2

Entry Level Zoo Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Zoo information

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 kind of qualifications do you need to work at an entry level zoo?

Entry-level zoo positions typically require a high school diploma or equivalent and an interest in animal care and conservation. Relevant skills include basic animal handling, teamwork, and communication; some roles may also require certifications such as first aid or animal safety training.

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 a 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 Minnesota? The most popular types of Zoo jobs in Minnesota are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Zoo jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Zoo jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Entry Level Zoo jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Entry Level Zoo job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Zoo job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution.

$55K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


City Of Saint Paul rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

276th of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

About the Position The City of Saint Paul Department of Safety & Inspections is hiring an Animal Services Officer I to perform entry level work with the Saint Paul Animal Services Center (SPAS) enforcing animal and pest control ordinances. Here's what you can expect to do: Provide dispatch services to field-based Animal Services Officers. Prepare routine documents, forms, and reports related to inspections, investigations, compliance, and research.

Provide daily care, enrichment, and training to impounded animals. Provide routine janitorial services at the animal shelter. Assist with vaccination and other veterinary procedures.

Assists other staff with recurring duties at the SPAS. For more information and essential functions, see our job description. Information Specific to this Position: The Saint Paul Animal Services Center (SPAS) is located in the heart of beautiful Como Park at 1285 Jessamine Ave.

W., Saint Paul, MN, but will be moving to a new animal shelter located at 1115 Beulah Ln in Summer of 2026. Our Benefits: We offer competitive wages, and a variety of excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions and paid vacation and sick time. Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: The City of Saint Paul is dedicated to dismantling systemic racial, cultural, and economic barriers that prevent people from fully enjoying and participating in our community and ensuring fairness in opportunities and outcomes for all individuals

At the City of Saint Paul, we want our workforce to reflect the diverse city that we serve. Our leaders are guided by an unapologetic equity agenda, which promotes the belief that true equity is building a city that works for all of us. We encourage you to apply as we are most interested in finding the best candidate for this job.

Position Requirements One year of experience handling animals working in an animal shelter, zoo, veterinary clinic setting, or equivalent setting. Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License or equivalent out of state driver's license. Must possess or obtain a basic Animal Control Officer certification within one year of hire.

Must obtain and maintain authorization from the SPAC veterinarian of record to euthanize animals within twelve months of appointment. How to Apply Submit a City of Saint Paul online application by the closing date. Upload or submit the following document via the online application system.

(Zip files and web links will not be accepted. Each uploaded attachment is limited to 10MB.) A resume First time applying online. Read our How to Apply Online Guide

Need technical support. For help with the online application, please call 1-855-524-5627. Learn more about our Hiring Process Assessment: Qualifications Rating The Qualifications Rating is an assessment of your completed application and answers to the Supplemental Questionnaire.

Be as specific and detailed as possible in completing your application and questionnaire. You must submit your completed application and supplemental questionnaire by the application deadline. GENERAL INFORMATION: Open Job Posting: This posting is open to anyone who meets the position requirements.

Eligible Lists Created from Open Job Posting: You must receive a score of 75% or higher to pass the assessment and be considered for the position. Non-promotion eligible lists typically are pass/fail and promotion eligible lists are typically ranked. If the open eligible list created contains a veteran, one open list will exist.

When there are no veterans remaining on the eligible list (i.e. hired, withdrawn) from an open list that also contains promotional candidates, two lists will be created: one open list and one promotion list. If two lists exist, the promotion list must be exhausted before the open list is considered

Final Selection Process: Those who pass will be placed on an eligible list for approximately six months and all will be notified of their status. A Hiring Manager will consider those applicants eligible for hire. You will be notified if you are invited to participate in the final selection process which may include an interview, job simulation, work sample submission, or other evaluation method.

Pre-Employment Screening: This position requires a medical examination, driver's license check, credit check, drug test, and a background check which may include criminal history, and employment history as a condition of employment. Human Resources Contact information: Danni Smith at 651-266-6566 Email: danni.smith@stpaul.gov The City of Saint Paul encourages individuals to apply for positions regardless of criminal history. Veteran's Preference: If you are a veteran and would like to receive Veteran's preference in accordance with MN Statute 197.455, you must submit a photocopy of your DD214 preferably at time of application

Click here for more information. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Saint Paul is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.


What City Of Saint Paul employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom