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Assistant Zookeeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper III, Elephants

Houston, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

Zoo New England

Part- Time Zookeeper

Boston, MA · On-site

... Assistant Curator, attends veterinarian on rounds through assigned area. Assists Curators, zoo veterinarian and veterinary staff in capture and restraint of zoo specimens for medical procedures or ...

Zoo New England

Part- Time Zookeeper

Boston, MA · On-site

By assignment of Assistant Curator, attends veterinarian on rounds through assigned area. Assists Curators, zoo veterinarian and veterinary staff in capture and restraint of zoo specimens for medical ...

Great Plains Zoo

Zookeeper (Ungulate)

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

Job Summary Zookeepers are responsible for the specialized work involving all the health and ... Must be able to shoot rifles, shotguns and capture dart guns as required and/or directed to assist ...

Zoo New England

Part- Time Zookeeper

Boston, MA · On-site

$19.52/hr

... Assistant Curator, attends veterinarian on rounds through assigned area. Assists Curators, zoo veterinarian and veterinary staff in capture and restraint of zoo specimens for medical procedures or ...

Great Plains Zoo

Zookeeper (Ungulate)

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$18/hr

Job Summary Zookeepers are responsible for the specialized work involving all the health and ... Must be able to shoot rifles, shotguns and capture dart guns as required and/or directed to assist ...

Zoo New England

Full- Time Zookeeper

Boston, MA · On-site

By assignment of Assistant Curator, attendsveterinarian onrounds through assigned area. * Assists ... Interacts with and answers questions of zoo guests by providing information about zoo animals and ...

houstonzoo

Zookeeper III, Elephants

Houston, TX

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 ...

houstonzoo

Zookeeper III, Elephants

Houston, TX

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 ...

Zoo New England

Temporary Zookeeper

Boston, MA · On-site

Provides approved items and methods in accordance with zoo policy. Cooperates with existing ... Occasionally assist in emergencies and cope with high stress situations, e.g., Fire, hazmat, animal ...

Zoo New England

Temporary Zookeeper

Boston, MA · On-site

$19.52/hr

Provides approved items and methods in accordance with zoo policy. Cooperates with existing ... Occasionally assist in emergencies and cope with high stress situations, e.g., Fire, hazmat, animal ...

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How much do assistant zookeeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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?

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.

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.

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.
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Assistant zookeeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Zookeeper job openings in the United States as of August 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.

Zookeeper III, Elephants

Houston Zoo

Houston, TX • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 16 hours ago

Houston Zoo rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 37 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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