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Entry Level Aza Zoo Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Aza Zoo information

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$29.5K

$48.8K

$61.5K

How much do entry level aza zoo jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level aza zoo in the United States is $48,812.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $53,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Aza Zoo vs Entry Level Zookeeper?

AspectEntry Level Aza ZooEntry Level Zookeeper
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, some animal handling experienceHigh school diploma, animal care courses often preferred
Work EnvironmentZoo settings, outdoor and indoor animal habitatsZoo or wildlife parks, similar outdoor/indoor environments
Employer & Industry UsageZoos, wildlife parks, conservation organizationsZoos, aquariums, wildlife reserves

Entry Level Aza Zoo and Entry Level Zookeeper roles share similar credentials, work environments, and industry usage. Both positions involve animal care, habitat maintenance, and working in zoo settings. The main difference lies in job titles used by employers, but their responsibilities and requirements are closely aligned.

What types of daily responsibilities can I expect as an entry-level AZA zoo employee?

As an entry-level AZA zoo employee, your day-to-day tasks will often include preparing animal diets, cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures, observing animal behaviors, and assisting experienced keepers with enrichment and routine care. You may also interact with guests by answering questions or helping with educational programs. The role requires strong attention to detail, teamwork, and a willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions. Over time, you'll gain experience that can lead to specialized animal care or supervisory positions within the zoo.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level AZA Zoo Keeper, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level AZA Zoo Keeper, you generally need a background in biology, zoology, or animal science, often supported by a relevant degree or prior animal care experience. Familiarity with animal management software, safety protocols, and AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) standards is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and teamwork skills help you interact effectively with staff, visitors, and animals. These skills ensure the well-being of animals, facilitate educational outreach, and maintain high standards of safety and care.

What are Entry Level AZA Zoo jobs?

Entry Level AZA Zoo jobs are positions within zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) that are designed for individuals with little or no prior professional experience in animal care or zoo operations. These roles often include titles such as animal keeper assistant, education assistant, or guest services staff. They provide opportunities to learn about animal husbandry, guest interaction, and conservation efforts while gaining hands-on experience. Entry-level employees typically work under the supervision of experienced staff and may have opportunities for advancement as they gain skills and knowledge.
More about Entry Level Aza Zoo jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Aza Zoo jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Aza Zoo job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aza Zoo jobs? The most popular types of Aza Zoo jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Aza Zoo jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Aza Zoo jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Aza Zoo job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 27% Locum Tenens, 1% Full Time, 58% Contract, and 14% Nights. Highlights an 1% Physical, 19% Hybrid, and 80% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,812 per year, or $23.5 per hour.
Zoological Specialist, Aviculture (Associate - Senior)

Zoological Specialist, Aviculture (Associate - Senior)

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

Orlando, FL • On-site

Part-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

At Discovery Cove Orlando, we're passionate about caring for animals. In fact, we've already rescued over 40,000 animals (and counting!). And we can save you from being stuck in just another job. Join us and help bring joy, excitement, and lasting memories to people from around the world. We're seeking enthusiastic, dedicated, and hard-working individuals to become our Ambassadors. Join us and play an important part on our incredible team!
What you get to do:
We have Animal Trainer positions in a variety of levels. All of them offer you the chance to provide care and compassionate training to a variety of magnificent animals. You will perform daily husbandry tasks, including administering vitamins and medications as directed, preparing food, and maintaining a safe and sanitary working area for all animal habitats.
  • Observe animals and report any abnormalities to supervisor and team.
  • Maintain all animal records and equipment.
  • Ensure working environment follows established guidelines and safety procedures.
  • Consistently display consideration, tolerance, cooperation, open communication, and reliability.
  • Support education and general public shows in order to develop speaking skills and stage presence.
  • Proactively engage with guests and respond to guest inquiries.
  • Help prepare educational aspects of shows.
  • Serve as secondary animal person and safety spotter when needed.
  • Act as primary trainer when approved and as directed by leadership.
  • Work with animals on basic behavior and behavioral modification techniques under supervision.
  • Perform primary roles as assigned by area leadership.
  • Engage in and execute all aspects of guest interaction programs.
  • Work with animals using behavioral modification techniques as instructed.
  • Train behavior to completion under minimal supervision.
  • Lead education and general public shows, and guest interaction programs.
  • Be proficient in application of behavioral modification techniques used across the organization. This includes developing and implementing new behavior; training naïve animals with minimum supervision; training behavior to completion without supervision; proactively maintaining conditioned behavior; and forming relationships with animals.
  • Communicate professionally and effectively with Ambassadors, Vendors and our Guests.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

What it takes to succeed:
  • Able to complete provided CPR training/certification.
  • At least 3 years of animal care experience.
  • Able to demonstrate strong verbal communication skills and enthusiastically share a passion for the animals and conservation with our guests. Must be comfortable speaking to large groups of people on stage during presentations.
  • Ability to lift, push, pull and/or carry up to 50 lbs.
  • Position engages in extensive walking and standing throughout entire work shift and climb/ascend heights, if needed.
  • Perform the following physical activities: kneeling, squatting, bend floor-to waist/waist-to-overhead, reach overhead, simple grasp and fine hand manipulation tasks (use of tools/keyboard/writing)
  • Ability to work indoors and outdoors, in varying weather, to include extreme heat. Position may be exposed to fumes, dust, odors and cold/heat temperature extremes.
  • Perform cleaning duties; including use of cleaning chemicals.
  • Work a flexible schedule/hours based on business need, to include opening, mid-, and closing shifts; nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Must be flexible in work locations as placement will depend on business needs and career development opportunities.

Position level and Compensation rate will be contingent on professional zoological animal care experience at an AZA or equivalent facility. Level is determined through review and assessment of applicable experience by Zoo leadership. Experience required for each level is detailed below:
  • Associate: Entry level position
  • Specialist: Minimum of 12 months (2,080 hours) professional zoological experience
  • Senior: Minimum of 2.5 years (5,200 hours) professional zoological experience
  • Senior 1: Minimum of 5 years (10,400 hours) professional zoological experience

As a 365 day/year operation, candidates must be available to work varying shifts/hours to support year-round operating needs. This may include working opening, mid-day, closing shifts, weekends and holidays.
The perks of the position: Ambassadors will enjoy a fun, fast-paced environment, and great teammates, as well as:
  • FREE park admission
  • Discounts on park admission tickets and passes for family and friends
  • Park discounts on food, merchandise, etc.
  • Scholarship opportunities
  • Exclusive employee events and giveaways

EEO Employer:
SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.