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Junior Zookeeper information

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$19K

$52.5K

$88K

How much do junior zookeeper jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 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.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Zookeeper jobs?

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Junior Zookeeper jobs near you
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.

Preschool Sports Coach - Part-Time

Amazing Athletes

Doylestown, PA • On-site

$15 - $30/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Start as a Junior Coach - Grow Into a Lead & Senior Coach
Please note: this is a year-round position. If you can only work seasonally, this role isn't the right fit.
Amazing Athletes, Karate Zoo & Soccer Stars is growing, and we're hiring energetic, positive, reliable coaches who love working with kids ages 2-10. No experience? No problem - we train you from day one and give you a clear path to raises.
If you want a light, mostly-mornings schedule (5-10 hours/week), tons of high-fives, and a job where you actually make a kid's day - keep reading.
Our coaches typically teach 2-4 classes per morning, each about 25-30 minutes long. You're guaranteed pay for a minimum of 2 classes per morning.
What the Schedule Looks Like Every coach's schedule is a little different, but once your weekly classes are set, it stays very consistent. Most classes wrap up before noon (afternoon classes exist but are less common). A sample week might look like:
  • Monday - School 1, 9:30am start, ~3 classes
  • Tuesday - School 2, 9:30am start, ~2 classes
  • Wednesday - School 3, 9:30am start, ~2-3 classes
  • Thursday - School 4, 9:30am start, ~4 classes
  • Friday - School 5, 9:30am start, ~2 classes

(Sample only - your actual schedule may vary.) - Based on location, we try to keep coaches within 30 minutes of where they reside.
Pay Structure - Transparent & Growing We pay per class with guaranteed raises as you grow. Classes are 25-30 minutes each.
  • Junior Coach - $13/class (~$26/hr): Your first 6 months - shadowing, training, and solo teaching with regular check-ins. You'll learn the curriculum, build confidence, and gain experience. Usually after 2-3 weeks, you are teaching on your own but we do regular check ups with the school and pop in visits to ensure quality.
  • Lead Coach - $14/class (~$28/hr): Eligible after 6 months of strong performance. You'll run classes independently with reliable communication and solid classroom management.
  • Senior Coach (highest level)- $15/class (~$30/hr): Eligible after 12 months of consistent, high-quality coaching. You'll take the lead on larger classes and special programming, and help train new junior coaches. (Must pass all evaluations.)

What You'll Do
  • Teach 25-30 minute classes at preschools and recreation centers
  • Run fun, structured activities that build motor skills and confidence
  • Follow our age-appropriate Amazing Athletes curriculum
  • Set up and clean up light equipment (we provide it)
  • Communicate clearly with management and school staff
  • Create a safe, engaging, high-energy environment

Who We're Looking For You'll be a great fit if you're:
  • Outgoing, energetic, and love working with kids
  • Dependable and professional
  • Comfortable leading small groups
  • Able to reliably travel between schools
  • A great communicator
  • Looking for a flexible, part-time schedule
  • Are looking for a LONG TERM part-time position. Please do not apply if you are looking for seasonal work.

Experience in coaching, childcare, sports, or teaching is a plus - but not required. We train every coach.
Requirements
Requirements
  • Must be great with kids
  • Must be able to pass PA clearances (FBI fingerprint, Child Abuse, State Police)
  • Must have reliable transportation
  • Must be able to lift 25-40 lbs of equipment
  • Must be punctual and reliable
  • Must be energetic, positive, and coachable

Ready to make mornings fun and get paid for it? Hit Apply - we'd love to meet you!

Apply