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Assistant Zookeeper Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant Zookeeper information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$5

$16

$31

How much do assistant zookeeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant zookeeper in Raleigh, NC is $16.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.62 and $18.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Assistant Zookeeper job?

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.

How hard is it to get a zoo keeper job?

Securing an assistant zookeeper position typically requires relevant education or experience in animal care, along with strong physical stamina and teamwork skills. Competition can be high, and candidates often need to demonstrate knowledge of animal behavior and safety protocols. Having certifications such as first aid or animal handling can improve chances of employment.

What zoo jobs are entry level?

Entry-level zoo jobs for assistant zookeepers typically include positions such as zoo attendant, animal care assistant, or volunteer roles that involve supporting animal husbandry and habitat maintenance. These roles often require basic animal handling skills, a high school diploma, and a willingness to work outdoors and on a flexible schedule.

Can you be a vet assistant zookeeper?

A zookeeper assistant typically focuses on animal care, habitat maintenance, and supporting zookeepers, while a vet assistant helps veterinarians with medical procedures and animal health. These roles require different training and certifications; being both may involve additional qualifications in veterinary assisting. Combining these roles is possible but usually requires specialized education and experience in both areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Assistant Zookeeper position, and why are they important?

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.

What are some 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 does a zookeeper assistant do?

A zookeeper assistant supports zookeepers by feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and assisting with habitat maintenance. They often need knowledge of animal behavior and safety procedures, and may work early mornings, weekends, or holidays. The role helps ensure the well-being of animals and the smooth operation of the zoo or wildlife facility.
What are the most commonly searched types of Zookeeper jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Zookeeper jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
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What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Assistant Zookeeper jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Assistant Zookeeper job openings:
Assistant Zookeeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Zookeeper job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,605 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
Retail Operations Associate

Retail Operations Associate

Museum Of Life And Science

Durham, NC • On-site

$15/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

TitleRetail Operations Associate LocationMuseum of Life and Science About the OrganizationThe Museum of Life and Science, one of North Carolina’s top family destinations, has been a beloved Durham institution for 75 years. The Museum features 84 acres of exhibits, experiences, and outdoor exploration, including one of the East Coast's largest butterfly conservatories and a two-story science center. As an accredited zoo, the Museum is home to lemurs, black bears, endangered red wolves, and more than 140 species of live animals, butterflies, and insects. Readers of Durham Magazine, Indy Week, and Carolina Parent have repeatedly named us the top Museum in the Triangle. Charity Navigator rated the Museum, a 501(c3) nonprofit organization, 100 out of 100-- the highest possible score.
Our mission is to create a place of lifelong learning where people of all ages embrace science as a way of knowing about themselves, their community, and their world. The Museum serves our increasingly diverse community with interactive and accessible experiences that build and develop lifelong connections with science, nature, and critical thinking. The Museum partners with NASA, NOAA, the National Science Foundation, Duke University, NC State University, and the University of North Carolina on many research projects and programs.
In addition to an incredible team of co-workers, the Museum provides competitive compensation commensurate with experience, as well as a full array of employee benefits for eligible positions, including a generous 403b retirement plan with employer contributions, health, dental, and vision insurance, flex-spending plans, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, nine paid annual holidays, employee appreciation events, and a family membership to the Museum. Full-Time/Part-TimePart-Time Exempt/Non-ExemptNon-Exempt Description

Position Objective: Supports the Museum’s mission by providing excellent customer service to enhance the customers’ retail experience and maintaining strong operational protocol to protect the Museum’s assets.

Responsibilities:

  • Provides exemplary customer service to all guests according to accepted service standards.
  • Knowledgeable about current product lines and communicates product information to customers.
  • Knows and adheres to all policies and procedures, such as opening and closing, receiving, and maintaining inventory, cash register operations, food handler guidelines, and other administrative duties.
  • Supports coffee bar operations by serving beverages and food, on occasion.
  • Assists the Retail Operations Manager, Retail Operations Assistant Manager, and Lead Retail Operations Associates in carrying out all necessary retail operations.
  • Knows and ensures that Museum policies and procedures are followed.
  • Knows and adheres to all merchandising standards with high attention to detail.
  • Always adheres to Museum safety procedures.
  • Engages with Museum visitors in a positive and helpful way to support an enjoyable and safe guest experience.
  • Prioritizes the Museum’s values of inclusion and kindness in all interactions with staff, volunteers, and guests.
  • Additional duties as needed

Actual Pay Rate: $15.00/hour

Position Requirements
  • A demonstrated passion for customer service
  • Ability to accurately handle cash, charge, check, and gift card transactions
  • Basic knowledge of computer systems
  • Ability to stand for up to 9 hours
  • Ability to maneuver around sales floor and stock room including repetitive bending, prolonged standing, twisting, and climbing
  • Ability to withstand prolonged periods of repetitive motions with hands/wrists
  • Ability to lift 40 pounds
  • Flexible schedule with weekend and potential evening work
  • Additional job related duties as needed

Preferred:

  • Sales/Retail Experience
  • Coffee bar experience
  • Spanish Fluency
  • Visual Merchandising Experience
  • Familiarity with Counterpoint
ShiftVarious Shifts Pay Range$15.00/hour EOE StatementThe Museum of Life and Science is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, creed, age, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, military or veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, we will provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, perform crucial job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. As an equal opportunity employer, we value the differences and benefits that a diverse culture brings. Join us!