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Entry Level Exotic Animal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dallas Zoo

Bird Zoologist - Temporary

Dallas, TX

JOB SUMMARY This is an entry-level position in animal care, following established protocols to ... of exotic animal care experience at an AZA-accredited facility (ideally with birds) Must be a ...

Dallas Zoo

Zoologist - WOA Hoofstock

Dallas, TX

$15.50 - $21/hr

JOB SUMMARY This is an entry-level position in animal care, following established protocols to ... exotic animal care experience at an AZA-accredited facility (ideally with hoofstock) Must be a ...

Dallas Zoo Management

Zoologist - WOA Hoofstock

Dallas, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $21/hr

Description JOB SUMMARY This is an entry-level position in animal care, following established ... year preferred of exotic animal care experience at an AZA-accredited facility (ideally with ...

Dallas Zoo Management

Bird Zoologist - Temporary

Dallas, TX · On-site

$41K - $56K/yr

Description JOB SUMMARY This is an entry-level position in animal care, following established ... exotic animal care experience at an AZA-accredited facility (ideally with birds) • Must be a ...

Dallas Zoo

On Call Zoologist

Dallas, TX

$15.50 - $21/hr

JOB SUMMARY This is an entry-level position, on-call position in animal care, following established ... exotic animal care experience at an AZA-accredited facility Must be a flexible, efficient, self ...

Dallas Zoo Management

On Call Zoologist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $21/hr

Description JOB SUMMARY This is an entry-level position, on-call position in animal care, following ... preferred of exotic animal care experience at an AZA-accredited facility Must be a flexible ...

Collier County, FL

Animal Care Specialist I

Naples, FL · On-site

$19.13 - $30.61/hr

The salary listed in the reflects the full pay range for this position, from entry level through ... Essential Functions • Cares for, cleans, grooms, and feeds all domestic and exotic animals ...

New

Collier County

Animal Care Specialist I

Naples, FL

$19.13 - $36/hr

The salary listed in the reflects the full pay range for this position, from entry level through ... exotic animals received into the shelter; moves animals to proper shelter and ensures no threat to ...

New

AVS Bio

AVS Bio Poultry House Operator

Roanoke, IL · On-site

$22/hr

... entry-level, healthcare, or service-industry backgrounds! Location: Washburn, IL (No Relocation ... exotic birds, or visit farms, fairs, or other locations with bird exposure. * What other animal ...

AVS Bio

AVS Bio Crew Worker

Roanoke, IL · On-site

$23.50/hr

... the world ideal for entry-level, construction, healthcare, or service-industry backgrounds ... exotic birds, or visit farms, fairs, or other locations with bird exposure. * What other animal ...

All JobsExotic Animal JobsEntry Level Exotic Animal Jobs

Entry Level Exotic Animal information

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level exotic animal caretakers, and how can I prepare for them?

Entry-level exotic animal caretakers often face challenges such as adapting to irregular work hours, handling physically demanding tasks, and ensuring the safety of both themselves and the animals. You may be responsible for cleaning enclosures, preparing specialized diets, and closely monitoring animal health, which requires attention to detail and adherence to strict protocols. Building strong communication skills is also important, as you'll work closely with veterinarians, senior caretakers, and other staff to maintain high standards of animal welfare. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteer work at zoos or wildlife centers can help you prepare for these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Exotic Animal Caretaker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Exotic Animal Caretaker, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic knowledge of animal behavior, and experience or coursework in animal care. Familiarity with animal handling tools, cleaning equipment, and sometimes specialized animal management software is valuable. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and a genuine compassion for animals help you excel in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of exotic animals in your care.

What are entry level exotic animal jobs?

Entry level exotic animal jobs are positions that involve caring for, feeding, and assisting with the daily needs of non-domestic animals, such as reptiles, birds, and mammals, in settings like zoos, wildlife centers, or animal sanctuaries. These roles may include animal keeper assistant, wildlife rehabilitation aide, or animal care technician. People in these positions often help with cleaning enclosures, preparing diets, monitoring animal behavior, and assisting with educational programs. Entry level jobs typically require a high school diploma and a passion for working with animals, though some employers may prefer candidates with experience or relevant coursework. These roles provide valuable hands-on experience for those interested in advancing into specialized animal care or conservation careers.

What is the difference between Entry Level Exotic Animal vs Entry Level Zookeeper?

AspectEntry Level Exotic AnimalEntry Level Zookeeper
Required CertificationsBasic animal handling, species-specific knowledgeAnimal care, safety, and possibly zoo-specific training
Work EnvironmentZoos, wildlife sanctuaries, exotic pet facilitiesZoos, aquariums, wildlife parks
Industry UsageWildlife conservation, exotic pet careAnimal husbandry, public education
Common Search IntentEntry level exotic animal jobs, exotic animal careEntry level zookeeper jobs, zoo assistant roles

Both roles involve caring for animals, but Entry Level Exotic Animal positions focus on handling and caring for specific exotic species, often in specialized facilities. Entry Level Zookeeper roles are broader, typically involving daily animal care, habitat maintenance, and public interaction in zoo settings. The main difference lies in the focus on exotic species versus general zoo animal care, with overlapping certifications and work environments.

