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Entry Level Zoo Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Zoo information

See California salary details

$16.6K

$39.9K

$65.1K

How much do entry level zoo jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level zoo in California is $39,876.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30,356.00 and $46,023.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level zoo job?

Entry level zoo jobs are positions that require little to no previous experience working in a zoo or with animals. These roles often include animal care attendants, zookeepers’ assistants, or groundskeepers, and focus on basic animal care, cleaning enclosures, preparing food, and assisting with educational programs. Entry level jobs provide hands-on training and are a great way to start a career in animal care or zoology. Most of these positions require at least a high school diploma, and some may prefer candidates with volunteer experience or coursework in biology or animal science.

What are the primary daily responsibilities for an entry level zoo job?

In an entry-level zoo role, you can expect to assist with the care and feeding of animals, maintain clean and safe enclosures, and support senior zookeepers with routine tasks. You'll also help monitor animal behaviors, prepare diets, and may occasionally interact with visitors to answer basic questions about the animals. Collaboration with veterinary staff and fellow team members is common, and attention to detail is essential to ensure animal welfare and a smooth operation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level zoo worker?

To thrive as an Entry Level Zookeeper, you need a background in animal science or biology, basic animal care knowledge, and often a relevant degree or experience with animals. Familiarity with animal management software, feeding protocols, and safety equipment is typically required. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure animal well-being, support daily operations, and foster a safe environment for both animals and staff.

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

Entry level zoo positions often accept applicants with little or no prior experience, especially for roles such as animal care assistants or visitor services. Relevant skills like a passion for animals, good communication, and willingness to learn can be valuable, and some positions may require basic certifications or training provided on the job.

What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo jobs in California?

The most popular types of Zoo jobs in California are:

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Zoo jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Zoo job openings:

Entry Level Zoo jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Zoo job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,876 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Animal Keeper I - CALM (Open)

Kern County Superintendent of Schools

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

$3.5K/mo

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Summary
Under the direct supervision of the Curator of Animals, is responsible the daily husbandry and care of the animal collection, monitoring animal health, keeping accurate records, maintaining the condition of animal enclosures, and interaction with zoo visitors including presenting in wildlife talks.
Requirements / Qualifications
  • Copy of Transcript (College coursework in psychology, biology, or zoology may be substituted for animal experience.)

Comments and Other Information
IMPORTANT COMMENTS:
• Current employees: Please email Anisa Hernandez at ahernandez@kern.org with any questions regarding the required documents.
• After the filing deadline, all candidates will be notified by email if they do or do not qualify to take the written exam.
• Candidates must achieve 70% on the written examination to qualify for an oral interview. Examinations will be weighted 30% for written and 70% for oral. Candidates must obtain a composite score of 70% or better to qualify for the eligibility list. For entry-level positions, veterans shall be allowed an additional credit of five points to their composite score. A copy of your DD-214 must be submitted at the time of application to receive veteran's credit.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Passage of a pre-employment medical assessment and current tetanus shot. Some positions may require proof of privately owned automobile insurance and the possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle operator's license. Fingerprint clearance by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice is a condition of appointment after all other required job conditions have been met. Must present verification of completion of Child Abuse Mandated Reporter training or obtain verification within six (6) weeks of hire and annually thereafter, as required by the California Child Abuse Neglect Reporting Act. For entry-level positions, veterans shall be allowed an additional credit of five points to their composite score. A copy of your DD-214 must be submitted at the time of application to receive veteran's credit. This position has a probationary period of six months or 130 days in paid service, whichever is longer.
"The Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on actual or perceived ancestry, age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital or parental status or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics".

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