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Seasonal Zoo Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Great Plains Zoo

Zookeeper (Ungulate)

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$18/hr

Join us at the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium as a member of our Ungulate team! Job Summary ... seasonal employees; however, this position does not have any direct reports. Work Environment Must ...

Great Plains Zoo

Zookeeper - Primates

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$18/hr

Join our Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium zookeeper team! Zookeepers are responsible for the ... seasonal employees; however, this position does not have any direct reports. Work Environment Must ...

Binder Park Zoo

Seasonal Line Cook

Battle Creek, MI · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

Ever work at a zoo, it's fun! At Binder Park Zoo you will be a part of a dynamic and collaborative environment where your ideas and contributions are valued. We love what we do working at the zoo ...

Binder Park Zoo

Seasonal Retail Attendant

Battle Creek, MI · On-site

$12.25 - $15.25/hr

Ever work at a zoo, it's fun! At Binder Park Zoo you will be a part of a dynamic and collaborative environment where your ideas and contributions are valued. We love what we do working at the zoo ...

Binder Park Zoo

Seasonal Food Lead

Battle Creek, MI · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

Ever work at a zoo, it's fun! At Binder Park Zoo you will be a part of a dynamic and collaborative environment where your ideas and contributions are valued. We love what we do working at the zoo ...

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Seasonal Zoo information

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$5

$18

$39

How much do seasonal zoo jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for seasonal zoo in the United States is $18.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a seasonal zoo?

Seasonal zoo jobs are temporary positions at zoos that are typically available during peak visitor seasons, such as spring and summer. These roles can include positions like guest services, concessions, education assistants, grounds maintenance, and animal care aides. Seasonal employees help manage increased crowds, assist with special events, and support regular staff. These jobs are a great way to gain experience working with animals or in a customer service environment. Most seasonal zoo jobs last a few months and may offer flexible schedules for students or part-time workers.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a seasonal zoo employee?

To thrive as a Seasonal Zoo Employee, you need a basic understanding of animal care, customer service, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale systems, radio communication devices, and basic animal handling equipment is commonly required. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help you engage visitors and support colleagues in a dynamic environment. These skills ensure a safe, educational, and enjoyable experience for both guests and animals during the busy season.

What are the main challenges faced by seasonal zoo employees during peak visitor periods?

Seasonal Zoo employees often experience high visitor volumes during peak seasons, which can make crowd management, guest service, and animal care more demanding. Balancing these responsibilities requires adaptability, patience, and strong communication skills. Employees may also need to work irregular hours, including weekends and holidays, to accommodate visitor schedules. Despite these challenges, the role offers valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity to work closely with animals and the public, fostering a dynamic and rewarding work environment.

What is the difference between Seasonal Zoo vs Zoo Keeper?

AspectSeasonal ZooZoo Keeper
CredentialsMay require basic animal care certifications or trainingTypically requires a degree or certification in animal science or related field
Work EnvironmentTemporary, outdoor, seasonal settings with fluctuating staffFull-time, year-round work in zoo facilities with daily animal care duties
Employer & Industry UsageUsed for seasonal staffing needs in zoos and wildlife parksCore role in zoo operations, animal care, and exhibit maintenance

Seasonal Zoo roles are temporary positions often filled during peak visitor seasons, focusing on basic animal care and visitor assistance. Zoo Keepers are permanent staff responsible for daily animal care, enrichment, and exhibit management. While both roles involve working with animals in zoo settings, Zoo Keepers have more extensive responsibilities and require specialized training.

More about Seasonal Zoo jobs

What cities are hiring for Seasonal Zoo jobs?

Cities with the most Seasonal Zoo job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo jobs?

The most popular types of Zoo jobs are:

What states have the most Seasonal Zoo jobs?

