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Summer Zoo Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

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Director of Education

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$65K - $72K/yr

Summer Zoo Camp Oversight: Direct the operational planning, curriculum design, and safe execution of the zoo's Summer Zoo Camp program, spanning nine themed weeks for ages 4-12. * Advanced Youth ...

State of North Carolina

NC · On-site

$17/hr

Description of Work The North Carolina Zoo has an exciting opportunity to join our team. We are seeking a dynamic, efficient, and enthusiastic individual to serve as a Summer Camp Programmer. In this ...

Zoo New England

Seasonal Park Services Associate

Stoneham, MA · On-site

$16.50 - $19/hr

In addition, the ability to communicate professionally to Zoo guests and employees is also a ... Must be able to adjust work schedules for summer and winter operational and seasonal needs. Must be ...

BIRMINGHAM ZOO INC

Seasonal Cashier

Birmingham, AL

$14.42/hr

This is a seasonal position supporting the Zoo's busy spring and summer season. Employment is temporary and will last no longer than six (6) months, and may be shorter based on operational needs.

Houston Zoo

Staff Veterinarian

Houston, TX · On-site

The veterinary department regularly hosts senior students, summer veterinary interns, colleagues, and other visiting professionals. About Houston Zoo The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts ...

Denver Zoo

Temporary Events Captain - Fall

Denver, CO · On-site

You'll play a vital role in bringing to life seasonal experiences like Wild Fall , Zoo Lights , Glowing Wild , and our Summer Activations -all while supporting the Zoo's mission and institutional ...

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How much do summer zoo jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer zoo in the United States is $15.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Summer Zoo vs Summer Wildlife Educator?

AspectSummer ZooSummer Wildlife Educator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles may require animal handling certificationsHigh school diploma; certifications in wildlife education or animal care preferred
Work EnvironmentZoological parks, animal enclosures, visitor areasOutdoor settings, nature centers, educational programs
Employer & Industry UsageZoos, aquariums, wildlife parksWildlife centers, nature reserves, environmental organizations
Common Search & ComparisonSummer Zoo vs Summer Wildlife Educator

Summer Zoo roles focus on animal care, exhibit maintenance, and visitor engagement within zoological parks. In contrast, Summer Wildlife Educators primarily conduct outdoor educational programs, teaching visitors about wildlife and conservation. Both roles often require similar certifications and are found in related environments, but their main responsibilities differ—animal handling versus educational outreach.

What is a Summer Zoo job?

A Summer Zoo job typically refers to seasonal employment at a zoo during the summer months. These positions can include roles such as animal care assistants, camp counselors, guest services staff, or educators who help with summer programs and activities. The job often involves assisting with animal care, providing educational tours, supporting zoo events, and ensuring a positive experience for visitors. It is an excellent opportunity for students or individuals interested in wildlife, education, or hospitality to gain hands-on experience in a unique environment.

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

To thrive as a Zoo Educator, you need a background in biology, zoology, or education, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with educational technology, animal care protocols, and interpretive program tools is typically required. Strong communication, public speaking, and enthusiasm for engaging diverse audiences are vital soft skills. These abilities are essential for effectively educating visitors, promoting conservation, and ensuring safe, informative animal interactions.

What are some typical responsibilities for staff working at a summer zoo program?

Staff working at a summer zoo program typically engage in a variety of duties, including supervising youth participants, assisting with animal care routines, leading educational activities, and ensuring a safe and engaging environment for visitors. Team members often collaborate with zookeepers and educators to facilitate interactive experiences and support daily operations. This role requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and a genuine enthusiasm for wildlife education, as tasks can vary greatly depending on the needs of the animals and the scheduled events.
More about Summer Zoo jobs
What cities are hiring for Summer Zoo jobs? Cities with the most Summer 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 Summer Zoo jobs? States with the most job openings for Summer Zoo jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Summer Zoo jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Zoo jobs are:
Summer Zoo jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Zoo job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,041 per year, or $15.9 per hour.
Director of Education

Director of Education

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Syracuse, NY • On-site

$65K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 12 days ago

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Job description

Position Summary

The Director of Education provides visionary, strategic, and hands-on leadership for the development, execution, and evaluation of all mission-driven, science learning and conservation education initiatives for the Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. This role serves as the lead of the zoo's educational programming, transforming the guest learning journey into an immersive, story-driven experience that deepens curiosity and inspires personal conservation action across guest of all age groups.

