2

Entry Level Zookeeper Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Zookeeper information

See Minnesota salary details

$12

$18

$28

How much do entry level zookeeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level zookeeper in Minnesota is $18.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $20.72 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 Minnesota? The most popular types of Zookeeper jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Zookeeper jobs in Minnesota? For Entry Level Zookeeper jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Zookeeper job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,423 per year, or $19 per hour.

Animal Services Officer I

City of Saint Paul, MN

Saint Paul, MN • On-site

$55K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Salary : $55,307.20 - $77,084.80 Annually
Location : Saint Paul, MN
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-02054O
Department: Department of Safety & Inspections
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: 8/25/2026 11:59 PM Central
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
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 , 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
  1. Submit a City of Saint Paul online application by the closing date.
  2. 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
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:
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.
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.
The City of Saint Paul offers a competitive benefits package for permanent, certified positions. Temporary positions are not eligible for benefits.
Benefits vary with each position and the collective bargaining agreement. Benefits may include:
City Paid Benefits
  • Health Insurance
  • Vacation/Holidays
  • Sick Leave
  • Life Insurance
  • Subsidized Metro Bus Pass
  • Deferred Compensation
  • Retirement Program

Optional Benefits
  • Dental
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Disability Insurance
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
  • Long Term Care Insurance

For a detailed overview, visit
01
The thorough completion of the supplemental questions is very important in the screening and application processes. Therefore, a lack of detail and explanation in the supplemental questions and in your application, may result in failure or disqualification for this position. In addition, documentation of work experience referred to in the supplemental questions must be included in the application. Your education, training, and experience are subject to verification.I understand that giving false information, failure to accurately represent myself, or not providing required documentation as listed on the job announcement will result in disqualification from this position.
  • Yes

02
Do you possess a valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License or equivalent out-of-state driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you possess at least one year of professional experience handling animals working in an animal shelter, zoo, veterinary clinic setting, or equivalent setting? (1 year of experience = 2080 hours = 40 hours a week) Your application must show experience that supports your answer.
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you possess, or have you ever possessed an Animal Control Officer Certification?
  • Yes
  • No

05
In which of the following areas of animal care do you have professional experience? (Check all that apply)
  • Conducting intake exams
  • Evaluating animal health and behavior
  • Providing daily care and enrichment to a variety of animal species
  • Triaging animals & administering medications
  • Collecting and preparing biological specimens
  • Assisting with or capturing and impounding animals
  • None of the above

06
In which of the following areas of enforcement do you have professional experience? (Check all that apply)
  • Responding to complaints
  • Enforcing ordinances
  • Issuing citations
  • Assisting with or conducting inspections
  • Assisting with or conducting investigations
  • None of the above

07
In which of the following clerical areas do you have professional experience? (Check all that apply)
  • Tracking and maintaining records
  • Drafting and producing documents
  • Reviewing applications and permits
  • Money handling
  • Using animal control/sheltering related software, Microsoft Office
  • None of the above

08
RECRUITMENT: How did you first find your way to our website to apply for this position? (check all that apply)
  • City of Saint Paul website
  • City of Saint Paul employee
  • City of Saint Paul job interest card
  • City of Saint Paul walk-in
  • City of Saint Paul Posted! newsletter
  • City of Saint Paul Gov.Delivery notifications
  • Friend or family member
  • League of Minnesota Cities website
  • Governmentjobs.com website
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • X (formerly known as Twitter)
  • Indeed.com website
  • ZipRecruiter
  • Pollen website
  • MinnesotaWorks.net
  • College or University
  • Community organization
  • Job fair
  • Professional association
  • Saint Paul Elevate Session
  • People of Color Career Fair
  • Other

09
RECRUITMENT: If not indicated above, please specify where you heard about the position (e.g., specific organization/website name, City of Saint Paul employee name).
10
I am currently a Right Track Worker or have been employed by the City of Saint Paul as a Right Track Worker in the past.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question