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Entry Level Zoo Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dallas Zoo

Conservation Interpreter

Dallas, TX

JOB SUMMARY This is an entry-level position responsible for facilitating mission-driven programming on and off the Dallas Zoo campus. Interpreters will actively engage audiences through education ...

Dallas Zoo

Zoologist- Giraffe/Okapi/Hoofstock

Dallas, TX

$15.50 - $21/hr

JOB SUMMARY This is an entry-level position in animal care, following established protocols to ... Actively encourage interest in wildlife through positive interaction with zoo guests via ...

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 ...

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How much do entry level zoo jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 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 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.
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Entry Level Zoo jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Zoo job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,722 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Butterfly Exhibit Specialist/Lepidopterist (Temporary)

Dallas Zoo

Dallas, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 hours ago

Dallas Zoo rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

JOB SUMMARY
This is an entry-level position responsible for advancing the Dallas Zoo's mission by facilitating experiential learning opportunities in a temporary butterfly habitat. Lepidopterists will actively engage guests and program participants through educational programming that inspires and empowers audiences to Create a Better World for Animals. Lepidopterists must be comfortable handling butterflies throughout their entire life cycle and interpreting topics relevant to the Zoo and wildlife conservation, as they relate to butterflies, to a wide variety of audiences on the Dallas Zoo campus.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
* Provide overall daily care of butterflies 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 butterflies' general health and behavior, reporting any abnormal behavior to supervisor and/or veterinary staff.
* Prepare and provide food for butterflies, following written instructions, provide water and administer medication as instructed to ensure proper nutrition and health;
* Clean animal exhibits, butterfly food stations 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;
* Provide care for butterflies throughout their life cycle, including chrysalis handling, butterfly releasing, and clean-up of expired butterflies.
* Maintain accurate butterfly records.
* Proactively engage audiences through mission-driven experiences that inspire and empower audiences to take part in conservation actions on behalf of wildlife:
* Reinforce and encourage interest in wildlife through age-appropriate, developmentally appropriate, positive engagement with guests via programming;
* Actively inspire and empower audiences to develop an interest in and empathy for wildlife through positive and engaging interactions via experiential education programming focused on Dallas Zoo conservation priorities;
* Deliver education programs to groups of all sizes and ages;
* Keep current on conservation issues, interpretive techniques, and conservation psychology/community-based social marketing best practices;
* Maintain positive, professional relationships with Dallas Zoo staff, guests, and volunteers;
* Assist as new hire trainer for volunteers and interns as assigned; Act as a trainer for new hire Conservation Interpreters as assigned;
* Assist in the organization and maintenance of educational materials as needed.
* 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 litter and debris whenever you see it;
* Assist with and raise awareness for AZA SAFE programs and Dallas Zoo conservation efforts;
* Assist with other miscellaneous projects assigned by Dallas Zoo's Education leadership team;
* Must be willing to support the Dallas Zoo's Mission and Vision statement.
* Dallas Zoo is open to the public 364 days out of the year, therefore, all positions at the Dallas Zoo may require employees to work weekends, holidays, and evenings.
* Perform other duties as assigned.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Two years of relevant experience in interpretation or a related field.
Excellent presentation and public engagement skills required;
Strong knowledge of best practices in interpretation required; National Association for Interpretation (NAI) certification preferred;
Bilingual speaking and writing skills 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 and expired butterflies;
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: Full-Time (Temporary)

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