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Entry Level Zookeeper Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Zookeeper information

See Michigan salary details

$10

$16

$25

How much do entry level zookeeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level zookeeper in Michigan is $16.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $18.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level zookeeper do?

An Entry Level Zookeeper is responsible for the daily care of animals in a zoo or wildlife facility. Their duties include feeding, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and assisting with enrichment activities. They may also interact with visitors, provide educational information, and support senior zookeepers in various tasks. This role requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and a passion for animal welfare. It's a great starting point for those looking to build a career in animal care and conservation.

Is it hard to get a job as an entry level zookeeper?

Getting an entry-level zookeeper position can be competitive, as it often requires relevant education, such as a degree in biology or animal science, and experience through internships or volunteer work. Strong communication skills, physical fitness, and knowledge of animal care are also important for increasing job prospects.

What does a typical workday look like for an entry level zookeeper?

A typical day for an Entry Level Zookeeper involves preparing and distributing food, cleaning animal enclosures, monitoring animal behavior, and assisting with habitat maintenance. You may also support basic medical care under the supervision of senior staff and help with public education programs or visitor interactions. Work is commonly outdoors and requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and strict adherence to safety protocols. Teamwork is crucial as you’ll regularly communicate with veterinarians, supervisors, and other zookeepers to ensure the best care for the animals. This role offers a unique, rewarding environment for those passionate about wildlife and conservation.

How to start a career as an entry level zookeeper?

To start a career as an entry level zookeeper, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions preferring or requiring a degree in biology, zoology, or a related field. Gaining experience through volunteering or internships at zoos or aquariums helps develop relevant skills, and certifications such as first aid or animal handling can improve job prospects. Entry-level zookeeping often involves physically demanding work, including cleaning enclosures and feeding animals, and may require flexible scheduling including weekends and holidays.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level zookeeper?

To thrive as an Entry Level Zookeeper, you need basic animal husbandry knowledge, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring coursework or experience in biology or animal science. Familiarity with safety protocols, cleaning tools, feeding schedules, and record-keeping systems is also valuable. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help set candidates apart in this collaborative, hands-on role. These skills are essential to ensure animal welfare, maintain safe and efficient operations, and work effectively as part of a zoo team.

What are the most commonly searched types of Zookeeper jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Zookeeper jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Zookeeper jobs in Michigan? For Entry Level Zookeeper jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Zookeeper jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Zookeeper jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Entry Level Zookeeper jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Entry Level Zookeeper job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Zookeeper job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,083 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Seasonal Security Officer

Detroit Zoological Society

Royal Oak, MI • On-site

$15 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Seasonal Security Officer
The Security Officer is responsible for performing or assisting with the following duties, access control, emergency response, crowd control, performing escorts and courtesy transports, criminal investigations, answering phones, writing reports, maintaining logs, performing inspections, investigations, dispatch and overseeing contract security personnel.
The DZS Security Officer will support, both publicly and privately, the principles of the Detroit Zoological Society, maintain a professional manner when dealing with all constituencies, and always preserve a high level of confidentiality.
This job description is by no means all-inclusive and may be subject to change during a performance period due to the needs of the Detroit Zoological Society and its leadership. This document will be reviewed on a continual basis and will be modified as needed.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
  • Perform foot and/or vehicle or bicycle patrol of facility
  • Respond to all emergencies, incidents, alarms, and/or situations as requested
  • Investigate all incidents and create accurate and timely incident reports
  • Be observant and provide visible deterrent to crime and disruptions
  • Be a guest service centered officer that provides assistance to guests, staff, and volunteers in a courteous and professional manner
  • Provide necessary first aid and/ or CPR if and when needed (Must be willing to be CPR/AED, First Aid, and Stop the Bleed trained)
  • Escalate emergency situations using Incident Command protocols and notify, assist, and direct external emergency personnel as needed
  • Monitor access levels of staff and volunteers using CCTV and security analytic software
  • Enforce and comply with all Zoo policy and procedures
  • Complete safety checks of patrol areas to ensure safety equipment is compliant and in working order
  • Provide assistance with crowd control and parking as needed
  • Must be willing to work at satellite campuses as needed
  • Must be willing to use a motorized vehicle during high traffic and/or stressful situations utilizing defensive driving techniques
  • Ability to monitor and respond to multiple radio channels
  • Performs health screenings of staff, guests, and volunteers including monitoring temperature as needed
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Education and Experience
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • No felony, drug related, child/spouse/animal abuse or theft convictions. Must pass the State of Michigan State Police Criminal Background check or equivalent from other states of residence.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Excellent phone skills
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Must be a team player and worker who will work well with and support co-workers and supervisors
  • Cooperative, professional demeanor
  • Good oral and writing articulation skills
  • Accurate record keeping ability
  • Able to work varied hours and extended shifts

Preferred
  • Previous experience in a customer service position.
  • Previous experience in a security position.
  • CPR/AED Certification
  • Knowledge of the Incident Command System
  • Above average computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Access

Working Conditions
The regular work schedule will include weekends, evenings, early-mornings, and holidays. Work is performed in an environment that has a high volume of traffic, requires the ability to deal with stressful and sometimes abusive situations. The Security Officer will be required to work in rain, snow, and extremely hot and cold temperatures.
Physical Requirements
The individual will be required to stand and sit for extended periods of time; must be able to multitask. Must be able to walk or ride a bicycle for an entire shift while being exposed to extreme elements. The individual should be able to lift a minimum of 25 pounds. Bending, squatting, walking, and running will be required. The individual will be required to pass an entry level drug screen and may be subjected to periodic drug tests.
The individual must have the ability to perform the essential functions of the job satisfactorily with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the DZS celebrates the diversity of our human community. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.