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Professional Zoo Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coordinate with Education Curator to maintain and expand educational signage and programming ... Coordinate services of contracted pest control professionals to control rodent, insect, and other ...

... about Zoo memberships, programing, visitation, and available products. * Delivers exceptional ... Operates computer systems and office equipment professionally to ensure accurate documentation and ...

... about Zoo memberships, programing, visitation, and available products. * Delivers exceptional ... Operates computer systems and office equipment professionally to ensure accurate documentation and ...

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Professional Zoo Engineer information

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$46.5K

$97.1K

$136.5K

How much do professional zoo engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional zoo engineer in the United States is $97,063.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Professional Zoo Engineer vs Zookeeper?

AspectProfessional Zoo EngineerZookeeper
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, professional engineering license, specialized knowledge in animal enclosure designHigh school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training, animal care certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, construction sites, zoo planning projectsZoo enclosures, animal habitats, daily animal care areas
Employer & Industry UsageZoos, wildlife parks, conservation organizations, engineering firmsZoos, aquariums, wildlife sanctuaries

The main difference between a Professional Zoo Engineer and a Zookeeper lies in their roles and qualifications. Professional Zoo Engineers focus on designing and planning animal habitats, requiring engineering credentials and working in technical environments. Zookeepers are responsible for daily animal care and habitat maintenance, with a focus on animal health and behavior. Both roles are essential in zoo operations but serve distinct functions within the industry.

More about Professional Zoo Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Professional Zoo Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Professional Zoo Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Zoo Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Professional Zoo Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Professional Zoo Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Professional Zoo Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Professional Zoo Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Professional Zoo Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,063 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Research Associate II, Community Engagement - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Escondido, CA

$31.32/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Research Associate II, Community Engagement assists and delivers aspects of assigned projects and programs in specialized areas of biological and/or social science that is focused on driving conservation action through science education and community collaborations. This position reports to a Supervisor level or higher on the Community Engagement team within the Conservation Science & Wildlife Health department.
WHAT YOU WILL DO

  • Delivers program content to target audiences (e.g., lab and field), and assists in laboratory, field and/or classroom maintenance, upkeep and supply stock
  • Takes ownership of a project area, including the coordination of logistics, communication, and maintenance of resources
  • Maintains up-to-date and organized records, and digitally curated resources
  • Assists with program development and specific assigned tasks aimed to keep content current with the latest science and technological innovations used within the organization and field
  • Assists with grant preparation and/or reporting through gathering and compiling data
  • Completes professional development opportunities and/or trainings as assigned by Supervisor


WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The Community Engagement team in the Conservation Science & Wildlife Health Department at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) seeks a full-time, benefitted Research Associate II to join the Native Biodiversity Corps (NBC) team. The NBC program brings together urban high school students from diverse cultural, ethnic, and lived experience perspectives forimmersion in nature-based, social learning experiences designed to enhance their inquiry and critical thinking skills. The Research Associate II will work alongside NBC students (and fellow SDZWA team members) as they design, implement, monitor, and maintain native wildlife gardens on campus and in communities in order to attract and support local wildlife, combat impacts of regional climate change, promote regional pride, and build more resilient communities. Ideal candidates will have experience engaging high school students with environmental education in formal and/or informal science education settings as well as knowledge of, and interest in, the native biodiversity and ecosystems of San Diego County.

JOB EXPERIENCE

  • 1-2 years of experience with science/environmental education programming and/or community-based conservation required.
  • 1-2 years of experience teaching, facilitating and/or training as appropriate to the target audience(s) of the program required.
  • Moderate understanding of inquiry-based and participatory learning theory and practice required.
  • Familiarity and comfort with in-person and virtual learning and training formats, required.
  • 1-2 years of experience conducting literature reviews, designing scientific and inquiry-based studies, gathering and compiling data, required.
  • 1-2 years of experience building technical skills related to relevant applied work settings (e.g., lab, field, etc) required.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's Degree B.S. or B.A. in biological, environmental, conservation, education, social science or related field required.
  • Valid CA Driver's License Upon Hire

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

  • Ability to work collaboratively within and across departments
  • Knowledge of curriculum development and/or community-based conservation techniques/approaches
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
  • Able to work independently and collaboratively as a team
  • Awareness of one's own skills and limits and ability to seek guidance when appropriate

SOME OF THE REWARDS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

  • Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
  • Family Passes
  • Complimentary Tickets
  • Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
  • Local and In-House Discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

  • Location: Escondido, CA
  • Position Type: Hourly Full-Time Non-Exempt Position
  • Hourly Rate: $31.32

Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests' experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.