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Event Manager Zoo Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Houston Zoo

Events Specialist

Houston, TX · On-site

... management, etc. Work closely with all the other zoo departments to ensure that events run smoothly ... Creates event diagrams/layouts using diagramming software * Maximizes revenues for Houston Zoo ...

John Ball Zoo

Rentals Event Coordinator

Grand Rapids, MI

$20.35 - $23.94/hr

... Zoo events as necessary. The Rentals Coordinator will also be responsible for the management of bar services at rentals. BENEFITS AT JBZ We offer incredibly competitive benefits. This includes FREE

Great Plains Zoo

Zookeeper (Ungulate)

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

... events in area as necessary. * Capture, handle, and move animals using accepted Great Plains Zoo ... Must demonstrate punctual attendance, reliability and good time management skills. * Must be ...

Great Plains Zoo

Zookeeper (Ungulate)

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$18/hr

... events in area as necessary. * Capture, handle, and move animals using accepted Great Plains Zoo ... Must demonstrate punctual attendance, reliability and good time management skills. * Must be ...

Great Plains Zoo

Zookeeper - Primates

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$18/hr

Join our Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium zookeeper team! Zookeepers are responsible for the ... Must demonstrate punctual attendance, reliability and good time management skills. * Must be ...

Fort Worth Zoo

Event Sales Coordinator

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$19.25 - $26.25/hr

... management software preferred • Ability to problem-solve and adapt during live events and changing priorities • Valid driver's license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain Zoo ...

Dallas Zoo

Special Events Representative

Dallas, TX · On-site

... Zoo. Team members assist with attraction operations, guest engagement, crowd management, safety monitoring, event setup and breakdown. This position requires working outdoors in varying weather ...

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Event Manager Zoo information

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$26.5K

$62.7K

$100.5K

How much do event manager zoo jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for event manager zoo in the United States is $62,734.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an event manager at a zoo do?

An Event Manager at a zoo is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing special events such as educational programs, fundraising galas, seasonal celebrations, and private functions. They coordinate with staff, vendors, sponsors, and sometimes animal care teams to ensure events run smoothly and align with the zoo’s mission. Their role also involves budgeting, logistics management, marketing, and ensuring compliance with safety and animal welfare regulations. The aim is to create memorable experiences for guests while supporting the zoo’s conservation and educational goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an event manager at a zoo?

An Event Manager at a zoo requires expertise in event planning, project management, and a background in hospitality or related fields, often supported by a bachelor’s degree. Familiarity with event management software, ticketing systems, and budgeting tools is typically necessary. Exceptional organizational skills, creativity, and the ability to communicate and collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure that events run smoothly, engage visitors, and support the zoo’s educational and conservation goals.

How does an event manager at a zoo typically collaborate with animal care staff and educators when planning events?

As an Event Manager at a zoo, close collaboration with animal care staff and educators is essential to ensure events are engaging, safe, and educational. You’ll frequently consult with keepers and educators to design programs that highlight the zoo’s animals and conservation mission, while also respecting animal welfare needs and daily routines. This teamwork helps create unique visitor experiences, such as behind-the-scenes tours or themed educational workshops, and requires excellent communication and scheduling skills to balance event logistics with animal care priorities.

What is the difference between Event Manager Zoo vs Event Coordinator?

AspectEvent Manager ZooEvent Coordinator
CredentialsRelevant certifications like CMP or CSEP often preferredSimilar certifications may be beneficial but less required
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in zoos, wildlife parks, or animal-related venuesVaries widely; includes corporate, social, and public events
Employer & IndustryZoos, aquariums, wildlife parksEvent planning companies, corporations, nonprofits
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing roles within animal or zoo event planningPeople exploring general event planning careers

While both roles involve planning and coordinating events, an Event Manager Zoo specializes in managing events within zoological or wildlife settings, requiring specific industry knowledge. An Event Coordinator has a broader scope, working across various industries and event types. The key difference lies in the work environment and industry focus, with the Event Manager Zoo being more niche-specific.

How to become an event manager at a zoo?

To become an event manager at a zoo, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in event management, hospitality, or a related field, along with experience in event planning or coordination. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential, and familiarity with zoo operations can be advantageous. Certifications in event planning or project management can also improve job prospects.

What are popular job titles related to Event Manager Zoo jobs?

