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Part Time Zookeeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Santa Barbara Zoo is seeking a part-time Show Cast Member. Position Status: Part-time, Hourly, Non-Exempt Schedule: Up to 25 hours per week Compensation: $16.90/hour *You must also complete the ...

Custodial - Part Time

Akron, OH ยท On-site

$19.85 - $20.95/hr

The Akron Zoo is seeking a Part Time Custodial candidate: Custodial will be responsible for routine and restorative custodial work and for assisting in event set up and tear down. This role will ...

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Part Time Zookeeper information

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$12

$19

$29

How much do part time zookeeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for part time zookeeper in the United States is $19.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Part Time Zookeeper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Part Time Zookeeper, you need a background in animal care or biology, often supported by a relevant degree or experience with animal handling. Familiarity with animal management software, basic veterinary tools, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for maintaining animal welfare, ensuring safety, and supporting daily zoo operations.

What are some common challenges faced by part-time zookeepers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Part-time zookeepers often face challenges such as adapting to variable schedules, quickly learning the needs of diverse animal species, and efficiently coordinating with full-time staff to ensure consistent animal care. Managing these challenges involves strong communication skills, flexibility, and a proactive approach to learning about each animal's routines and needs. Building good relationships with team members and staying organized can help ensure a smooth workflow and provide high-quality care, despite a limited number of hours on site.

What are part time zookeepers?

Part time zookeepers are animal care professionals who work in zoos or wildlife parks on a part-time schedule, usually less than 40 hours per week. Their responsibilities include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and assisting with educational programs. They may also help with enrichment activities to support animal well-being. Part time zookeepers work alongside full-time staff and may have flexible or weekend hours, making the role suitable for students or those seeking supplemental income. This position requires a passion for animals, physical stamina, and often some relevant education or experience.
More about Part Time Zookeeper jobs
What cities are hiring for Part Time Zookeeper jobs? Cities with the most Part Time Zookeeper job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Zookeeper jobs? The most popular types of Zookeeper jobs are:
What states have the most Part Time Zookeeper jobs? States with the most job openings for Part Time Zookeeper jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Part Time Zookeeper jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Part Time Zookeeper jobs are:
Infographic showing various Part Time Zookeeper job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,251 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Encounter Interpreter [Part-Time]

San Antonio Zoo

San Antonio, TX โ€ข On-site

Part-time

Posted 17 days ago


San Antonio Zoo rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 33 rated wildlife parks and zoos


Job description

Encounter Interpreter
Collaborate with a passionate Zoo Crew in San Antonio
Choosing where to grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so itโ€™s equally important you know that the place you choose to work at will support and guide you. With a diversity of passionate people, San Antonio Zoo is a place where you can collaborate with others securing a future for wildlife.
The Impact Youโ€™ll Make in this Role
As an Encounter Interpreter, you will lead conservation-focused encounters at various exhibits and interpretive stations throughout San Antonio Zoo. Encounter Interpreters perform a variety of tasks associated with delivering interactive experiences through informal, mission-aligned encounters between zoo animals and guests. Encounter Interpreters intertwine meaningful objects (artifacts, biofacts, graphics), exhibit animals, and personal moments that inspire guests to adopt behaviors that secure a future for wildlife. Encounter Interpreters may also engage zoo guests by leading guided tours, attending outreach engagements, and supporting special events. The Encounter Interpreter works in the Animal Care Department and reports to the Animal Encounter/AAT Manager.

As an Encounter Interpreter, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people in San Antonio. Here, you will make an impact by:

  • Ensure the safety of guests and exhibit animals referring to established protocols. Explain, and abide by, the policies and procedures of the encounter.
  • Empower guests with accurate and enthusiastic conservation-focused information while visiting the exhibit.
  • Engage conservation-minded guests by asking and responding to questions.
  • Maintain the cleanliness and overall aesthetic of the encounter area.
  • Collaborate with zoo staff to ensure accurate dissemination of information and maximize the zoo's resources to support conservation education.
  • Deliver a wide variety of interpretative encounters incorporating exhibit spaces, exhibit animals, and/or biofacts, that empower guests to adopt conservation behaviors that secure a future for wildlife.
  • Provide support for volunteers and other members of San Antonio Zoo staff as needed.
  • Uphold all company policies as outlined in the Zoo Standard Operating Procedures, Team Member Handbook, and Code of Business Conduct.
  • Provide awesome guest service to all zoo guests.
  • Consistently exhibit an attitude of service inside and outside of the zoo, showing hospitality to all.
  • Be fully committed to the mission of San Antonio Zoo to create awareness that inspires action to care for the wild world we steward and the animals we protect.


Other Responsibilities:

  • Performs other work-related duties as required and assigned.


Your Skills and Expertise
To set you up for success in this role from day one, the San Antonio Zoo recommends the following skills/qualifications:

  • Strong desire to work with the public.
  • Ability to work comfortably among a wide variety of people.
  • Previous experience with public speaking required.
  • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to establish and maintain positive, cooperative, and productive working relations with fellow employees.
  • Strong natural history/ecology/interpretive background as indicated by previous experience.
  • Ability to communicate effectively on a microphone in English, presenting biological, historical, and conservation information in a professional and engaging manner
  • Proficient in using Microsoft Word, Excel, and related programs
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Ability to remain calm under pressure
  • Responsible for the completion of all online Training Curriculum by assigned deadlines
  • Must have a minimum of 3 full days of availability per week.
  • Successful candidates must complete a pre-employment drug screening and background check
  • Must be 18 years of age or older with a clean driving record for vehicle operation
  • Must be able to work in varying climate and weather conditions (rain, snow, hot, or cold)
  • We enjoy year-round operation: all team members must be available day, nights, weekends, and occasional special after-hour assignments


The San Antonio Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. San Antonio Zoo will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.