The Director of Education oversees a year-round calendar of on-site and digital classes, seasonal camps, and youth development pipelines. This position manages a dedicated team of professional educators and ensures all curriculum aligns with AZA and New York State learning standards.

Essential Duties & Specific Program Responsibilities

Camp Administration & Seasonal Programming

  • Summer Zoo Camp Oversight: Direct the operational planning, curriculum design, and safe execution of the zoo's Summer Zoo Camp program, spanning nine themed weeks for ages 4–12.
  • Advanced Youth & Specialized Camps: Oversee the specialized, career-oriented Animal Care and Conservation Camp for grades 7–12, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols (including mandatory TB testing validation), and manage the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) leadership programs.
  • Logistics & Camp Management Systems: Supervise the camp software system (CampBrain) to ensure streamlined online registration, secure medical/emergency record keeping, and high-quality customer service, while managing extended care (Before/After Care) and collaborative weekly camper meal plans.

Multigenerational Classes & Public Engagement

  • Early Childhood & Youth Classes: Lead the development of early-stage learning and family programs, and interactive events.
  • Adult & Community Learning: Oversee specialized adult learning workshops, community science initiatives, and education programs that deep-dive into conservation psychology, wildlife habitats, and the ecological frameworks of an AZA institution.
  • Guided Visitor Experiences: Manage the booking, logistics, and content frameworks for the zoo's public Guided Tours, ensuring educational docents deliver accurate messaging on species conservation, animal adaptations, and habitat management.

School District, Group, & Virtual Education

  • Uniquely Adapted Partnerships: Cultivate and expand collaborative relationships with regional school districts and teachers, delivering impactful learning experiences across in-person classrooms, project-based learning units, and specialized Teacher Professional Development sessions.
  • Virtual Programs: Drive the growth and continuous innovation of the zoo's live, interactive Virtual Programming, expanding the zoo's reach to distance learners and classrooms far beyond physical zoo attendance.

Teen Pathways & Workforce Development

  • Paid Internship Pipelines: Champion the ZooGuides program (ages 16–18), managing the recruitment, training, and scheduling of local high school and college youth to build real-world communication, responsibility, and STEM career skills.
  • Youth Governance & Leadership: Guide the Teen Leaders for Conservation (TLC) youth council, mentoring members ages 14–18 as they create interactive guest materials, support fundraising events, learn nonprofit governance, and act as liaisons to zoo leadership.
  • Educational Equity: Manage the strategic allocation of the Zoo Camp Scholarship program to remove financial barriers and ensure equitable access to nature for underserved youth across Central New York.

Technical Compliance & Institutional Alignment

  • Ambassador Animal Collaboration: Work directly with veterinary and animal teams to assist in care, handling, and strict safety/welfare protocols for the outreach and ambassador animal collections utilized across public, camp, and digital programs.
  • Build a strong collaborative partnership with animal care team and zoo leadership staff to ensure alignment with current AZA practices and education curriculum.
  • Fiscal & Philanthropic Excellence: Generate and maintain the education department's operating budget. Work closely with other departments to secure educational grants, scholarship funding, and identify fresh revenue streams via educational programming.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Experiences & Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Education, Biological Sciences, Environmental Studies, or a closely related field. A Master's degree or equivalent advanced study is preferred.
  • Experience: Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive leadership experience in science learning, camp administration, or mission-driven public engagement, with at least 3 years in a formal supervisory/management role within a zoo, aquarium, nature center, or museum setting.
  • Program & Industry Literacy: Deep operational understanding of camp safety regulations (NYS Children's Camp codes), database management systems, and a solid working knowledge of AZA accreditation standards.
  • Strategic & Collaborative Mindset: Demonstrated success in balancing the operational needs of public/county partners with the mission-driven goals of a nonprofit organization. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills are mandatory.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and evening events, to support peak camp seasons, community outreach schedules, and public programming.
  • Must be able to traverse a large, multi-terrain physical campus in all Central New York weather conditions and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.

Company Description

Established in 1970, Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo is a non-profit organization and dedicated partner of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo that exists to raise philanthropic support for and public awareness of the zoo. We are resourceful, passionate, and dedicated about what we do.
The Friends and the Rosamond Gifford share a joint mission of connecting people with the natural world by providing engaging guest experiences, exceptional animal care and unparalleled conservation education. We strive to provide our guests with experiences that excite, memories that endure, and knowledge that inspires worldwide conservation.