ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Seasonal Animal Keeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Garden City (KS)

Animal Keeper

Garden City, KS · On-site

$18.93 - $23.08/hr

Assists with training for new keepers or seasonal staff as assigned. Documents observations and information on animal health, behavior, diet, enrichment, and facilities for department records.

City of Garden City, KS

Animal Keeper

Garden City, KS · On-site

$18.93 - $23.08/hr

Assists with training for new keepers or seasonal staff as assigned. * Documents observations and information on animal health, behavior, diet, enrichment, and facilities for department records.

City of Santa Clarita

PTS Animal Keeper

Valencia, CA · On-site

$19.78/hr

Description/Duties and Responsibilities The City of Santa Clarita is currently recruiting for a part-time, temporary, seasonal (PTS) Animal Keeper in the Parks division of the Neighborhood Services ...

Ocean County Health Department

Be Seen First

Seasonal Animal Health Technician

Jackson, NJ · On-site

$20.67/hr

The Seasonal Animal Health Technician plays a vital role within an animal shelter, providing ... Strong record keeping and sanitation skills * Effective communication and teamwork abilities * High ...

Inotiv

Laboratory Animal Care Technician

Robesonia, PA · On-site

$18/hr

We are seeking a Seasonal Animal Care Technician to join our dynamic team! This position works in ... Keeps accurate records of breeding, feeding, cleaning and care of animals * Maintains ...

Inotiv

Laboratory Animal Care Technician

Robesonia, PA · On-site

$18/hr

We are seeking a Seasonal Animal Care Technician to join our dynamic team! This position works in ... Keeps accurate records of breeding, feeding, cleaning and care of animals * Maintains ...

City of Idaho Falls, ID

Zoo Keeper

Idaho Falls, ID · On-site

May provide supervision and assistance to seasonal zoo keepers and volunteers. Essential Functions Monitors health and behavior of all animals within assigned area on a daily basis. Prepares animal ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All Jobsseasonal JobsSeasonal Animal Keeper Jobs

Seasonal Animal Keeper information

See salary details

$10

$17

$24

How much do seasonal animal keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for seasonal animal keeper in the United States is $17.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a seasonal animal keeper?

Seasonal animal keepers are temporary employees who help care for animals at zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, or similar facilities during busy times of the year, such as summer or holidays. Their duties typically include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and assisting with educational programs. These positions are often filled by students, recent graduates, or individuals seeking hands-on experience in animal care. Seasonal keepers work under the supervision of full-time staff and play an important role in ensuring animal well-being during peak visitation periods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a seasonal animal keeper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Seasonal Animal Keeper, you need a background in animal science or biology, hands-on experience with animal care, and often at least a high school diploma or relevant coursework. Familiarity with animal husbandry tools, record-keeping software, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong observation skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you excel when interacting with animals, colleagues, and the public. These abilities are crucial for ensuring animal welfare, maintaining a safe environment, and supporting smooth daily operations in zoological settings.

What are some common challenges faced by seasonal animal keepers, and how can they be addressed?

Seasonal Animal Keepers often face the challenge of quickly adapting to the specific routines and needs of various animal species within a short employment period. They must learn established protocols, develop rapport with permanent staff, and maintain high standards of animal care under time constraints. To succeed, it's helpful to be proactive in asking questions, seeking feedback, and being receptive to training. Building strong communication with the team and maintaining flexibility in daily tasks can greatly ease the transition and enhance job performance.

What is the difference between Seasonal Animal Keeper vs Full-Time Animal Keeper?

