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Entry Level Zoo Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nashville Zoo

Events Office Assistant

Nashville, TN

... from Zoo staff/general public to the appropriate Event Staff, and overall cleanliness/organization of the Events Office and storage. * Entry level event duties such as: booking and scheduling of ...

New

Nashville Zoo

Events Office Assistant

Nashville, TN · On-site

... from Zoo staff/general public to the appropriate Event Staff, and overall cleanliness/organization of the Events Office and storage. * Entry level event duties such as: booking and scheduling of ...

New

Dallas Zoo

General Application - Animal Care

Dallas, TX

$15.50 - $21/hr

The Dallas Zoo values a variety of professional backgrounds and experiences, including those gained ... Zoologist - Our entry-level animal care staff provide daily care for a variety of species while ...

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 ... Actively encourage interest in wildlife through positive interaction with zoo guests via ...

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 ... Actively encourage interest in wildlife through positive interaction with zoo guests via ...

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Entry Level Zoo information

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$17K

$40.7K

$66.5K

How much do entry level zoo jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level zoo in the United States is $40,722.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,000.00 and $47,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry level zoo jobs?

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.

Can you work at a zoo without experience?

Entry level zoo positions often do not require prior experience, as they typically involve on-the-job training for tasks like animal care, cleaning, and customer service. However, having related skills, such as a background in biology or volunteering experience, can improve your chances of being hired. Certifications like first aid or animal handling may also be beneficial but are not always mandatory for entry-level roles.

What are the primary daily responsibilities for someone in an entry-level zoo position?

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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

High-paying jobs that can reach $10,000 a month without a degree often include roles such as sales managers, real estate brokers, or skilled trades like electricians and plumbers with experience. These positions typically require strong skills, certifications, or licenses, and may involve commission-based income or overtime work.

How to get experience to work in a zoo?

Entry level zoo positions often require relevant experience such as volunteering, internships, or working with animals in related settings like shelters or farms. Gaining skills in animal care, biology, or conservation, along with certifications like first aid or animal handling, can improve your chances of securing a zoo job.

What qualifications do you need to work at the zoo?

Entry-level zoo positions typically require a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills include a passion for animals, good communication, and the ability to work outdoors or in animal enclosures; some roles may require basic knowledge of animal care or first aid certifications.

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

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.
More about Entry Level Zoo jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Zoo jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Zoo job openings:
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Entry Level Zoo jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Zoo job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Full Time, 84% Part Time, 14% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,722 per year, or $19.6 per hour.
Part-time Educator (On-Call Conservation Interpreter)

Part-time Educator (On-Call Conservation Interpreter)

Dallas Zoo

Dallas, TX

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

Temporary

Posted 16 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 33 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

JOB SUMMARY
This is an entry-level position responsible for facilitating mission-driven programming on and off the Dallas Zoo campus. We have two openings for this position. Interpreters will actively engage audiences through education programming, including interpretation and camps. Interpreters must be comfortable interpreting any topic relevant to the zoo and wildlife conservation to a wide variety of audiences. Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus! This is a variable hour position with a maximum of 29 hours per week, and must be available for evenings, weekends, and holidays.
This position concludes in late November.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
* Deliver engaging, mission-driven experiences to inspire conservation action on behalf of wildlife:
* Reinforce and encourage interest in wildlife, in age-appropriate, developmentally appropriate, positive engagement with zoo guests and program participants via programming focused on wildlife conservation and nature connections.
* Actively encourage interest in and empathy for wildlife through positive interaction with guests via interpretive presentations focused on Dallas Zoo conservation priorities;
* Assist in developing mission-driven programming as assigned;
* Prepare and update records, reports, and surveys. Assist in research projects as necessary;
* Keep current on conservation issues, interpretive techniques, and conservation psychology/community-based social marketing best practices;
* Perform general maintenance and repair of exhibits: painting, repair of bio-facts, garden maintenance;
* Interact positively and professionally with Dallas Zoo staff and volunteers in accordance with the Zoo's "Best Day Ever" guest engagement policy;
* Assist as new hire trainer for volunteers and interns as assigned; Act as a trainer for new hire Conservation Interpreters as assigned;
* Collaborate with other zoo personnel as needed to meet the Dallas 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 goals;
* Follow all safety protocols and understand the position's role in emergency procedures, responding to emergencies as required;
* Assist with the beautification of our park by removing trash and debris whenever you see it;
* Assist with and raise awareness for AZA SAFE programs and Dallas Zoo conservation efforts;
* Perform other duties as assigned.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
A Bachelor's degree in any field related to interpretation, biology, education, or conservation plus one year of experience in interpretation or education related to science, natural history, outdoor, environmental, or related field is preferred; or an Associate's degree in any field related to interpretation, biology, education, or conservation plus two years of interpretation experience;
Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus
Excellent presentation and public engagement skills required;
Strong knowledge of best practices in interpretation required, National Association for Interpretation (NAI) certification preferred;
Excellent natural history and wildlife conservation knowledge with attention to scientific accuracy;
Must maintain a high level of enthusiasm, energy, and creativity while performing interpretive programs on a regular basis;
Must be comfortable working with and handling live animals;
Must be a flexible, efficient, self-motivated team player, and solution-oriented: finding creative solutions to complex challenges;
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 information appropriately;
Ability to represent the Dallas Zoo in a professional manner at all times;
Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations and to respond with appropriate action;
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, cold, 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: Variable Hour / Temporary

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