States with the most job openings for Seasonal Zoo jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Seasonal Zoo jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Seasonal Zoo jobs are:

Seasonal Zoo jobs near you
Infographic showing various Seasonal Zoo job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,949 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Zookeeper (Ungulate)

Great Plains Zoo

Sioux Falls, SD • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Join us at the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium as a member of our Ungulate team!
Job Summary
Zookeepers are responsible for the specialized work involving all the health and wellbeing of native and exotic animals through feeding, enclosure maintenance, behavioral observation, training, enrichment and health care maintenance and treatment. This position works with a variety of ungulates which includes Black Rhinos, Reticulated Giraffes, Eastern Bongo, Grevy's Zebras, Bactrian Camels, and Bison.
Essential Functions
  • Provide all aspects of daily care for the animals in assigned exhibits and holding areas including but not limited to:
    • Innovative animal husbandry that is in compliance with AZA and USDA standards.
    • Preparation and feeding of approved diets.
    • Monitoring of physical and behavioral aspects of the animals under assigned care.
    • Implementation of the behavioral program of the animals under assigned care which include the animal training (operant conditioning) and enrichment programs.
    • Designing and maintaining proper animal enclosures/props/exhibits.
    • Utilizing preventative husbandry techniques and providing proactive health care as required.
    • Provide proper care for neonates and young (may require care outside of normal working hours).
  • Maintain exhibits and holding areas in a clean, aesthetically pleasing, and presentable condition at all times. Includes performing general maintenance and repair of exhibits: painting, repairing fences and shelters, abating erosion, removing weeds, and snow removal. Maintains the cleanliness of other areas such as breakrooms, hallways etc.
  • Observe the animal collection for any signs of illness, lethargy, injury, or dietary problems and report any problems to the Veterinarian, Area Supervisor, and/or Director of Animal Care.
  • Assist the Veterinarian, Area Supervisor, and/or Director of Animal Care in routine animal examinations and medicate animals with any prescribed treatments.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees as well as interact and communicate well with the general public.
  • Maintain daily reports, medical records, enrichment logs, and other records as needed in the assigned area.
  • Give presentations to guests on a regular basis (Keeper Chats) and answers guests questions about animals and exhibits. This engagement of Zoo's guests should extend to being willing to provide Behind the Scenes area tours, participate in media related events, participate in public relations projects and work special events in area as necessary.
  • Capture, handle, and move animals using accepted Great Plains Zoo practices to facilitate internal movement, external shipping, medical procedures, or normal routines. Perform basic restraint, crating/uncrating and transport of animals as required and must have the ability to operate various sizes of animal squeeze cages.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Area Supervisor and/or Director of Animal Care & Conservation.

Competency
  • Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.
  • Must be flexible, self-motivated, enthusiastic and a team player.
  • Must demonstrate punctual attendance, reliability and good time management skills.
  • Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
  • Must be able to shoot rifles, shotguns and capture dart guns as required and/or directed to assist in the animal escape and recovery plan.
  • Proficiency in MS Office products (Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint).

Supervisory Responsibilities
This position helps to oversee and train Junior Zookeepers, interns, volunteers and seasonal employees; however, this position does not have any direct reports.
Work Environment
Must be able to tolerate and be exposed to strong odors, toxic or caustic chemicals, dust, hay, animal fur/hair/dander, and wet or humid conditions (non-weather) and all variable outdoor weather conditions.
Physical Demands
Must be able to climb ladders/stairs, lift crates/animals and / or equipment weighing 70 lbs., operate mowers, handle fires hoses, operate weed eaters, hay elevators, motorized carts, tractors, dump truck, pickup truck, load and operate wheel barrows loaded up to 150 lbs., be agile and flexible to maneuver in and around the animals within exhibits, corrals and holding areas.
Required Education and Experience
Requires a bachelor's degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science or other related degree; or an equivalent level of work experience and education as determined by the hiring authority.
Preferred Education and Experience
• Previous animal training and/or Zookeeper experience.
• Experience in an AZA accredited facility is preferred.
Additional Qualifications
• Maintain a current tetanus vaccination (5 years) and be willing to be TB tested annually.
• Must be certified or able to become certified in CPR/AED within 1 year of employment.
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays and evenings as required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and be able to pass a pre-employment background check.
• Covid-19 and Flu Vaccines encouraged; must following masking protocols as determined by organization.

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