AspectSeasonal Animal KeeperFull-Time Animal Keeper
CredentialsBasic animal care certifications, sometimes on-the-job trainingSame certifications, often with additional experience
Work EnvironmentSeasonal facilities, temporary roles, outdoor and indoor settingsYear-round facilities, permanent positions, similar environments
Employer & Industry UsageZoos, aquariums, wildlife parks during peak seasonsZoos, aquariums, wildlife parks year-round
Search & Comparison IntentPeople looking for temporary or seasonal animal care rolesIndividuals seeking permanent animal care positions

In summary, Seasonal Animal Keepers typically work during peak seasons with temporary roles, requiring similar certifications as full-time keepers but for shorter durations. Full-Time Animal Keepers hold permanent positions with consistent responsibilities year-round. Both roles are vital in animal care facilities, but they differ mainly in duration and employment stability.

More about Seasonal Animal Keeper jobs

What cities are hiring for Seasonal Animal Keeper jobs?

Cities with the most Seasonal Animal Keeper job openings:

What states have the most Seasonal Animal Keeper jobs?

States with the most job openings for Seasonal Animal Keeper jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Seasonal Animal Keeper jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Seasonal Animal Keeper jobs are:

Seasonal Animal Keeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Seasonal Animal Keeper job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,638 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Animal Keeper

City of Garden City (KS)

Garden City, KS • On-site

$18.93 - $23.08/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provide care for animals by preparing diets, feeding, cleaning, and maintaining habitats and related structures.

  • Perform daily observations of animals to monitor health and behavior, and assist with medical treatments and veterinary procedures as needed.

  • Communicate with visitors for educational, behavioral, and safety purposes, and assist with training and documentation related to animal care.

Job description

Description The City of Garden City is accepting applications for Animal Keeper with the Lee Richardson Zoo. This position is responsible for the care and maintenance of animals, habitats, grounds and facilities, as well as some clerical responsibilities. Examples of Duties Provides care (prepares diets for, feeds and cleans) for animals and maintains habitats, related structures, and surrounding non-public areas.

Perform daily observation of animals to identify normal and abnormal behaviors related to husbandry/health issues; coordinate with senior staff on animal training programs to facilitate husbandry behaviors. Communicate questions or concerns regarding medical/health issues of specimens in collection to supervisor. Assist with treatment as directed including administering medication.

Provides behavioral and psychological enrichment for animals. Communicate with visitors as needed for educational (delivers public talks/demos) and behavioral/safety purposes. Disposes of trash and debris in zoo.

Maintains landscaping and grounds for and around habitats. Services and maintains tools and equipment and facilities to ensure safe use, includes opening and closing of facilities. Follows all safety rules and regulations, policies and procedures.

Attends regular safety meetings. Assists with training for new keepers or seasonal staff as assigned. Documents observations and information on animal health, behavior, diet, enrichment, and facilities for department records.

Assists with veterinary procedures if needed. Performs basic health care procedures (hoof trims, etc.) as assigned. Typical Qualifications Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Skill in the use and maintenance of tools and equipment

Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. Knowledge of animal diet preparation, general biology, and behavior. Knowledge of maintenance methods and materials.

Ability to receive, understand, and carry out verbal and written instruction, direction, and assignments. Ability to perform physical work activities in varying weather conditions. Ability to communicate and cooperate with city employees and to deal with the public in an effective and positive manner.

Education, Certification and Experience: Valid Kansas driver's license required. A.S. degree in one of the life sciences with at least two years of full-time, paid experience working with animals in an accredited institution; OR B.S

degree in one of the life sciences with experience working with animals; OR Five years full-time, paid experience working with animals in an accredited institution. Supplemental Information Environment: Work is performed in all types of weather. Majority of work is performed outside with indoor work in cages, barns and compounds housing animals.

Weather conditions include extreme, moderate and temperate cold and heat; snow, ice, fog, rain, sleet, hail, high and gusting winds, humid and dry conditions. Works with chemicals as required. Surfaces: Sand, gravel, dirt, asphalt, concrete, rock, clay, indoor & outdoor ponds and waterfall.

Some chemicals and medication involved. Physical Characteristics: Ability to lift up to 75 lbs., push, pull, bend, stoop, kneel, climb, carry, shovel, rake, scoop, sit, stand, see, hear, drive, tug, speak and sweep.

Apply