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Senior Zookeeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

John Ball Zoo

Senior Zookeeper - Area 2

Grand Rapids, MI

$20.62 - $24.03/hr

SENIOR ZOOKEEPER The Area 2 Senior Zookeeper performs general daily animal care functions including the maintenance of live exhibits and holding facilities, animal training, diet preparation and ...

City of Bloomington, IL

Zookeeper

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$50K/yr

Observe animals to determine their physical, psychological, and social well-being; report same to the Senior Zookeeper(s) and Animal Care Manager. Inspect all exhibits and related facilities ...

City of Atascadero, CA

Zookeeper I

Atascadero, CA · On-site

$49K - $59K/yr

ABOUT THE ZOO: The Central Coast Zoo is a small, 5-acre AZA accredited zoological facility managed ... Graduation from a standard senior high school or GED equivalent, and one year paid experience, or ...

City of Atascadero

Zookeeper I

Atascadero, CA

$49K - $59K/yr

ABOUT THE ZOO: The Central Coast Zoo is a small, 5-acre AZA accredited zoological facility managed ... Graduation from a standard senior high school or GED equivalent, and one year paid experience, or ...

Zoo

Senior Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$145K - $195K/yr

About Us Zoo is building the next generation of hardware design tools redefining how hardware ... Role As a Senior Designer at Zoo, you will own design across our product experiences, core ...

Zoo

Senior Designer

Los Angeles, CA

$109K - $117K/yr

About The Role As a Senior Designer at Zoo, you will own design across our product experiences, core workflows, as well as our website, tutorials, and brand systems assets. This is a broad, high ...

Zoo

Senior Software Engineer, CAD Interoperability

$145K - $195K/yr

About Us Zoo is building the next generation of hardware design tools redefining how hardware ... a Senior Software Engineer, CAD Interoperability, who can help build the systems that convert ...

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Senior Zookeeper information

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$25K

$80.3K

$163.5K

How much do senior zookeeper jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior zookeeper in the United States is $80,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Zookeeper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Zookeeper, you need extensive knowledge of animal husbandry, biology, and behavior, usually gained through a degree in zoology or a related field and several years of experience. Familiarity with animal management software, safety protocols, and certifications such as the AZA Professional Development Certificate are typically required. Leadership, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you manage junior staff, coordinate with veterinarians, and educate the public. These skills ensure the well-being of animals, the effectiveness of the team, and the overall success of zoo operations.

What are some common challenges Senior Zookeepers face when managing animal care teams?

Senior Zookeepers often balance hands-on animal care with supervising and mentoring junior staff. Challenges include coordinating schedules, ensuring all team members follow strict safety protocols, and addressing animal welfare concerns promptly. Effective communication and leadership are key, as Senior Zookeepers must facilitate collaboration between keepers, veterinarians, and other departments. Adapting to unexpected situations—such as animal health emergencies or changes in exhibit conditions—is also a frequent part of the role.

What are Senior Zookeepers?

Senior Zookeepers are experienced animal care professionals responsible for overseeing the daily care, health, and enrichment of animals in a zoo or wildlife facility. They typically supervise junior staff, coordinate animal feeding and habitat maintenance, and often play a key role in training, record-keeping, and implementing animal welfare protocols. Senior Zookeepers may also participate in educational outreach and conservation projects. Their extensive experience allows them to handle complex situations and ensure the highest standards of animal care.
More about Senior Zookeeper jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Zookeeper jobs? Cities with the most Senior Zookeeper job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Zookeeper jobs? The most popular types of Zookeeper jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Zookeeper jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Zookeeper jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Zookeeper jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Zookeeper jobs are:
Senior Zookeeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Zookeeper job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,287 per year, or $38.6 per hour.
Senior Zookeeper - Area 2

Senior Zookeeper - Area 2

John Ball Zoo

Grand Rapids, MI

$20.62 - $24.03/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

John Ball Zoo rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 34 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

