1

Assistant Zookeeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Seasonal Zookeeper Aide

Hutchinson, KS · On-site

$11 - $13/hr

... assist with planting of landscape materials; Assists in providing zoo visitors informational ... promotional, and educational opportunities and other duties as required. What you will need for ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Assistant Zookeeper information

See salary details

$6

$16

$32

How much do assistant zookeeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 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.

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.

More about Assistant Zookeeper jobs
What cities are hiring for Assistant Zookeeper jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Zookeeper job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Zookeeper jobs? The most popular types of Zookeeper jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Zookeeper jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Zookeeper jobs include:
Groundskeeper - Chattanooga Zoo

Groundskeeper - Chattanooga Zoo

Chattanooga Zoo

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$16/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Chattanooga Zoo is seeking a dedicated Groundskeeper to assist in all landscaping efforts on Zoo grounds. This position will routinely work with master gardeners, individual volunteers, group volunteers & community service workers to ensure the safety of animals, staff, and the public.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Maintaining landscaping of zoo grounds to include: mowing, weed eating, edging and mulching
  • Planting, weeding, watering landscape, trimming and plant maintenance
  • Assist with hardscapes installation
  • General cleanup of leaves an debris
  • Maintain all equipment used
  • Assist in preventative maintenance of zoo equipment
  • Collect trash from all areas of the zoo each day
  • Assist with morning chores including window washing, recycling collection, leaf blowing sidewalks
  • Keep work and project areas safe, clean, and neat
  • Assist in coordination of volunteers in the department
  • For a complete list of roles and responsibilities, please see Full Job Description below.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required
  • Two (2) years of experience in landscaping
  • Knowledge of basic carpentry
  • Ability to use hand tools and power tools
  • Any combination of equivalent education and experience to successfully perform the essential
    functions of the position will be considered

LICENSING & CERTIFICATIONS:

none

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Heavy: Exerting over 50 pounds of force occasionally and up to 30 pounds frequently. This position requires standing, walking, climbing bending, stooping and lifting/holding a majority of the time.

Physical Environment:

This staff member routinely works with construction or maintenance machines and equipment such as
hand tools, saws, drills, chain saw, paint brushes, wheelbarrows, lawn mowers, weed eaters, leaf
blowers, golf carts / mules, pressure washers and other cleaning equipment;

occasionally climbs ladders between 12 and 20 feet high;

is routinely exposed to external elements which include heat/cold, wet/humid, dry/arid
and extreme weather conditions. Personal protective equipment is frequently required.


The Friends of the Zoo, Inc (Chattanooga Zoo) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Zoo will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.


Chattanooga Zoo has adopted a smoke-free campus to serve as a leader in promoting a healthy workplace and environment.

Chattanooga Zoo is a member of the Tennessee Drug-Free Workplace program. This position requires pre-employment screenings which will include: a background check, drug screen & tuberculin skin test.


Job Posted by ApplicantPro