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Assistant Zookeeper Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Assist with general horticultural and maintenance throughout Zoo grounds.What We're Looking For Must be 18 years of age with a valid Indiana's driver's license insurable by the Zoo's insurance. A ...

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Assistant Zookeeper information

What is an assistant zookeeper?

An Assistant Zookeeper helps care for animals in a zoo by preparing food, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal behavior, and assisting with basic healthcare. They may also help with visitor education and enrichment activities for the animals. The role requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and a passion for animal welfare. Assistant Zookeepers often work under the supervision of senior zookeepers and veterinarians to ensure the animals' well-being.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an assistant zookeeper?

To thrive as an Assistant Zookeeper, you need a foundational knowledge of animal care, husbandry practices, and basic biology, often backed by a relevant degree or animal care experience. Familiarity with animal management software, safety equipment, and potential certifications in animal handling or first aid is highly valued. Strong observational skills, effective communication, teamwork, and a passion for animal welfare make candidates stand out. These skills are vital to ensure animal health, maintain safe and orderly zoo operations, and support the overall mission of wildlife conservation and education.

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

Assistant zookeepers often start with little or no experience, but relevant skills such as animal care, teamwork, and physical fitness are beneficial. Entry-level positions may require a high school diploma or equivalent, and some employers offer on-the-job training or internships to help new hires gain necessary knowledge.

What are common challenges faced by assistant zookeepers and how can they be managed?

Assistant Zookeepers often encounter challenges such as working outdoors in varying weather conditions, physically demanding tasks like cleaning enclosures or lifting feed, and managing the health and stress of diverse animal species. Effective time management and following strict safety protocols are essential to address these challenges. Additionally, clear communication and collaboration with senior zookeepers, veterinarians, and maintenance staff help ensure animal well-being and smooth zoo operations. Being proactive in learning and adapting to each species’ unique needs also contributes to job success and satisfaction in this dynamic role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Zookeeper jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Zookeeper jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Zookeeper jobs in Indiana? For Assistant Zookeeper jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Zookeeper jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Zookeeper jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Assistant Zookeeper jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Assistant Zookeeper job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant Zookeeper job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Director of Education

Indianapolis Zoo

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Indianapolis Zoo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos


Job description

Are you passionate about inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders and creating meaningful educational experiences that make a difference? The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking an innovative and collaborative Director of Education to lead the development and implementation of education initiatives that advance our mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world.
About the Role
The Director of Education provides strategic leadership for a multidisciplinary team responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs that serve guests of all ages both on and off Zoo grounds. This position works collaboratively across departments to create engaging conservation messaging, strengthen community partnerships, and support institutional goals related to education, attendance, revenue, and guest engagement.
The Director of Education serves as a key contributor to exhibit development, conservation communications, and strategic initiatives including the Indianapolis Prize and the Zoo's conservation efforts. This is a full-time position that typically works Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends required to support programs, events, and organizational needs.
Key Responsibilities
  • Evaluate programs to fully assess impact against education goals and objectives
  • Provide strategic leadership for all education programs and initiatives that advance the Zoo's mission and institutional goals.
  • Build relationships with schools and community youth-based organizations.
  • Develop and evaluate innovative educational experiences that inspire conservation action and enhance guest engagement.
  • Collaborate with Zoo departments to develop exhibit messaging, conservation communications, and animal ambassador programming.
  • Oversee departmental budgets, business planning, attendance goals, and revenue objectives.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop Education Department staff, volunteers, and Naturalist program participants.
  • Develop strategic partnerships that advance the Zoo's education and conservation initiatives.
  • Assist multiple departments as needed with conservation communications efforts of the Zoo, including organizing lectures for visiting conservationists, curating conservation messaging throughout the Zoo, and engaging with members of the Global Center for Species Survival to further our conservation messaging to the public. The Director of Education will also participate in the conservation grant review process.
  • Assist with grant writing, administration, and fundraising efforts supporting education programs and initiatives.
  • Represent the Zoo through community engagement, professional organizations, and educational partnerships.

What We're Looking For
  • Bachelor's degree in Education, Science, or a related field from an accredited college or university required; Master's degree or PhD strongly preferred.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience required, with ten (10) years preferred in education, conservation, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience supervising and developing high-performing teams.
  • Proven success managing budgets, achieving organizational goals, and overseeing strategic initiatives.
  • Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
  • Demonstrated experience building collaborative partnerships and managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
  • Grant writing and grant administration experience preferred.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and related technology.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

Why Join Us?
Working alongside passionate professionals across the organization, you'll help advance meaningful conservation initiatives, strengthen community partnerships, and inspire others to protect nature and care for our world. If you're ready to lead with purpose in a mission-driven environment, we encourage you to apply.
Employment at the Indianapolis Zoo is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a background check, motor vehicle check (if applicable) and a drug test.

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