SENIOR ZOOKEEPER
The Area 2 Senior Zookeeper performs general daily animal care functions including the maintenance of live exhibits and holding facilities, animal training, diet preparation and feeding, and enrichment delivery. This position guides the team in daily operations, serves as a resource and provides training for all animal care staff, volunteers, and interns in the development of job skills related to daily animal care, and, under manager direction, liaises with other teams and departments. This position is primarily responsible for amphibians and reptiles (ex: small crocodile species, large pythons, iguanas, monitor lizards, and venomous.
This is a union position. Pay will be based on experience: $20.62 - $26.33 per hour
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A SENIOR ZOOKEEPER AT JBZ
The Senior Zookeeper monitors animals in Area 2 (including amphibians, reptiles, primates, and aquatics) to ensure that they are physically and mentally healthy, uninjured, and exhibiting normal behavior. They perform advanced animal care and management, including but not limited to animal procedures, escape response, capture and restraint, transports, introductions, and training, as well as performing daily inspections of exhibits and holding areas to assess environment quality. They complete required documentation, report concerns to animal care managers, and provide guidance and assistance to teams on projects as directed by animal care leadership. They also assist with the development and writing of standard operating procedures and department policies and procedures.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR A SENIOR ZOOKEEPER AT JBZ
  • Bachelors degree in life science or related field
  • At least five years of experience in exotic animal care or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience in animal care
  • At least three years of experience working with venomous animals and teaching others safe venomous handling
  • Experience with reptile and amphibian exhibit design, including environmental parameter management, exhibit building, and water quality management
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to ensure thorough and effective communication with a broad spectrum of stakeholders include, but not limited to: team members, managers, volunteers, leadership, and guests.
  • Experience leading a team and mentoring others preferred.
  • Ability to develop positive professional relationships with all levels of staff and volunteers.
  • Ability to work with potentially deadly animals (PDAs).
  • Ability to act as the point of contact for area when managers are not present - including addressing animal/space issues (unplanned medical issues, escapes, malfunctioning/damaged infrastructure); liaising with other departments and teams as needed; making and communicating changes as needed.
  • Experience developing and writing SOPs, department policies, and animal behavior plans preferred.
  • Demonstrated computer competence to complete required record keeping and communication. Experience using ZIMS preferred.
  • Dive-certified or ability to obtain dive certification
  • Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
WHO WE ARE
At John Ball Zoo, our mission is to inspire our community to be actively engaged in the conservation of wildlife and our natural environment. John Ball Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1983 which assures excellent animal care and a dedication to conservation. As one of the top attractions in Grand Rapids, we welcome over 700,000 guests each year who are able to experience over 2,000 animals of over 230 species that represent the beautiful wildlife living in our world! We are passionate about our mission focused on education and conservation but know that our 120+ full time and 350 seasonal people guided by our core values accomplish this mission. Our core values are:
  • Conservation
  • Education
  • Community
  • Celebrate
  • Compassion
BENEFITS AT JBZ
  • We offer incredibly competitive benefits. This includes FREE:
  • Medical plan option
  • Short-term disability
  • Long-term disability
  • Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Dental amp; Vision for employee amp; family
  • 12 Full weeks of parental leave
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
We offer generous Vacation and Personal time and 11 Holidays each year. We offer a 4% match and 3% employer contribution to your 401k, zoo discounts, employee-only zoo experiences, tuition reimbursement, additional medical benefits to meet your and your family's needs, and a FREE Premium Zoo membership for you and your family.
WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Employee will work in various environments both inside and outside and will be exposed to inclement weather; pollen, mold, dust, dirt, and other airborne contaminants; and temperature variations. Must be able to tolerate exposure to anti-bacterial, disinfectants and other cleaning compounds. Must be able to wear all required protective clothing and equipment. Must be able to work near exotic and domestic animals and tolerate exposure to animal dander, animal wastes, and other zoonotic contaminants. Must be able to lift at least 50lbs and stand for at least two hours. Must be able and available to be tested annually for tuberculosis. Must be, or able to be, immunized against Hepatitis-B and rabies.
NEW TO GRAND RAPIDS
Come live in the beautiful Grand Rapids where you can find live music, art festivals, outdoor recreation, and nationally ranked food and craft beverages. You can drive 20 minutes and be by the beautiful Lake Michigan, hike and kayak by the Grand River, or stay downtown and enjoy a variety of food and drinks. Grand Rapids is known as Americas’ best beer city, nation's craft beverage capital, and a top 20 U.S. Foodie city. There is a little bit of everything here in Grand Rapids to attract everyone including our growing zoo!
John Ball Zoo is a drug free facility under federal regulations. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. We invite individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, hairstyles, or any other characteristic to join our team where diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated.
We envision a future of being a world-class zoo, a premier education facility, a renowned conservation center, and a wildly successful national visitor attraction. Want to help make the adventure come alive? Apply today and join us!

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