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Seasonal Animal Keeper information

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$10

$17

$24

How much do seasonal animal keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 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 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,638 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Intern - Animal Keeper

Manhattan, KS

City of Manhattan Kansas
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about City of Manhattan Kansasexternal

$12/hr

Internship

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Description

(Seasonal, Non-Exempt)

Starting Wage: $12.00/hour, and College Course Credit

Closing Date: Open until filled; may close at any time

Shift/Workdays and Hours: Variable 


Must be 18 years or older


How to Apply: Using the "apply" button on this page, please complete the required online application. For general questions about the position, contact Parks and Recreation at 785-587-2757.


Job Summary 

The Animal Keeper Intern will be responsible for assisting Animal Keepers with routine husbandry tasks to provide day-to-day care of a wide variety of multi-class and multi-genera animals. Cleans and maintains animal, service, and public areas of the park. May interact with the public by giving public talks and answering questions. 


Job Duties 

  • Assists with general labor duties related to the care of multi-class and multi-genera animals, including diet preparation, animal feeding, cleaning exhibits, maintaining service and public areas.  
  • Lifts hay bales, grain sacks and other equipment as needed. 
  • Performs ground maintenance in animal areas and around the zoo. 
  • Uses and wears applicable personal protective equipment required in hazardous environments and emergency situations. 
  • Operates a variety of tools and equipment including weed eater, saws, basic hand tools and basic power tools. 
  • Operates a vehicle, such as dump trucks and motorized carts as needed. 
  • Maintains records, maintenance logs, and activity records via the use of mobile and stationary electronic devices such as computers, tablets, etc. 
  • Communicates orally and in writing, including using the telephone and two-way radio. 
  • Represents the City of Manhattan professionally and courteously with the public and other City employees. 
  • Assists supervisors and other departmental personnel in other projects for the benefit of the City and/or department. 
  • Comprehends and learns standardized work procedures and practices. 
  • Other duties as assigned. 

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills & Additional Qualifications 

  • High School diploma, GED or equivalent. 
  • Selected candidate(s) may be required to pass a TB test.  
  • Valid Driver's license.  
  • Must be 18 years or older. 

Preferred Knowledge & Skills 

  • Six (6) months experience in domestic or exotic animal care. 
  • One (1) year of college education, or fifteen (15) hours of college credit in an animal/wildlife, environmental/conservation, natural resources, education, psychology, or sociology related courses. - Some training may be provided.  
  • CPR/First Aid Certification (Can be provided through Parks & Recreation). 

Other Information 

  • This is not a KPERS covered position. 
  • Shift, Workdays, and Hours Varies 

The City of Manhattan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and believe the best workplaces bring together employees with diverse skill sets, backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints to achieve common goals. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any basis protected by law. 

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