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National Zoo Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

... national system of support, so you can focus your attention where you want it to be - on your ... zoo. * The city boasts a charming downtown, thriving arts scene, and diverse dining options.

National Zoo information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$46.8K

$108.8K

$141K

How much do national zoo jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for national zoo in Springfield, MA is $108,797.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,700.00 and $124,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Zoo jobs in Springfield, MA?

The most popular types of Zoo jobs in Springfield, MA are:

What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for National Zoo jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MA with the most National Zoo job openings:

Infographic showing various National Zoo job openings in Springfield, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,797 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

Emergency Veterinarian Overnight

National Veterinary Associates

West Springfield, MA • On-site

$180 - $240/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


National Veterinary Associates rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 281 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 56 rated veterinary


Job description

Overnight Emergency Veterinarian - West Springfield, MA

Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital (VESH) is excited to announce the recent opening of our brand-new Hospital in West Springfield, MA --and business is booming! We are thrilled to provide these much-needed services to an even larger community now, and we want you to join us!

W e are looking for Overnight Emergency Veterinarianswho want to help us create and nurture a world class practice in our state-of-the-art facility.Our 24/7 ER team collaborates closely with our Internal Medicine, Surgery, Exotics, and Urgent Care departments.

Our Overnight Emergency Veterinarians enjoy a consistent and predictable schedule, lower case volume, competitive salary with production incentives (with no negative accrual), and an experienced, friendly, and supportive team!

About the new hospital

Our brand-new, 12,000 sq ft facility will feature a brand-new helical CT, fluoroscopy, endoscopy, ultrasound, digital radiography, ICU, in-house lab, full blood services, and much more!

Our team is thrilled to be expanding our current footprint as we grow our team to support the greater West Springfield area, in addition to our existing location in South Deerfield, MA. Associate and Leadership positions are available!

We are thrilled to announce the recent addition of Dr. Jordan Adair, DABVP (Avian) to the VESH team—and with him, a brand-new Exotics department! While his board certification is in Avian Medicine, Dr. Adair is experienced in treating a wide range of exotic animals, including reptiles, rabbits, ferrets, pocket pets, and more. We have seen a wide variety of these pets already at VESH! Dr. Adair is also eager to develop a wildlife program at VESH and has been partnering with local wildlife rescue and rehabilitation groups.

The addition of Exotics has added exciting and interesting patient interactions for the whole team and tapped into the exotics/zoo med interest of many of our support staff members. The ER team has also seen an uptick in exotic and avian cases presenting to ER—offering an even more interesting caseload for our ER doctors who enjoy working with them. Dr. Adair loves to teach and train, so if this is an area of interest, we’d love to discuss it! If you’d prefer to stick solely with canine/feline medicine however, we can 100% support this as well!

Benefits to fit your lifestyle

We want to invest in you! In addition to our generous signing bonus, comprehensive benefits plan, relocation and retention bonuses, we are also offering aQuality of Life packagewith perks as unique as you! Choose from:

  • A home gym upgrade with a Peloton, Mirror or Tonal
  • A family vacation stipend with extended PTO
  • A home renovation budget to fund your DIY dreams
  • A tuition reimbursement bonus to tackle student debt

Comprehensive Benefits include an annual uniform allowance, annual shoe allowance, comprehensive health, dental, disability, life insurance, FSA, partially funded HRA, 401(k) with employer match, referral and incentive bonuses, annual CE allowance and time off, generous vacation time, and sick time benefits.

About West Springfield

Come live in beautiful Western Massachusetts, which offers world-class recreational, dining, and cultural opportunities, with easy access to Boston and NYC—at a much lower cost of living.

Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class medicine, and help shape what veterinary care becomes next.

Across our network of 140 specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You’ll work alongside respected veterinary leaders in academic-caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery.

Here, mentorship is a two-way street. You’ll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow, clinically, professionally, and personally.

At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and pursue veterinary medicine at its highest level, together.

Benefits for this role may include health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement benefits, paid time off (including sick leave and vacation), short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance.

Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.

West Springfield, Massachusetts, United States

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About National Veterinary Associates

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

National Veterinary Associates, based in Agoura Hills, CA, US, is a leading provider in the veterinary healthcare industry. Established in 1996, it operates independently owned veterinary practices across the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. With a passion for pet health, National Veterinary Associates supports over 1000 veterinary hospitals and pet resort entities. Though their website, nva.com, doesn't explicitly describe their mission, it is evident that their aim is to empower veterinarians with the resources they need to provide high-quality, compassionate pet care services. They have made remarkable strides in advancing veterinary medicine, which is a testament to their industry influence and commitment.

Industry

Veterinary services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US

Year founded

1996