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Penguin Keeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director perform all keeper activities necessary to the direct maintenance of theanimal collection; * Inspectthe care and well-being of the animals in their area; * Superviseand coordinate all ...

Care for and maintain marine mammal and penguin collection and habitats. * Keep proper records, monitor record keeping practices. * Present public and classroom demonstrations educating public with ...

Members of the Aquarium and Sea Lion/Penguin team will need to be active members on the dive team ... Participates in keeper chats, tours, animal presentations or demonstrations, and/or other public ...

Members of the Aquarium and Sea Lion/Penguin team will need to be active members on the dive team ... Participates in keeper chats, tours, animal presentations or demonstrations, and/or other public ...

Members of the Aquarium and Sea Lion/Penguin team will need to be active members on the dive team ... Participates in keeper chats, tours, animal presentations or demonstrations, and/or other public ...

Animal Care Internship Birds- Fall 2026

Tampa, FL · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Performing daily care of the animals alongside the keepers. * Diet preparation, cleaning ... African Penguin Chat. * Assisting with maintenance of animal habitats which may include but not ...

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Penguin Keeper information

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How much do penguin keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for penguin keeper in the United States is $24.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical workday look like for a Penguin Keeper?

A typical day for a Penguin Keeper includes preparing specialized diets, feeding and observing penguins for health or behavioral changes, cleaning and maintaining habitats, and keeping detailed animal records. You may also participate in enrichment activities, conduct educational talks for visitors, and assist veterinary staff during check-ups or medical treatments. Penguin Keepers often work closely with a team of animal care professionals, collaborating to ensure high standards of welfare and safety. The role can be physically demanding and requires flexibility, as weekend and holiday shifts are common. Overall, it’s a rewarding career for those passionate about animal care and conservation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Penguin Keeper position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Penguin Keeper, you need knowledge of animal husbandry, a degree in zoology or a related field, and experience working with birds or wildlife. Familiarity with animal management software, safety protocols, and specialized feeding or veterinary equipment is often required. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are highly valued. These capabilities ensure the health and well-being of the penguins while contributing to the smooth operation of the facility.

What is a Penguin Keeper job?

A Penguin Keeper is responsible for the daily care, feeding, and health monitoring of penguins in zoos or aquariums. They clean enclosures, prepare specialized diets, and observe behaviors to ensure the birds’ well-being. Keepers may also assist with veterinary care, breeding programs, and educational presentations for visitors. This role requires patience, attention to detail, and a passion for animal welfare.

What jobs make 5000 a week without a degree?

For a penguin keeper or similar wildlife roles, earning $5,000 a week without a degree is uncommon; such high wages are typically found in specialized fields like certain sales, real estate, or entrepreneurial ventures. High-paying jobs without formal degrees often require extensive experience, certifications, or skills in areas such as sales, trades, or business ownership.
More about Penguin Keeper jobs
What cities are hiring for Penguin Keeper jobs? Cities with the most Penguin Keeper job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Penguin Keeper jobs? The most popular types of Penguin Keeper jobs are:
What states have the most Penguin Keeper jobs? States with the most job openings for Penguin Keeper jobs include:
Infographic showing various Penguin Keeper job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Internship, 82% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,573 per year, or $24.3 per hour.
Area Manager (Penguin Coast)

Area Manager (Penguin Coast)

Maryland Zoo

Baltimore, MD

$50K - $53K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

General Summary: Provides day-to-dayleadership and management of specific animal areas which supports the missionand core values of the Zoo to the staff engaged in the care and exhibition ofthe collection. The Area Manager will be responsible for the daily operationsof the area and oversight of the keeper team. They will need to work closelywith the taxon curators, behavior team, and medical staff, and will report tothe General Curator. Additionally, the Area Manager will support the Zoo's mission to save wildlife and protect wild places and contribute to its environmental, social, governance sustainability, conservation, education, and DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion) goals.

EssentialFunctions:

PrimaryFunction:

  • Fostera success-oriented, accountable environment within the Zoo;
  • Supportthe guest experiences;
  • Serveas the liaison for the Collection Managers and Curators as to daily concerns ofthe department;
  • Observeanimals to detect signs of illness, and report the same to the Collection Managerand Medical Staff to determine type of medication/treatment required and helpin the treatment;
  • Developand maintain SOPs for assigned area(s);
  • Coordinatepest control needs/activities with the Senior Animal Care Technician;
  • Ensurethat adequate and appropriate pest control practices are carried out and thatall pest control records are maintained;
  • Coordinatewater quality testing and Life Support Systems equipment preventativemaintenance with the Water Quality Specialist and ensure that adequate andappropriate water quality records are maintained;
  • Inspectall exhibits and related facilities regularly for cleanliness and structuralintegrity;
  • Director perform all keeper activities necessary to the direct maintenance of theanimal collection;
  • Inspectthe care and well-being of the animals in their area;
  • Superviseand coordinate all activities of the keeper staff;
  • Superviseand participate in moving of animals to new quarters or in crating or uncratinganimals for shipment or display;
  • Overseeand/or assist with medical treatments, preparation of food, feeding of animalsand maintenance and repair of animal quarters/exhibit;
  • Ensurethat area activities are recorded in the daily diary and other permanentrecords;
  • Collaboratewith Animal Department Curators, Managers and medical staff in development ofdiets, husbandry techniques, and area protocols;
  • Developaction plans for projects and present them to the Collection Managers;
  • Assistin AZA-sanctioned programs as requested;
  • Available24 hours/day, if necessary;
  • Attendweekly medical meetings;
  • Serveand support assigned area(s);
  • Coordinatethe training opportunities for volunteers, Junior keepers, and interns;
  • Participateon the animal recapture team and maintains qualifications to use firearms onzoo grounds;
  • Trainand educate Animal Keepers;
  • Coordinateconstruction projects and outside vendors and contractors while maintainingsafety for animals and staff;
  • Workwith the Animal Training and Enrichment Coordinator to develop and maintainanimal training and enrichment programs;
  • Managethe particular aspects of scheduling and payroll essential to supervisingstaff;
  • Responsible for acting asmember of Zoo's emergency response firearms shoot team;
  • Perform otherduties as assigned; and,
  • Adhere to allpolicies and procedures of the Zoo.

