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Hoofstock Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apply comparative veterinary technical skills to diverse collection of animals (hoofstock of various size, large carnivores, small mammals, fish, reptiles, avian, amphibians, invertebrates, etc.

Proficiency in handling a wide variety of animal species, including small and large carnivores, primates,birds, reptiles, amphibians, and hoofstock. * Working knowledge of sample collection ...

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Hoofstock information

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$8

$26

$61

How much do hoofstock jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for hoofstock in the United States is $26.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hoofstock keeper?

Hoofstock keepers are animal care professionals who specialize in the daily husbandry, health, and welfare of hoofed animals—such as antelope, giraffes, zebras, and other ungulates—typically in zoos, wildlife parks, or conservation centers. Their duties include feeding, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal behavior, providing enrichment, and assisting with veterinary care. They also play a vital role in conservation, education, and breeding programs for at-risk species.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a hoofstock keeper?

As a Hoofstock Keeper, your daily responsibilities typically include feeding and monitoring the health of animals such as giraffes, zebras, antelope, and other hoofed species. You'll be responsible for cleaning and maintaining enclosures, conducting behavioral observations, and assisting with enrichment activities to ensure the animals' well-being. Collaboration with veterinary staff for routine health checks and participating in public education or keeper talks are also common. The role often involves working as part of a team, requiring strong communication skills and attention to detail to ensure the highest standards of animal care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hoofstock keeper?

To thrive as a Hoofstock Keeper, you need knowledge of animal husbandry, zoology, and species-specific care, typically supported by a degree in animal science, biology, or a related field. Experience with husbandry management systems, animal enrichment tools, and sometimes certification in animal care or handling are commonly required. Strong observational skills, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for working with both animals and colleagues. These skills ensure the health and well-being of hoofstock species, compliance with safety regulations, and efficient operation of zoological facilities.

What is the difference between Hoofstock vs Equine Care Specialist?

AspectHoofstockEquine Care Specialist
CredentialsVeterinary technician certification, hoof trimming trainingEquine veterinary technician certification, hoof care courses
Work EnvironmentZoos, farms, wildlife reserves with hoofed animalsEquine facilities, stables, riding schools
Industry UsageWildlife parks, zoos, livestock farmsEquine industry, horse farms, riding centers

Hoofstock professionals focus on hoof care and health for a variety of hoofed animals like cattle, deer, and antelope, often working in zoos or farms. Equine Care Specialists specifically work with horses, providing hoof trimming, health assessments, and care. While both roles require similar certifications and work environments, their primary focus differs based on the species they serve.

More about Hoofstock jobs
Infographic showing various Hoofstock job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $54,791 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Zookeeper - Elephants/Rhinos (Full Time)

Memphis, TN • On-site

Memphis Zoo
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation • 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Summary:
We are currently in search of a motivated individual to join our Pachyderm Team. This position would primarily be responsible for the daily husbandry and care of African elephants, Southern White Rhinos, Grant's Zebra and Scimitar-Horned Oryx.
Now is an exciting time to join our team as we begin the process of designing a new Africa habitat, which would include new exhibits for our elephants, rhinos, giraffes and other area hoofstock. This renovation and expansion will serve to further the Memphis Zoo's commitment to elephants in the future. The ideal candidate would be proficient in all aspects of zoo animal care including husbandry, enrichment, training, exhibit maintenance, record keeping, public presentations, and conservation. Candidates for this position should be self-motivated, hard-working, positive, dependable, who can work independently, but also thrive in a team setting.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Daily husbandry of assigned animals.
  • Facilitates formal and informal public presentations to engage guests and provide a positive guest experience.
  • Actively observes animals' behavior, checking for any signs of illness or disorder; reports irregularities and abnormal behavior to supervisor; works with vet staff to address medical needs.
  • Prepares and administers appropriate daily diets and maintain accurate records of assigned animals.
  • Appropriately cleans and disinfects assigned animal enclosures/habitats according to written protocols and ensures a sanitary and safe environment.
  • Exercises good judgement when making decisions that affect our collection.
  • Assists hospital staff in all aspects of animal treatment within the assigned section.
  • May incorporate modern behavioral husbandry techniques such as operant conditioning and environmental enrichment into animal care.

Minimum Education and Experience:
  • High school diploma.
  • Some college level coursework in the fields of Zoology, Biology, Psychology, or related field.
  • Experience working with animals (preferably rhinos or similar large taxa) in a zoological setting and/or similar experience working large mammals in the field of agriculture

Preferred Education and Experience:
  • Previous experience working with elephants and/or rhinos in a captive setting.

Competencies:
  • Written and Oral Communication.
  • Proficient in MS office, current technology and applications for communication, research, and record keeping.
  • Records and Reports Creation and Management.
  • Problem Solving/Analysis.
  • Stress Management/Composure.
  • Flexibility.
  • Teamwork Orientation.

Supervisory Responsibility: None.
Reporting Structure: Reports to Associate Curator, Team Lead.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Full-time positions are defined as positions scheduled to work approximately 40 hours a week. Scheduling is at the discretion of the manager.
This position is considered non-exempt under the federal and state wage and hour laws.
Scheduling Availability Requirements: This position regularly requires flexible hours including weekdays, holidays, and weekends.
Work Environment: While performing the duties of the job, the employee will frequently work in outdoor settings (Zoo grounds). When outdoors this position is required to work in various weather conditions including rain, humidity, and extreme heat or cold.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
This position requires frequent sitting/standing/walking/bending/kneeling and may occasionally move or lift objects up to 50 pounds.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Other Requirements:
  • 18 years or older.
  • Clear background check.
  • Clear drug screening.
  • Clear TB screening.

Benefits & Perks
The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see our Memphis Zoo Careers page for details.
EEOC and Inclusion Statement:
The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply.
The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org.
The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.
All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
How to Apply:
Applications should be submitted via the Memphis Zoo Careers page. Please note that any other application submissions will not be considered. www.memphiszoo.org/careers.
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.