More about Entry Level Exotic Animal jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Exotic Animal jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Exotic Animal job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Exotic Animal jobs? The most popular types of Exotic Animal jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Exotic Animal jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Exotic Animal jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Exotic Animal jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Exotic Animal jobs are:
Entry Level Exotic Animal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Exotic Animal job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution.
Bird Zoologist - Temporary

Bird Zoologist - Temporary

Dallas Zoo

Dallas, TX

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Dallas Zoo rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 34 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

JOB SUMMARY
This is an entry-level position in animal care, following established protocols to provide outstanding
animal care for species in the section: food preparation, feeding, exhibit maintenance, pest control, and reproductive management. Zoologists participate in operant conditioning and husbandry programs, provide approved environmental enrichment, work collaboratively to improve animal exhibits, and prepare and conduct educational presentations and tours for zoo guests.
Representative species cared for by the Bird team include Whooping cranes, Caribbean and lesser flamingos, various species of stork and vultures, and African penguins.
This is a temporary position projected to end in late November 2026.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide overall daily care of assigned animals and exhibits to ensure animal health, safety, and
welfare, staff and public safety as set forth by AZA, USDA, and DZM to include:
Observe and monitor animals' general health and behavior, reporting any abnormal behavior to
manager and/or veterinary staff;
Prepare and provide food for assigned animals, following written instructions, provide water and
administer medication as instructed to ensure proper nutrition and health;
Clean animal exhibits, holding pens, food prep areas, and equipment, maintaining a high level of
sanitation, conducting pest control activities and reporting any mechanical defects that would
endanger the animal, zoo staff, and/or guests;
Achieve the highest standards of animal welfare and wellness by providing environmental
enrichment and training sessions, using operant conditioning, as applicable;
Participate in or assist with the capture and restraint of a variety of taxa including dangerousspecies
Prepare and update animal records, reports and surveys, assisting in research projects as necessaryto ensure thorough documentation and enhanced knowledge of animal biology;
Perform general maintenance and repair of exhibits: painting, repairing fences and shelters, abatingerosion, planting ground cover and removing weeds;
Provide assistance with animal transfers and/or procedures as directed;
Interact positively and professionally with animal care and veterinary staff and volunteers;
Actively encourage interest in wildlife through positive interaction with zoo guests via educational
presentations focused on animals, biology, conservation, and environmental issues;
Utilize the enrichment item/device proposal form to create new enrichment ideas and items to be
added to taxa repertoires and properly record the results of enrichment items after each use;
Collaborate with other zoo personnel as needed to meet the zoo's mission. This can include, but is
not limited to, assisting and participating in media events, special tours, and public relations projects;
Participate in and support zoo-wide initiatives, committees, and work groups;
Understand and support Dallas Zoo's Strategic and Master Plans and departmental collection plans;
Study specific reference materials pertinent to animal care, behavior and natural history as assigned;
Follow all safety protocols and understand the animal keeper's role in emergency procedures,
responding to emergencies as required;
QUALIFICATIONS
An Associate's degree in an animal science, biology, or related science field plus one year of paid animal care experience is required; A Bachelor's degree in an animal science, biology, or related science field is preferred;
Must have knowledge of animal care and basic husbandry skills, and at least one year preferred of
exotic animal care experience at an AZA-accredited facility (ideally with birds)
Must be a flexible, efficient, self-motivated team player, and solution-oriented: finding creative
solutions to complex challenges;
Must have basic knowledge of research techniques and practices, with solid observation skills;
Must be capable of practicing, or willing to learn, safe methods of capture and restraint for a variety
of taxa (which may include potentially dangerous species);
Must be able to establish and maintain an effective rapport with all levels of management, employees, interns, volunteers, and zoo guests;
Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, following instructions and
documenting animal care activities appropriately;
Ability to represent the Zoo in a professional manner at all times;
Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations and to respond with appropriate action;
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with management, other employees & zoo guests;
Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull bend, climb stairs
and ladders and carry up to 50 lbs;
Must be able to work holidays and weekends, both regular and irregular hours as required;
Regular, reliable and punctual attendance is an essential function of this position;
Must be able to actively work outdoors in hot or inclement weather;
Successful candidates must complete pre-employment drug screening, background check and TB
test;
Must have a valid driver's license to operate zoo vehicles and reliable transportation.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel assigned to this job and is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties to be assigned
Employment Type: Full-Time (Temporary Leave of Absence Backfill)

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