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Assistant Zookeeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

City of El Paso

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 (Great Apes) Department: Animal Reports To: Assistant Curator of Section working Location: Audubon Zoo FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Date Revised: 8/31/2026 General Summary: This ...

OMAHA ZOO GROUP

Events Assistant

Omaha, NE · On-site

$15.63/hr

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is seeking an Events Assistant to assist in the production and execution of public, private, and internal events during both daytime and evening hours. This ...

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How much do assistant zookeeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 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.

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Assistant zookeeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Zookeeper job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% 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.

Seasonal Horticulture Assistant - Zoo

Cleveland, OH • On-site

Cleveland Metroparks
Public Administration • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Cleveland Metroparksexternal

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Posted 21 days ago

Cleveland Metroparks rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

The Horticulture Assistant performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks in maintaining indoor and outdoor plant collections.
  1. Assists in planting trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals
  2. Performs landscape maintenance as needed or assigned, including mowing, weeding, pruning, spring cleanup, edging, mulching, and fall cleanup
  3. Assists with landscape construction projects, including building of retaining walls, paver installation, grading, drainage work, and irrigation installation
  4. Operates water truck and pump
  5. Properly prunes indoor and outdoor ornamental plant specimens
  6. Supports the Zoo's animal browse supplemental feeding program
  7. Assists in various housekeeping tasks
  8. Keeps direct supervisor promptly informed of key/significant issues or concerns.
  9. Carries out duties and responsibilities in a safe and efficient manner to maintain a safe work environment and surrounding area for oneself, co-workers and public. Responds to hazardous situations and/or potentially unsafe conditions by taking corrective action as capable and promptly notifying supervisory personnel.
  10. Actively participates in related training
  11. Performs related duties as assigned or apparent.

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license under the laws of the state of Ohio.
Knowledge of ornamental horticulture, plant identification skills, and experience operating small landscape equipment.
Must be age 18 or older.
Ability to use a variety of tools and equipment including: Automatic vehicles, small landscape equipment including: rototiller, string trimmer, bed edger, gas powered shears, and backpack blower, sprayers, pumps, and irrigation equipment, mower.
Willingness to work in all weather conditions outdoors and able to work on steep inclines
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, including employees and the general public.
Ability to speak and write clearly, concisely and persuasively using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation with ability to communicate one-on-one or in group settings.
Ability to perform work with a high degree of accuracy and organization.
Ability to work cooperatively with others.
Ability to perform with considerable independence and initiative.
Work Schedule: Must be available to work a flexible schedule.
Application Deadline: Open until filled.

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