For Event Manager Zoo jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Event Manager Zoo job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,734 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Animal Care Special Events Keeper

Nashville, TN • On-site

Nashville Zoo
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Nashville Zooexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Animal Care Special Events Keeper
Department: Mammal
Supervisor: Animal Care Events Supervisor
Nashville Zoo Mission:
Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. With a diverse collection of animals and a commitment to wildlife preservation, we provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.
Why Work with Us:
At Nashville Zoo, we believe in taking care of our team just as well as we care for our animals. Full-time employees enjoy a robust benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and future:
  • Comprehensive healthcare coverage - including medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - confidential support services for mental, emotional, and financial well-being.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company matching - helping you build a secure future while you make a meaningful impact today.
  • Generous paid time off and sick leave - because rest and recovery are vital.
  • Exclusive zoo perks - enjoy discounts on park experiences, retail, and food services, plus complimentary membership benefits.
  • A collaborative and inclusive culture - be part of a diverse team where your voice matters, your growth is nurtured, and collaboration thrives across all departments.
  • AZA-accredited facility - Nashville Zoo is committed to top-tier animal care, ethics and global conservation efforts.

Job Description:
The Nashville Zoo is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our Animal Care Events Team (ACE). This keeper role is ideal for someone who brings a strong foundation of animal care experience, creativity, and a passion for connecting guests with wildlife.
As part of a dedicated team of animal care professionals, the ACE team member will help care for a variety of animals featured during evening events and special programs, while also providing valuable support to other animal care teams across the Zoo. This position plays a key role in enhancing the guest experience and creating memorable, engaging interactions for visitors.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong work ethic, self-motivation, excellent presentation and communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of teams to achieve shared goals.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Perform husbandry of assigned species (this may change daily) as well as maintain animal exhibits, yards, night enclosures, and contiguous areas.
  • Have a good base knowledge of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement training.
  • Assist with training for husbandry behaviors, provide enrichment, and perform other husbandry related tasks.
  • Maintain detailed daily records on assigned animals (ZIMS/Daily Supervisor Report)
  • May need to perform light exhibit construction, operate zoo vehicles, and maintain integrity of the existing landscape.
  • Educate the public through keeper talks, animal encounters, meet and greets, and other impromptu educational programs as well as provide a clean and safe atmosphere for families to enjoy the Nashville Zoo.
  • Feel comfortable working with a wide variety of animals across multiple departments. Including but not limited to bears, tigers, leopards, gibbons, lemurs, domesticated hoofstock, flamingos, giraffes, rhinos, okapi, etc.
  • Maintain professional conduct at all times and consistently model the organization's values in all interactions with colleagues, guests, and stakeholders.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills:
  • Ability to self-direct work tasks while ensuring safety and productivity
  • Ability to enhance guest experience through engaging interactions and confident public speaking
  • Demonstrate understanding of basic animal training through operant conditioning
  • Understand basic capture, restraint, and handling techniques
  • Understand animal behavior and group dynamics in diverse species to note changes in behavior, health, diet consumption, and other animal related activities
  • Knowledge of animal diet preparation, general biology, and natural history

Education/ Experience:
  • Applicants must have a minimum of 1 year of full-time, paid experience with either birds, ectotherms, carnivores, primates, hoofstock, domestic species, and/or ambassador animals.
  • Applicants are preferred to have a college degree (Associate's or Bachelor's) in an applicable field: Animal Science, Biology, Zoology, etc.
  • Applicants must possess a valid driver's license.

Physical Requirements:
  • The role requires frequent standing and walking for most of an 8-10-hour shift and regularly bend, kneel, reach, and perform repetitive motions while cleaning habitats, training behaviors, preparing diets, and providing enrichment.
  • The role requires frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 50 lbs. and occasionally up to 75 lbs. with assistance, as well as navigating ladders, stairs, uneven terrain, and wet or slippery surfaces.
  • Strong hand dexterity, clear verbal communication, and adequate vision and hearing are essential to safely observe animals, operate tools and gates, and use radios.
  • Work occurs indoors and outdoors year-round in all weather, with routine exposure to animal dander, hay, dust, insects, loud noises, strong odors, and cleaning agents.
  • Employees may encounter biological hazards, zoonotic diseases, and potentially dangerous animals and must follow established protocols for shifting, feeding, and emergency response.
  • The role may require wearing PPE such as gloves, protective footwear, eye and hearing protection, and respirators as assigned.
  • Schedules often include late nights, early mornings, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime based on animal needs.
  • Vaccinations, TB testing, or respirator fit testing may be necessary per policy.
  • The role must learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete tasks independently, and make timely decisions in the context of a workflow.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Work Schedule:
  • Full-time position, averaging 40 hours per week.

  • This position requires flexibility to work varied schedules, including weekdays, weekends, early mornings, and late nights, with hours subject to change based on seasonal operations, special events, emergencies, and animal care needs.

Pre-employment requirements:
Nashville Zoo is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and maintains a drug-free work environment. All employment is at-will.
  • All candidates are required to successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening prior to hire.
  • Pre-employment and annual tuberculosis (TB) screenings are a condition of continued employment.

Pay Range
$16.10-$17.50 USD

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