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Senior Zookeeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OMAHA ZOO GROUP

Senior Keeper - Elephants

Omaha, NE · On-site

$20.49/hr

Senior Keeper - Elephants FLSA Status: Non-exempt Classification: Full-time Hours: 40 hours/week ... Associate of Science degree in a zoo technology program or four-year degree in zoology or related ...

Dallas Zoo

General Application - Animal Care

Dallas, TX

$15.50 - $21/hr

... these senior professionals provide mentorship, take on specialized tasks and projects, coordinate section operations in the absence of management, and may represent Dallas Zoo in AZA programs.

Zoo

Senior Systems Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$145K - $195K/yr

About Us Zoo is building the next generation of hardware design tools redefining how hardware ... Senior Systems Software Engineer who can take ownership of the reliability, automation, and ...

Zoo

Senior Software Engineer, Frontend

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 Frontend Engineer at Zoo, you'll play a crucial role in the development and ...

Akron Zoo

Program Engagement Staff

Akron, OH · On-site

$35K - $42K/yr

... zoo using an inquiry-based structure. This position is a 20-25 hour a week position, working Monday-Friday approximately 9am-1:30pm. The Program Engagement Staff reports directly to the Senior ...

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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 Aug 9, 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.

How much do senior zookeepers make?

Senior zookeepers typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the institution. They often have specialized training in animal care and may oversee other staff members or complex exhibits.

Is it hard to get a job as a senior zookeeper?

Securing a senior zookeeper position can be competitive, often requiring several years of experience working with animals, strong knowledge of animal care, and relevant certifications. Employers typically look for candidates with leadership skills, a background in biology or zoology, and hands-on experience in animal habitats and enrichment programs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior zookeeper?

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 is a senior zookeeper?

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.
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Senior Zookeeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Zookeeper job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,287 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Prospect Park Zoo Animal Associate

New York Aquarium

Prospect Park, PA

$17/hr

Part-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Department: Animal Programs
Title: Animal Associate
Employment Type: Part-Time
Status: Non-Exempt
Grade Level: Hourly
Pay Range: $17 per hour
Reports To: Keepers/Sr. Keepers/Supervisors/Curator
Schedule: 3 - 4 days per week; set schedule
Hours: 10:00 - 4:00 (one hour unpaid lunch) (May differ seasonally)
 
About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS):
WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world's premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean.  We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence.  Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.
Position Summary:
To assist in minimizing possible harmful risks to animals and the public during public exhibition by providing sufficient distance or barriers between the animals and the public and observing public interactions. Provide public interpretation of the barn area collection. Perform any authorized activity necessary for the safe, proper and humane management and maintenance of the Barn area animal collection, exhibits and associated service as directed.

Principal Responsibilities (may include but are not limited to):
  • Provide supervision of animal contact areas, specifically Barn, during public hours to ensure safety of both collection animals and the public.
  •  Aid the general public and provide information concerning the Prospect Park Zoo, visitor services, exhibits and the animal collection.
  •  Prepare animal diets according to established protocols under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff;
  •  Perform safe, proper and humane care of assigned animals according to established protocols under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and /or the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  •  Perform safe and proper maintenance of assigned animal exhibits, holding facilities and associated service areas according to established protocols under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  •  Enforce the Prospect Park Zoo's visitor rules and regulations;
  •  Perform other related tasks and duties at the instruction of senior animal keepers and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff.

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