Communication(Internal and External):

  • Activelycollaborate with divisions to ensure that husbandry and behavioral managementpractices are to the highest standards;
  • Representthe zoo to guests, donors, zoo community associates, and the general public;
  • Answerthe public's questions concerning animals' habits or zoo operations;
  • Activelycollaborate with the Marketing, Development, Education and Guest Servicesdepartments to design and implement programs and presentations directly relatedto the animal collection;
  • Activelycollaborate with the Marketing, Development, Education and Guest Services departmentsto produce and participate in non-routine special events;
  • Organizebehind the scenes tours as requested; and,
  • Conductand/or contribute to Area, Department and All-Staff meetings.

Managementof Resources (Financial, Human Resources, Facilities):

  • Makerecommendations to the General Curator and Collection Managers on the hiringand firing and personnel actions such as promotions, transfers and disciplinaryactions;
  • Readkeepers' daily reports and ensure appropriate corrective action;
  • Determinewhich information/data from daily reports should be included in the Zoo'spermanent animal records;
  • Prepareand communicate performance evaluations of keeper staff;
  • Recommendimprovements and repairs to animal exhibits and facilities;
  • Recommendupdates, clarifications and additions to Animal Department policies andprocedures and area SOPs;
  • Coordinatewith the Maintenance department for repairs, non-capital renovations andimprovements;
  • Schedulestaff to various tasks as needed;
  • Supportinventory control/ensure the proper working condition of all departmentequipment; and,
  • Providesupervisory back up for the other area managers.

MinimumQualifications:

Education

  • Bachelor'sDegree preferably in Biological Sciences, Zoology, Wildlife Management, AnimalScience or related science; and, 
  • Experiencemay be substituted for a degree.

Experience/Training:      

  • Threeyears paid experience with an AZA accredited zoological institution(preferred);
  • Atleast one year of supervisory experience or equivalent experience working withanimals in a supervisory capacity;
  • Validdriver's license; and,
  • Demonstratedsupervisory ability as well as ability to lead and mentor professional staff;

TraitsDesirable:

  • Abilityto work with a wide variety of individuals from ethnic, cultural and economicbackgrounds;
  • Extremelywell-organized;
  • Strongleadership, communication, mentoring, time management, interpersonal andfollow-up skills;
  • Self-directed,collaborative and detail-oriented; and,
  • Strongbackground in animal husbandry, training, or enrichment.

Equipment:

  • Mustbe able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including telephone,two-way radio, motor vehicles, electric golf carts, hand tools, animalrestraint and capture equipment, gardening/carpentry tools, power equipment,e.g. leaf blower, weed eater, lawn mower, or power washer and computerequipment, scales, transponder reader, digital thermometers and water chemistryequipment.  Must be proficient with aword processing and spread sheet program (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel).

WorkingConditions:

  • Mustbe able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 25 pounds frequentlyand/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry,push, pull or otherwise move objects. Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work; must be ableto remain on feet for periods of time, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, push, pull,climb, balance;
  • Mustbe able to travel large areas of the Zoo as needed;
  • Must be able to work in anoutdoor weather environment in all seasons and weather, includingheat/humidity, cold temperatures, and/or wet conditions;
  • Mustbe able to lift and/or carry weights of up to 75 pounds and climb a ladder;
  • Exposure to potential environmental hazards such as poison oak/ivy, uneven terrain, insect bites/stings, and Hepatitis B depending on the position.
  • Exposure to zoonotic diseases and risk of animal attack; and,
  • TBtest, physical, and rabies vaccine required.

Benefits:

  • We offer an excellentbenefits package including 24 days of Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick and Safe Leave,and 2 paid holidays.
  • Eligible for medical, dental,vision, short- and long-term disability and life insurance.
  • 401(k) with employer match.

Disclaimer:

The statements above are intended to describe the generalnature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to thisclassification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustivelist of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel soclassified.  Therefore, management reserves the right to revise the job orto require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstanceschange.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME