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Entry Level Zoology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

On Call Zoologist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $21/hr

JOB SUMMARY This is an entry-level position, on-call position in animal care, following established protocols to provide outstanding animal care for species in the section: food preparation, feeding ...

Zoologist - WOA Hoofstock

Dallas, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $21/hr

JOB SUMMARY This is an entry-level position in animal care, following established protocols to provide outstanding animal care for species in the section: food preparation, feeding, exhibit ...

Zookeeper I

Atascadero, CA · On-site

$49K - $59K/yr

The Central Coast Zoo is a small, 5-acre AZA accredited zoological facility managed by the City of ... This job class functions at an entry-level of classification. As knowledge, background, and skills ...

Zookeeper I

Atascadero, CA · On-site

$49K - $59K/yr

The Central Coast Zoo is a small, 5-acre AZA accredited zoological facility managed by the City of ... This job class functions at an entry-level of classification. As knowledge, background, and skills ...

Zoologist- Giraffe/Okapi/Hoofstock

Dallas, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $21/hr

JOB SUMMARY This is an entry-level position in animal care, following established protocols to provide outstanding animal care for species in the section: food preparation, feeding, exhibit ...

Showing results 21-29

Entry Level Zoology information

See salary details

$20.5K

$43.6K

$70K

How much do entry level zoology jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level zoology in the United States is $43,621.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,000.00 and $50,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can I get if I study entry level zoology?

Entry level zoology graduates can pursue roles such as zoological technician, wildlife technician, animal care assistant, or research assistant. These positions often involve working in zoos, aquariums, research labs, or conservation organizations, and may require knowledge of animal handling, data collection, and basic biological techniques.

What is the difference between Entry Level Zoology vs Entry Level Marine Biology?

AspectEntry Level ZoologyEntry Level Marine Biology
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Zoology, Biology, or related fieldBachelor's in Marine Biology, Biology, or related field
Work EnvironmentZoos, research labs, wildlife reservesMarine research centers, aquariums, coastal areas
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, conservation organizationsMarine research institutes, environmental agencies, aquariums

Entry Level Zoology and Entry Level Marine Biology share similar educational backgrounds and work environments focused on animal and environmental research. The main difference lies in their specialization: zoology focuses on terrestrial and freshwater animals, while marine biology concentrates on oceanic and marine species. Both roles serve conservation, research, and educational purposes, but marine biology often involves fieldwork in aquatic settings, whereas zoology may include land-based habitats.

How to become an entry level zoology with no experience?

To become an entry-level zoologist with no experience, focus on obtaining a relevant bachelor's degree in zoology, biology, or a related field. Gaining practical skills through volunteering, internships, or assisting with research projects can improve your prospects; familiarity with fieldwork tools and animal handling is also beneficial.

What is an entry level zoologist?

Entry level zoology jobs are positions suitable for individuals who have recently graduated with a degree in zoology or a related field and have little to no professional experience. These roles often involve assisting with research, collecting and analyzing data on animals, working in laboratories or in the field, and supporting conservation efforts. Common job titles include research assistant, wildlife technician, animal caretaker, or laboratory technician. Entry-level zoologists may work for universities, government agencies, research organizations, zoos, or wildlife conservation groups. These positions help build foundational skills and experience necessary for advancing in a zoological career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level zoologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Zoologist, you need a bachelor's degree in zoology, biology, or a related field, along with a sound understanding of animal biology and ecology. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, field research tools, and data analysis software such as GIS or statistical programs is often expected. Strong observation skills, attention to detail, and effective written and verbal communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities are essential for accurately collecting data, collaborating with teams, and contributing meaningful research to wildlife conservation and scientific understanding.

What types of hands-on tasks can I expect as an entry level zoologist?

As an entry level zoologist, you will often assist with fieldwork, such as collecting data on animal behavior, habitats, and populations. In addition, you may help maintain animal enclosures, record observations, and support senior zoologists with laboratory tasks or research projects. Collaboration with team members is common, especially when gathering and analyzing data or preparing research reports. These experiences provide valuable exposure to research methods and animal care, laying the groundwork for future career advancement.
More about Entry Level Zoology jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Zoology jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Zoology job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Zoology jobs? The most popular types of Zoology jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Zoology jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Zoology jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Zoology jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Zoology jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Zoology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 64% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,621 per year, or $21 per hour.

Dive Master Apprentice, Dive Immersion

Georgia Aquarium

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Georgia Aquarium rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos


Job description

Position Title: Dive Master Apprentice
Department: 3380 - Dive Immersion
Classification: PTNOEX - Part-Time Non-Exempt
Employee Type: PTS - PT Team Spec
Direct Report: Assistant Manager, Dive Immersion
Position Summary:
This entry-level position is responsible for the delivery of the Dive Immersion Programs, which includes but are not limited to the SCUBA dive, Swim, and Shark Cage Dive experiences. The Dive Master Apprentice ensures the programs are run safely, efficiently, and provides exceptional guest experience. They will be asked to provide in-water or top-side support for the Dive Immersion Programs in accordance with Georgia Aquarium's Dive safety standards and protocols
Responsibilities:
  1. Conducts the daily delivery of Dive Immersion Programs and guest experiences.
  2. Maintains the highest level of safety and quality of the Dive Immersion Programs possible.
  3. Participates in training and developmental classes.
  4. Fulfill assignments of program roles on rotational basis; includes guest representative, ride operator, in-water guide/safety, and surface support.
  5. Set up and inspects open circuit dive equipment to ensure all are within proper operating parameters.
  6. Meets all applicable requirements as outlined in Georgia Aquarium's Diving Operations and Procedures Manual.
  7. Adheres to all dive safety policies and procedures as set by GAI and the Dive Control Board.
  8. Regularly performs guest experience dives in support of the program mission to include the SCUBA dive, Swim, & Shark Cage Dive programs.
  9. Regularly demonstrates a comprehensive and advanced knowledge of recreational diving methods and techniques.
  10. Regularly demonstrates a broad technical and recreational expertise in diving.
  11. Always maintains the highest standards of professionalism, proper appearance, and work area cleanliness.
  12. Regularly interacts on behalf of Dive Immersion with guests, media, and other departments within Georgia Aquarium.
  13. Performs other functions for Dive Operations such as filling cylinders, tending/diving presentations, data entry, buddy diving, other duties for Zoological Operations as needed.

Qualifications:
  1. High School Diploma required. Bachelor's Degree preferred.
  2. Present evidence of all dive training and diving history.
  3. Hold a current advanced open water certification or higher.
  4. Pass Georgia Aquarium's Dive Physical.
  5. Pass Georgia Aquarium's Swim and SCUBA Test.
  6. Pass an Open Water checkout dive with Diving Safety Officer or Designee.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Commitment:
I commit to Georgia Aquarium, Inc. to be a part of the following:
Mission: Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and Aquatic animals worldwide.
Vision: To be the Premier Aquarium in the World for Science, Entertainment, Education and Conservation.
Values: Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Innovation, Leadership, Excellence, Appreciation & Inclusion
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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