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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 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 Aug 18, 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 47% Full Time, and 53% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person 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

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


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! 


We are looking for Overnight Emergency Veterinarians who 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!


This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to practice high quality medicine in an ideal location featuring a great team, top of the line equipment, and strong financial incentives. Join now and help us create the hospital of your dreams!


New Exotics Department at VESH

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 a Quality of Life package with 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.


Something for everyone! Foodies will appreciate the wide variety of locally-owned and often locally-sourced restaurants, and adventure seekers are sure to enjoy the close proximity to Six Flags. There are hiking trails for outdoors enthusiasts, and a plethora of museums for history buffs. Not to mention the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame! And parents will cherish family-friendly outings at the Seuss Museum, The Carle Museum, or Children's Museum at Holyoke-- while enjoying some of the best public schools in America!


To get started, apply today or email Susanne at susanne.miller@ethosvet.com



NVA logo

About NVA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Nashville Veterinary Specialists + Animal Emergency (NVS) is a veterinary specialty and emergency hospital group with two locations in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee. Our Mission and primary focus is to honor the human-animal bond in all we do, focusing on patient care, client experience, and the health of our team. We believe we can never stop improving and strive to improve in all we do. Not only do we focus on patient care, but core to our hospital culture is also a focus on the health of our team, our community, and the environment. We are committed to sustainable environmental practices. NVS works in partnership with National Veterinary Associates-Compassion-First (NVA C-F). NVA-CF is the largest private owner of freestanding veterinary hospitals in North America with over 1400 locations worldwide.

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US