education may be considered equivalent at the rate of six months of experience per 15 hours of college level credit, up to 60 hours.
  • A certificate of completion from an acceptable animal care program may be substituted for a Bachelor's degree.
  • Six years of experience in animal care at an AZA or equivalent facility, gained through employment or internships.
  • Experience with basic carpentry and mechanical skills.
  • Must have or be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license.

ABOUT HOUSTON ZOO
The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Disclaimer
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.
Benefits
Full-time, regular positions are offered the following benefits.
  • Medical and Prescription Drug
  • Vision
  • Dental
  • Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid)
  • Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
  • Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
  • Supplemental Life
  • Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account
  • 401k, with employer match

Full-time and Part-Time, regular positions are offered the following additional benefits.
  • Free Zoo Membership
  • Free Guest Passes
  • Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs
  • Free parking

Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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