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National Zoo Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

The zoo is located in the San Bernardino National Forest at an elevation of 7140 feet. For more information visit CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Pre-Employment Process: Prior to appointment, applicants ...

... national system of support, so you can focus your attention where you want it to be - on your ... Santa Ana Zoo, known for its collection of unique animals. * Downtown Santa Ana is a hub of ...

National Zoo information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$49K

$113.9K

$147.6K

How much do national zoo jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for national zoo in Riverside, CA is $113,903.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,200.00 and $130,400.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Zoo jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to National Zoo jobs in Riverside, CA?

For National Zoo jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching National Zoo jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for National Zoo jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for National Zoo jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most National Zoo job openings:

$19.41 - $28.18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


San Bernardino County rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

483rd of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The Job -THIS IS A SPECIAL DISTRICTS POSITION- The San Bernardino County Special Districts - Big Bear Park and Recreation is recruiting for an Animal Keeper I to perform general and routine animal care tasks under supervision at the District's Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Primary duties include feeding exotic animals, observing and documenting animal behavior, answering questions from the public, assisting with presentations, animal training, performing maintenance in and around animal enclosures, and maintaining a high level of Animal Care Standards. This position is located in the mountain area of Big Bear, CA (approximately 1 hour/45 miles from downtown San Bernardino, CA).

For more detailed information, refer to the Animal Keeper I job description. EXCELLENT BENEFITS To review job-specific benefits, refer to: Summary of Benefits and the Non-Represented Employee Compensation Plan The County also offers an alternative Modified Benefits Option (MBO) that provides a wage differential. ABOUT BIG BEAR ALPINE ZOO The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a rehabilitation facility offering injured, orphaned and imprinted wild animals a safe haven temporarily while they heal or permanently as they are unable to survive on their own.

We are extremely proud that the vast majority of animals brought to us for rehabilitation are successfully released back into their native environment. Those that remain with us on exhibit are either too injured or have been imprinted by humans and cannot be released back into the wild to care for themselves. The Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District, a Special District of San Bernardino County, owns the zoo, the facilities and the animals.

County employees are hired for animal care, grounds keepers, maintenance, education and administration. The zoo is located within the 3rd District of San Bernardino County. The Park District oversees the operation of the zoo, and the Curator oversees the day to day activities of the zoo.

The zoo is located in the San Bernardino National Forest at an elevation of 7140 feet. For more information visit https://bigbearzoo.org/ CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Pre-Employment Process: Prior to appointment, applicants must undergo a background check, which includes fingerprinting and a medical exam. Availability: Must be able to work in the mountain area of Big Bear, CA and report to work in extreme weather conditions such as ice and snow

Please indicate availability for Big Bear on Agency Wide Question #2. Must be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays. Travel: Travel within the County may be required.

A valid California Driver License and proof of automobile liability insurance must be provided at time of hire and maintained throughout employment. Working Conditions: Applicants must be able to work outdoors in varying mountain weather conditions, drive in all weather conditions, lift and/or carry heavy objects up to fifty (50) pounds, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend over, crawl, and perform other physical activities in the performance of job duties for this position. Sponsorship: San Bernardino County is unable to consider to candidates who require Visa Sponsorship at this time or in the future.

Candidates must be able to present their legal right to work in the United States at the time of employment. Minimum Requirements Applicants must meet ONE (1) of the following options: Option I: Six (6) months of full-time equivalent paid or volunteer experience involving the care, handling, observation, training, or management of animals. Qualifying experience may include work in a: Zoo or aquarium.

Wildlife rehabilitation center. Animal sanctuary. Veterinary hospital or clinic.

Animal shelter or rescue organization. Stable, ranch, farm, kennel, or similar animal-care setting. Professional pet-care, training, or animal-handling position.

Option 2: Thirty (30) semester or forty-five (45) quarter units of completed college coursework from an accredited college or university, in zoology, biology, animal science, wildlife biology, wildlife management, veterinary technology, environmental science, ecology, or a closely related field. Desired Qualifications Animal Keeper experience and training with exotic animals is preferred. Coursework in wildlife rehabilitation/husbandry and a current Veterinary Technician license is highly desirable.

Selection Process Application Procedure: Please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Applications will be accepted until further notice; recruitment may close at any time once sufficient applications are received. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaires.

There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on the information provided in the Application and the Supplemental Questionnaire. You are encouraged to include detailed descriptions of your qualifying experience and skills, as only the most highly qualified applicants will be referred to the Department. To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the posted filing deadline.

Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records.

Please note: if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application, we have not received your application. All communications regarding the selection process will be via email. Applicants are encouraged to check their e-mails frequently to obtain any correspondence associated with this recruitment.

Please be sure the email provided on this application is always current; it is your responsibility to update your personal information. Update your Spam, Junk, Bulk and Firewall settings as needed to ensure that you receive all information pertaining to this recruitment. EEO/ADA: San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants.

ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and need accommodations during the testing process, please submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form within one week of a recruitment filing deadline. Veterans' Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouses or widows/widowers who are not current County employees may receive additional Veterans' Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request these points, please refer to the Veterans' Preference Policy.

For more important details, review the links below: Guide to Completing a County Job Application Applicant Information and the County Employment Process


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