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Entry Level Zookeeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Emerald Tree Care & Shrub

$25 - $45/hr

Our clientele includes the New York Botanical Gardens, The Bronx Zoo and Fordham University. Our ... We are hiring all year long for entry-level candidates, as well as highly skilled experts to join ...

Emerald Tree Care & Shrub

Tree Climber

Stamford, CT · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

We are hiring all year long for entry-level candidates, as well as highly skilled experts to join ... The Bronx Zoo, Fordham University as well as some of the most beautiful estates in NY and CT.

Emerald Tree Care & Shrub

Tree Climber

Stamford, CT

$30 - $40/hr

We are hiring all year long for entry-level candidates, as well as highly skilled experts to join ... The Bronx Zoo, Fordham University as well as some of the most beautiful estates in NY and CT.

Hotel Lincoln

PT Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22/hr

Steps from the Lincoln Park Zoo, North Avenue Beach, Navy Pier, and the best of downtown, we're at ... As an Entry-Level Line Cook, you'll work alongside experienced chefs and contribute to creating ...

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Entry Level Zookeeper information

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How much do entry level zookeeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level zookeeper in the United States is $19.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $21.15 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 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.

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

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.

More about Entry Level Zookeeper jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Zookeeper jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Zookeeper job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Zookeeper jobs? The most popular types of Zookeeper jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Entry Level Zookeeper jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Zookeeper jobs are:
Entry Level Zookeeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Zookeeper job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 96% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,251 per year, or $19.4 per hour.
Park Security Representative (Part-time Seasonal)

Park Security Representative (Part-time Seasonal)

ZooTampa

Tampa, FL • On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Part-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

The Park Security Representative is an entry-level position that aids the public in emergency and nonemergency situations, helps to protect the Zoo property, and enforces ZooTampa's safety policies and procedures. The Park Security Representative strives to give the highest level of care and guest service in every interaction.
Please note that this is a seasonal part-time position that is expected to run through the end of October 2026.
Who We Are
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1 million visitors annually. We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities. The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country's most family-friendly zoos.
Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.
Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.
Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!
Your day to day
  • Interacts in a consistently pleasant and helpful manner to fellow employees, guests, vendors, and other visitors of the Zoo and demonstrates the highest standards of internal and external customer service.
  • Performs patrol duties for all areas of the Zoo including the parking lot, perimeter, interior Zoo areas, and access points.
  • Acts as first responder and attends to any team members or guests that are injured by providing first aid, CRP, and/ or AED until medical personnel arrives.
  • Works closely with Operations staff in all types of emergencies.
  • Performs bag searches and/or metal detection to ensure Guest Policy compliance.
  • Patrols parking lots and directs traffic as needed.
  • Assists in investigations of all accidents/incidents by providing detailed and complete information as required.
  • Responsible for providing guest control, including challenging situations.
  • Respond to all alarms as dispatched.
  • Respond to lost child situations.
  • Assist in proper handling of lost and found items.
  • Provides escorts to cash handling personnel as needed.
  • Practice good safety awareness and ensures employee and guest safety at all times.
  • Writes reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences. Maintains log of all activity on duty.
  • If working overnight shift, may be required to assist the Maintenance and Animal department with overnight duties such as monitoring pumps, collecting water samples, maintaining temperatures in the various habitats, etc..

What are we looking for?
  • A high school or equivalency diploma required. Some college coursework preferred.
  • Security experience preferred but not required
  • Guest services or guest relations experience required.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
  • Must be personable and enjoy interacting with people. Individuals will be expected to provide exceptional customer service to all guests, sometimes in stressful situations.
  • Comfortable assisting in situations such as medical and natural emergency procedures, and preparedness.
  • Knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions.
  • Must be self-directing and able to prioritize work.
  • Must possess excellent organizational skills with high accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Must be flexible and have the ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude with the public.
  • Ability to follow specific instructions, communicate ideas, and contribute effectively to the department.
  • Able to deescalate situations in a friendly and calm manner.

Other Requirements
  • Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.
  • Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to west central Florida (i.e., heat, rain, or cold).
  • Ability to use radio, telephone, and computer to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
  • Must be willing and able to work varied and long shifts including holidays, weekends, and specials events as well as be available for unexpected shifts.
  • Must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, bending, standing, reaching, and walking.
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Must be able to drive a golf cart.

Our Perks at ZooTampa
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Discounted gym membership
  • Free membership to the Zoo, MOSI, Glazer Children's Museum, and the Florida Aquarium
  • Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
  • Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
  • And so much more!

Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace

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