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Entry Level Zoo Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Zoo Curator information

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$25.5K

$72.6K

$119.5K

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

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level zoo curator in the United States is $72,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Zoo Curator vs Entry Level Zoo Keeper?

AspectEntry Level Zoo CuratorEntry Level Zoo Keeper
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in biology, zoology, or related field; some positions may prefer internshipsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training often provided
Work EnvironmentOffice setting with some time in animal enclosures; involved in planning and managementHands-on animal care in exhibits, enclosures, and daily maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageZoos, aquariums, wildlife parks; involved in curation, exhibit planning, and conservationZoos, aquariums; focused on daily animal care and habitat maintenance

In summary, Entry Level Zoo Curators typically have a background in biology and focus on planning, management, and conservation efforts, while Entry Level Zoo Keepers are primarily responsible for daily animal care and habitat maintenance. Both roles are essential in zoo operations but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

Can I get a job at the zoo with no experience?

Entry level zoo curator positions typically require some related education or experience, such as coursework in biology or animal management, but some entry-level roles may be available to candidates with minimal experience if they demonstrate strong interest and willingness to learn. Gaining volunteer experience or internships can improve chances of securing such roles. Basic knowledge of animal care and familiarity with zoo operations are beneficial for entry-level applicants.

How to become an entry level zoo curator?

To become an entry-level zoo curator, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, or a related field, along with relevant experience such as internships or volunteer work at zoos or aquariums. Strong organizational, communication, and animal management skills are also important, and some positions may require knowledge of conservation practices or specific animal care techniques.

What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo Curator jobs?

The most popular types of Zoo Curator jobs are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Zoo Curator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Zoo Curator jobs are:

Entry Level Zoo Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Zoo Curator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,627 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Ambassador Animal Keeper I - Temporary

The Living Planet Aquarium

Draper, UT • On-site

$17/hr

Full-time, Temporary

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Position: Ambassador Animals Keeper I - Temporary

Reports To: Curator of Ambassador Animal Programs

Salary starting at: $17.00/hr


Why Utah?

Utah is home to five national parks, world-class skiing and snowboarding, hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, and stunning deserts, mountains, and lakes, all within easy driving distance. Outdoor adventure is part of everyday life. The Salt Lake Valley consistently ranks high for safety, clean communities, short commute times, and family-friendly amenities. Draper offers a balance of suburban comfort and urban access, with downtown Salt Lake City just 15 minutes away. Enjoy all four seasons without extremes—sunny summers, colorful falls, snowy winters, and mild springs, perfect for both outdoor recreation and city living. Utah’s communities are known for being engaged, supportive, and service-oriented, making it easy for newcomers to feel at home.

About Loveland Living Planet Aquarium:

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (LLPA) is a mission-driven institution dedicated to inspiring people to explore, discover, and learn about Earth’s diverse ecosystems. Founded in 1997, the Aquarium provides impactful educational experiences for guests of all ages and backgrounds.

Since opening its Draper, Utah facility in 2014, LLPA has welcomed more than 10 million visitors and delivered over 650,000 educational experiences to students. Home to over 4,000 animals representing 650 species, the Aquarium features immersive habitats from around the world, including coral reefs, kelp forests, the deep ocean, Antarctic waters, tropical rainforests, Asian cloud forests, and Utah’s freshwater ecosystems.

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2019, LLPA is in an exciting phase of growth. With the opening of the Sam and Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center, the Aquarium became the largest in the Mountain West and the fifth largest aquarium in the continental United States, offering expanded opportunities for education, research, and professional impact.

Position Summary:

This position is for an entry level keeper responsible for the care and wellbeing of the Aquarium’s Education and Ambassador animal collections. This consists of a diverse array of species including raptors and other birds, small mammals, herptiles, and invertebrates. Areas of focus include animal care, training animals for guest presentations and shows, directly presenting animals to guests, and teaching Education team members effective animal handling skills.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Cleaning and maintenance of equipment, supplies, animal habitats, and support spaces associated with the Education and Ambassador animal collections.
  • Monitoring and maintaining appropriate environmental parameters for the Education and Ambassador animal collection.
  • Providing high level animal care and nutrition to all animals within the Education and Ambassador animal collection.
  • Monitoring and assisting in responding to signs of illness/injury, stress, or other factors that may impact animal health and wellbeing.
  • Maintaining all necessary records and reviewing those records regularly in support of ensuring excellent animal care.
  • Responsible for supporting institutional and industry best practice standards and procedures.
  • Supporting excellent animal wellbeing through providing enriching environments interactions and behaviors supporting animal health
  • Utilizing training best practices to develop and maintain behaviors within the Education and Ambassador animal collections for situations including presentation to guests, off-site travel, and animal shows with free-flight birds.
  • Working closely with the Education Team to train and maintain best practice animal handling behaviors in support of the Aquarium’s mission to inspire.
  • Participating directly in animal presentations and shows as part of an expanding Ambassador program.

Experience and Qualifications:

  • Two or four-year degree in zoological or biological sciences. Candidates with a suitable combined equivalent of education and hands-on experience will be considered.
  • Minimum 6 months of internship or paid experience in an area of animal care at a zoological facility.
  • Candidates with prior experience working in one of the following fields will be viewed favorably: reptile and amphibian husbandry, animal behavior, ambassador animals, falconry or other raptor experience.


Critical Competencies:

  • Demonstrated knowledge of and experience working with birds, herptiles, or small mammals.
  • Good interpersonal verbal and written communication skills, and ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
  • Maintaining a consistent professional attitude, high motivation, and ability to accept feedback.
  • Interest in developing good time management practices, new skills, and demonstrated desire for growth.
  • Knowledge of ZIMS software is a plus.


Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

  • Valid Utah driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire.
  • Must possess current, negative TB test results or obtain prior to start date.


Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

  • Outdoor and indoor environments in varying weather conditions including: elevated platforms, aquarium habitats, uneven surfaces, enclosed spaces, underwater environments, noisy workspaces.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs, ability to swim, ability to stand for long periods of time, ability to walk up and down ladders, ability to work with various cleaning chemicals, ability to operate power tools or heavy machinery, ability to drive aquarium vehicles.


The Living Planet Aquarium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or military status. The Living Planet Aquarium is committed to ensuring individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application and interview process. Should you require accommodations, please contact accommodation@livingplanetaquarium.org.