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Senior Zookeeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 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 ...

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 ...

Akron Zoo

Program Engagement Staff

Akron, OH

$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 ...

New

Denver Zoo

Director of Clinical Medicine

Denver, CO · On-site

$82K - $112K/yr

Collaborate with the Senior Director of Wildlife Health & Conservation and Director of Veterinary Operations on the development and implementation of the Zoo's veterinary program and policies.

Denver Zoo

Director of Clinical Medicine

Denver, CO · On-site

$82K - $112K/yr

Collaborate with the Senior Director of Wildlife Health & Conservation and Director of Veterinary Operations on the development and implementation of the Zoo's veterinary program and policies.

Houston Zoo

Solutions Architect

Houston, TX · On-site

$60.25 - $79.25/hr

Partners with senior leaders across the Zoo to align technology initiatives with strategic goals, operations, and conservation outcomes. * Accountable for integration reliability and scalability ...

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Senior Zookeeper information

See salary details

$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:
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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.
Keeper I, II, Senior - Ectotherms

Keeper I, II, Senior - Ectotherms

The Phoenix Zoo

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$23.70/hr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Description
Arizona Center for Nature Conservation
The Phoenix Zoo
Job Description
Job Title: Keeper I, II, or Senior - Ectotherms
Department: Living Collections
Supervisor: Collection Manager- Ectotherms
Supervises: None
FLSA Status: Full Time, Regular, Non-exempt
Pay: Starting at $23.70
The Keeper in this position is responsible for the safety, health and well-being of all assigned animals through the performance of documented husbandry practices. This position supports designated public experiences, by training and mentoring internal guests (staff and volunteers), developing and maintaining animal cued behaviors, and animal programs. A Phoenix Zoo Keeper also actively collaborates in the development and presentation of guest experiences that support the Phoenix Zoo's mission.
Essential Duties:
  1. Provide quality guest service to both internal and external guests by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude and appearance.
  2. Perform routine husbandry by feeding prescribed diets, monitoring and reporting diet consumption consistent with documented Standard Operating Procedures; report any observed health or behavioral abnormalities of all assigned specimens to immediate supervisor on a daily basis.
  3. Assist in the development of protocols for the restraint, introduction/breeding, and husbandry care of assigned animals; amend and update Standard Operating Procedures as assigned.
  4. Perform assigned and approved behavioral enrichment activities and animal training procedures of assigned specimens in a timely manner and consistent with documented Standard Operating Procedures.
  5. Participate as assigned in non-routine health and husbandry activities such as animal transports, animal introductions/breeding, restraint and treatment of animals, and the medication of specimens.
  6. Respond to animal emergency circumstances according to approved protocols, ensuring the safety of guests and animals.
  7. Perform minor repairs to exhibits; interact with maintenance staff as needed and as assigned. Document and report any structural or mechanical problems.
  8. Work collaboratively with other staff and departments to support designated public experiences and other communication activities and goals that include participating as necessary with Special Events, Group Services, Marketing and PR events.

Requirements
Keeper I:
  1. Bachelor's degree in Life Science or equivalent experience preferred.
  2. High school diploma required.
  3. Behavioral enrichment experience preferred.
  4. Minimum six months paid or one-year volunteer experience in work relevant to exotic animal husbandry.
  5. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
  6. Able to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces.
  7. Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
  8. Possession of a valid driver's license.
  9. Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check and clear annual TB test.

Keeper II:
  1. Bachelor's degree in Life Science or equivalent experience preferred.
  2. High school diploma required.
  3. Behavioral enrichment and operant conditioning experience preferred.
  4. Minimum 2 years paid experience relevant to animal husbandry in an AZA accredited institution or related facility.
  5. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
  6. Able to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces.
  7. Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
  8. Possession of a valid driver's license.
  9. Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check and clear annual TB test.

Senior:
  1. Bachelor's degree in Life Science or equivalent experience strongly preferred.
  2. Minimum of 5 years paid experience in work relevant to animal husbandry in an AZA accredited institution or related facility
  3. Behavioral enrichment and operant conditioning experience preferred.
  4. Knowledge in the areas of animal nutrition, public engagement and communication, facility maintenance.
  5. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
  6. Able to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces and work in extreme weather conditions.
  7. Possession of a valid driver's license.
  8. Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check and clear annual TB test.

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