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Junior Zookeeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$300 - $360/hr

... Zoo, the Cowan Performing Arts Center, its own symphony orchestra, a four-year university with UT-Tyler and one of the largest junior colleges in the state with Tyler Junior College. Tyler is served ...

$350 - $550/hr

... Zoo, the Cowan Performing Arts Center, its own symphony orchestra, a four-year university with UT-Tyler and one of the largest junior colleges in the state with Tyler Junior College. Tyler is served ...

Kafka Architect

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$68.25 - $87.75/hr

... Zookeeper. * Strong knowledge of event-driven architecture, stream processing (Kafka Streams ... Experience leading technical teams and mentoring junior engineers.

Chance to contribute to eco-friendly practices and promote sustainability within the zoo setting ... Mentor junior chefs and apprentices, fostering skill development. * Contribute to menu planning and ...

Showing results 21-40

Junior Zookeeper information

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$19K

$52.5K

$88K

How much do junior zookeeper jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior zookeeper in the United States is $52,462.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,000.00 and $57,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior zookeeper?

Junior Zookeepers are entry-level animal care professionals who assist with the daily care and maintenance of animals in zoos or wildlife parks. Their responsibilities typically include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal behavior, and assisting senior zookeepers with health checks and enrichment activities. Junior Zookeepers play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of the animals and supporting educational and conservation programs. This position often serves as a starting point for those pursuing a career in animal care or zoology.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a junior zookeeper?

To thrive as a Junior Zookeeper, you typically need a background in animal science or biology, experience working with animals, and often a relevant certification or vocational training. Familiarity with animal management software, feeding and cleaning equipment, and safety protocols is essential. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart. These skills ensure animal health, safety, and public education are maintained to high standards in a zoo environment.

What are some typical challenges a junior zookeeper might face during their first year on the job?

Junior Zookeepers often face challenges such as adapting to the rigorous physical demands of animal care, learning to handle a wide variety of species safely, and quickly mastering protocols for feeding, cleaning, and enclosure maintenance. Additionally, they must develop effective communication skills to work closely with senior staff, veterinarians, and sometimes the public. Overcoming these challenges requires a willingness to learn, attention to detail, and a passion for animal welfare, all of which are supported by mentorship and training within most zoological institutions.

What is the difference between Junior Zookeeper vs Animal Care Assistant?

AspectJunior ZookeeperAnimal Care Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, animal handling experienceHigh school diploma, basic animal care knowledge
Work EnvironmentZoological parks, aquariums, wildlife reservesAnimal shelters, veterinary clinics, zoos
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in zoos and aquariumsIn various animal care settings including zoos

Junior Zookeepers and Animal Care Assistants both work in animal care environments, often requiring similar credentials. However, Junior Zookeepers typically focus more on animal husbandry and exhibit maintenance in zoos, while Animal Care Assistants may work across diverse settings like shelters and clinics. The roles are closely related, with Junior Zookeepers often having more specialized responsibilities in zoo environments.

Is it hard to get a job as a Junior Zookeeper?

Getting a job as a Junior Zookeeper can be competitive, as it often requires relevant experience, such as volunteering or internships, and a strong interest in animal care. Employers typically look for candidates with basic knowledge of animal behavior, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications like first aid or animal handling training.
More about Junior Zookeeper jobs

What cities are hiring for Junior Zookeeper jobs?

Cities with the most Junior Zookeeper job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Zookeeper jobs?

The most popular types of Zookeeper jobs are:

What states have the most Junior Zookeeper jobs?

States with the most job openings for Junior Zookeeper jobs include:

Infographic showing various Junior Zookeeper job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,462 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

$300 - $360/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Texas Oncology is looking to hire an experienced Gynecologic Oncologist to cover its East Texas market area. This is an amazing opportunity for a physician that is interested in growing an already busy service line in the Tyler and East Texas market. This full time Gynecologic Oncologist will serve a population of over one million residents while being supported by the largest oncology practice in the state of Texas. Texas Oncology enjoys a robust research program in all phases, that will include access to Gynecologic Oncology led clinical trials. This physician will work closely with 2 existing Gynecologic Oncologists, 20 Medical Oncologists and 5 Radiation Oncologists; and will conduct all surgeries in Tyler but will have consults in satellite markets as well. The hospitals where surgeries will take place have access to DaVinci Surgical Robots.

Tyler is a boutique city in the heart of the piney woods of East Texas just an hour and a half outside of the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. Known as the “Rose Capital of the World”, Tyler was once the epicenter of the East Texas Oil Boom of the early 20th century and is one of the wealthiest and most desired locations in the state. Tyler also boasts a robust offering to residents by way of the world class Caldwell Zoo, the Cowan Performing Arts Center, its own symphony orchestra, a four-year university with UT-Tyler and one of the largest junior colleges in the state with Tyler Junior College. Tyler is served by Pounds Regional Airport and has daily flights into DFW International Airport. Tyler checks all the boxes with short commutes, the option of city or rural living and a tight knit medical community.

Texas Oncology is the largest privately held community-based oncology practice in the United States with over 600 physician employees and partners. It is a member of The US Oncology Network, a network of cancer centers with over 1900 affiliated physicians. There is a competitive salary guarantee including benefits with a short track to partnership at Texas Oncology.

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