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National Zoo Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Smithsonian Institution

Exhibits Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$70K - $91K/yr

This position is located in the Office of Exhibits, National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Learn more about this agency Duties Help The ...

Smithsonian Institution

Exhibits Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$70K - $91K/yr

This position is located in the Office of Exhibits, National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. More than one selection may be made from this ...

Brevard Zoo

Zoo Experience Advisor

Melbourne, FL · On-site

Zoo Experience Advisor Status: Part-Time, FLSA Hourly Non-Exempt Department: Guest Experience ... identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other ...

Extant Healthcare

Trauma Surgeon

Reston, VA · On-site

C., and the surrounding area, including the Smithsonian Institution, the National Zoo, Mount Vernon and world-renowned performing arts venues Powered by JazzHR wDTYKEWI6N

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National Zoo information

See salary details

$47K

$109.2K

$141.5K

How much do national zoo jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for national zoo in the United States is $109,179.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a National Zoo employee?

To thrive as a National Zoo employee, you need a background in animal science, biology, or a related field, often supported by relevant degrees and experience in animal care. Familiarity with animal management software, safety protocols, and possibly certifications like Certified Zoo Professional (CZP) are commonly required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help employees collaborate effectively and ensure the well-being of animals and visitors. These skills and qualifications are vital for maintaining high standards of animal care, public education, and safety within the zoo environment.

What are National Zoo jobs?

National Zoo jobs encompass a wide range of roles dedicated to animal care, conservation, education, research, and operations at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Positions may include animal keepers, veterinarians, educators, researchers, horticulturists, facilities staff, and administrative personnel. Employees work together to care for animals, engage the public, support wildlife conservation efforts, and maintain the zoo’s grounds and facilities. Many positions require specialized training, education, or experience in fields such as biology, zoology, education, or facility management.

What is the difference between National Zoo vs Zookeeper?

AspectNational ZooZookeeper
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in biology, zoology, or related fields; certifications in animal care are commonRequires knowledge of animal behavior, often a degree or experience in animal handling; certifications vary
Work EnvironmentLarge zoological park, public setting, includes research and conservation activitiesAnimal enclosures, zoo grounds, hands-on animal care
Employer & IndustryGovernment or private zoological institutions, conservation organizationsZoological parks, aquariums, wildlife reserves

In summary, the National Zoo is a large zoological institution that employs zookeepers among other roles. Zookeepers are responsible for daily animal care, while the National Zoo encompasses broader activities like research and conservation. Both roles require animal handling skills and relevant credentials, but the National Zoo offers a more extensive environment with additional responsibilities.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by employees working at the National Zoo, and how can they prepare for them?

Employees at the National Zoo often face unique challenges such as working outdoors in varying weather conditions, ensuring the safety and well-being of both animals and visitors, and responding quickly to animal emergencies. Staff members must also collaborate closely with veterinarians, animal keepers, educators, and maintenance teams to coordinate daily tasks and special events. To prepare, job seekers should be adaptable, able to communicate effectively, and willing to engage in ongoing training related to animal care, guest services, and safety protocols.
More about National Zoo jobs
What cities are hiring for National Zoo jobs? Cities with the most National Zoo job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo jobs? The most popular types of Zoo jobs are:
What states have the most National Zoo jobs? States with the most job openings for National Zoo jobs include:
What job categories do people searching National Zoo jobs look for? The top searched job categories for National Zoo jobs are:
National Zoo jobs near you
Infographic showing various National Zoo job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,179 per year, or $52.5 per hour.

Animal Keeper Helper (HG 5001-05)

National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Washington, DC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Description
OPEN DATE: August 28, 2025                                   
CLOSING DATE: September 11, 2025 (This job will close once 100 applications are received which may be sooner than the closing date.)                           
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE:  Permanent/Indefinite    
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Front Royal, VA
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
 
Open to all qualified applicants 
 
 What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program and may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). 
 
Conditions of Employment
  • Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated as low risk.
  • Complete a Probationary Period
  • Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
  • The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
  • Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.


OVERVIEW
The Smithsonian Institution is a unique complex of 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and nine research centers. The Smithsonian is a national and world treasure and is dedicated to its founding mission, “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute play a leading role in the Smithsonian’s global efforts to save wildlife species from extinction and train future generations of conservationists. The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
 
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) is a leader in the conservation, care, exhibition, and research of wildlife and habitats.  NZCBI’s employees in the nation’s capital, Virginia, and worldwide and as part of the Smithsonian make it prominent in national and international affairs involving conservation, zoos, wildlife, public outreach, and biological research.
   
This position is located at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) Research Headquarters in Front Royal, Virginia.   It has an onsite employee parking is currently available at no cost. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Animal Keeper position is located at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) in Front Royal, Virginia. The incumbent is responsible for performing a variety of duties that ensure the proper care, feeding, exhibition, and propagation of a collection of animals.
  
  In this position, you will:
  • Assist higher graded Animal Keepers in performing a variety of tasks associated with the proper care, feeding, exhibition, and propagation of a collection of wild and exotic animals. 
  • Clean animal enclosures by hosing, sweeping, scrubbing, raking, and removing manure, unconsumed food, and other refuse.
  • Receive training and developmental assignments in the receipt, storage, inspection, inventory, preparation and issuance of food and dietary supplements, forage, and bedding materials. Unloads and stores food supplies. As instructed and under close supervision prepares animal diets according to standard procedures.
  • Keep service areas and adjacent public areas clean. 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
  • Requires the ability to catch and handle docile animals by hand or by using nets without injuring the animals or endangering oneself.
  • Requires familiarity with a range of animal species in order to identify them by natural markings.
  • Requires skill and ability to carry out routine animal keeper duties.
  • Requires ability to understand instructions given by higher-level animal keeper personnel.
Applicants, who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States, must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
 
Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins.
  
The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
 
 Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.  
 
 What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
 
Relocation expenses are not paid.
 
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact BiagasL@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.  To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
 
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: www.si.edu/oeema.