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Entry Level Zookeeper Jobs in Bountiful, UT (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Zookeeper information

See Bountiful, UT salary details

$11

$18

$27

How much do entry level zookeeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level zookeeper in Bountiful, UT is $18.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $19.95 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.

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 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.

Can I get a job at the zoo with no experience?

Entry level zookeeper positions often require some related experience or education in animal care, but some zoos may hire candidates with no prior experience if they demonstrate a strong interest in animals and willingness to learn. Volunteering or completing relevant certifications can improve chances of employment. Basic physical fitness and the ability to work outdoors are also important.

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 zookeepers often work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, and must demonstrate a strong interest in animal care and safety protocols.

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

Getting an entry-level zookeeper position can be competitive, as many applicants seek these roles. Candidates typically need relevant education, such as a degree in biology or animal science, and experience through internships or volunteer work to improve their chances of hiring.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Zookeeper jobs in Bountiful, UT?

For Entry Level Zookeeper jobs in Bountiful, UT, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Zookeeper jobs in Bountiful, UT look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Zookeeper jobs in Bountiful, UT are:

Entry Level Zookeeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Zookeeper job openings in Bountiful, UT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,944 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Ambassador Animal Keeper I - Temporary

The Living Planet Aquarium

Draper, UT • On-site

$17/hr

Full-time, Temporary

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Position: Ambassador Animals Keeper I - Temporary

Reports To: Curator of Ambassador Animal Programs

Salary starting at: $17.00/hr


Why Utah?

Utah is home to five national parks, world-class skiing and snowboarding, hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, and stunning deserts, mountains, and lakes, all within easy driving distance. Outdoor adventure is part of everyday life. The Salt Lake Valley consistently ranks high for safety, clean communities, short commute times, and family-friendly amenities. Draper offers a balance of suburban comfort and urban access, with downtown Salt Lake City just 15 minutes away. Enjoy all four seasons without extremes—sunny summers, colorful falls, snowy winters, and mild springs, perfect for both outdoor recreation and city living. Utah’s communities are known for being engaged, supportive, and service-oriented, making it easy for newcomers to feel at home.

About Loveland Living Planet Aquarium:

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (LLPA) is a mission-driven institution dedicated to inspiring people to explore, discover, and learn about Earth’s diverse ecosystems. Founded in 1997, the Aquarium provides impactful educational experiences for guests of all ages and backgrounds.

Since opening its Draper, Utah facility in 2014, LLPA has welcomed more than 10 million visitors and delivered over 650,000 educational experiences to students. Home to over 4,000 animals representing 650 species, the Aquarium features immersive habitats from around the world, including coral reefs, kelp forests, the deep ocean, Antarctic waters, tropical rainforests, Asian cloud forests, and Utah’s freshwater ecosystems.

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2019, LLPA is in an exciting phase of growth. With the opening of the Sam and Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center, the Aquarium became the largest in the Mountain West and the fifth largest aquarium in the continental United States, offering expanded opportunities for education, research, and professional impact.

Position Summary:

This position is for an entry level keeper responsible for the care and wellbeing of the Aquarium’s Education and Ambassador animal collections. This consists of a diverse array of species including raptors and other birds, small mammals, herptiles, and invertebrates. Areas of focus include animal care, training animals for guest presentations and shows, directly presenting animals to guests, and teaching Education team members effective animal handling skills.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Cleaning and maintenance of equipment, supplies, animal habitats, and support spaces associated with the Education and Ambassador animal collections.
  • Monitoring and maintaining appropriate environmental parameters for the Education and Ambassador animal collection.
  • Providing high level animal care and nutrition to all animals within the Education and Ambassador animal collection.
  • Monitoring and assisting in responding to signs of illness/injury, stress, or other factors that may impact animal health and wellbeing.
  • Maintaining all necessary records and reviewing those records regularly in support of ensuring excellent animal care.
  • Responsible for supporting institutional and industry best practice standards and procedures.
  • Supporting excellent animal wellbeing through providing enriching environments interactions and behaviors supporting animal health
  • Utilizing training best practices to develop and maintain behaviors within the Education and Ambassador animal collections for situations including presentation to guests, off-site travel, and animal shows with free-flight birds.
  • Working closely with the Education Team to train and maintain best practice animal handling behaviors in support of the Aquarium’s mission to inspire.
  • Participating directly in animal presentations and shows as part of an expanding Ambassador program.

Experience and Qualifications:

  • Two or four-year degree in zoological or biological sciences. Candidates with a suitable combined equivalent of education and hands-on experience will be considered.
  • Minimum 6 months of internship or paid experience in an area of animal care at a zoological facility.
  • Candidates with prior experience working in one of the following fields will be viewed favorably: reptile and amphibian husbandry, animal behavior, ambassador animals, falconry or other raptor experience.


Critical Competencies:

  • Demonstrated knowledge of and experience working with birds, herptiles, or small mammals.
  • Good interpersonal verbal and written communication skills, and ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
  • Maintaining a consistent professional attitude, high motivation, and ability to accept feedback.
  • Interest in developing good time management practices, new skills, and demonstrated desire for growth.
  • Knowledge of ZIMS software is a plus.


Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

  • Valid Utah driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire.
  • Must possess current, negative TB test results or obtain prior to start date.


Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

  • Outdoor and indoor environments in varying weather conditions including: elevated platforms, aquarium habitats, uneven surfaces, enclosed spaces, underwater environments, noisy workspaces.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs, ability to swim, ability to stand for long periods of time, ability to walk up and down ladders, ability to work with various cleaning chemicals, ability to operate power tools or heavy machinery, ability to drive aquarium vehicles.


The Living Planet Aquarium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or military status. The Living Planet Aquarium is committed to ensuring individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application and interview process. Should you require accommodations, please contact accommodation@livingplanetaquarium.org.