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Assistant Zookeeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Waco

Senior Zookeeper - Herpetology

Waco, TX · On-site

$20.32/hr

This position will assist in overseeing day-to-day operations and will play a primary role in employee training and development. The Senior Zookeeper acts as a liaison between the team and leadership ...

Brevard Zoo

Zoo Communications Coordinator

Melbourne, FL

$21.50 - $22.25/hr

Write and format email campaigns and e-newsletters for Zoo. * Assist in the general maintenance of several websites. * Design, create and/or review print and digital collateral. * Assist in media ...

New

City of El Paso, TX

Zoo Assistant Director

El Paso, TX · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Typical Duties Assist in planning, directing, and reviewing the activities and operations of the El Paso Zoo. Involves: overseeing, planning, and directing department divisions. Direct, recommend ...

Audubon Institute

Zoo Keeper (Primates)

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$18 - $24.25/hr

Zookeeper-Primates Department: Animal Reports To: Assistant Curator of Section working Location: Audubon Zoo General Summary: This position is a Zookeeper at the Audubon Zoo. The position will ...

City of El Paso

Zoo Assistant Director

El Paso, TX

$100K - $135K/yr

Typical Duties Assist in planning, directing, and reviewing the activities and operations of the El Paso Zoo. Involves: overseeing, planning, and directing department divisions. Direct, recommend ...

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How much do assistant zookeeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant zookeeper in the United States is $16.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $18.75 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.
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Assistant Zookeeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Zookeeper job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,767 per year, or $16.7 per hour.
Senior Zookeeper - Herpetology

Senior Zookeeper - Herpetology

City of Waco

Waco, TX • On-site

$20.32/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

City Of Waco rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 700 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Summary Minimum Starting Salary: $23.0000 per hour The City of Waco Seeks Join our team at the Cameron Park Zoo as our next Senior Zookeeper. We are seeking a candidate with experience in the husbandry of a variety of reptiles including Galapagos tortoises, Komodo dragons, Australian geckos, and over 30 species of venomous snakes including King cobras, mambas, and amphibians. Duties include display maintenance, behavior observation, record keeping, nutrition, diet preparation, feeding techniques and disinfection procedures

If you have a passion for caring for animals apply today. Minimum Qualifications Required: Associates Degree in Zoology, Biological Sciences, or a related field 3 years of animal care work experience Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Valid Texas Driver's License Position Overview Under basic supervision, serves as a lead keeper within the assigned area.

This position will assist in overseeing day-to-day operations and will play a primary role in employee training and development. The Senior Zookeeper acts as a liaison between the team and leadership, helping to assure adherence to policies and procedures while developing supervisory skills. Essential Functions Provides daily care, husbandry, nutrition, enrichment, training, and behavioral observation for assigned animals; monitors health and reports concerns.

Maintains animal exhibits and holding areas; prepares and distributes diets, supplements, and medications; maintains animal care records. Assists with veterinary procedures and serves as a liaison between veterinary staff, leadership, and the zookeeper team. Assists with training and mentoring new employees; provides guidance on animal handling, restraint techniques, and safety practices.

Exercises sound judgment in animal care, emergencies, and daily operations, particularly in the manager's absence. Recommends and implements improvements to animal husbandry, diets, habitat design, enrichment, and welfare. Presents educational programs and animal demonstrations; promotes wildlife conservation and the Zoo's mission through guest interactions and community outreach.

Follows and responds to emergency procedures and all applicable safety protocols. Operates City vehicles to safely transport animals (locally and long distance), pick up supplies, and move equipment to and from service locations in support of daily operations. Complies with all policies and standards.

Supports the relationship between the City of Waco and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with residents, visitors, and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information. Lives the City of Waco Values.

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