ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Temporary Exotic Animal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dallas Zoo Management

Bird Zoologist - Temporary

Dallas, TX · On-site

$41K - $56K/yr

This is a temporary position projected to end in late November 2026. SPECIFIC DUTIES AND ... exotic animal care experience at an AZA-accredited facility (ideally with birds) • Must be a ...

Tuskegee University

Candidate must develop a syllabus and teach the core course, Avian, Exotics and Laboratory Animal ... No Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date 10/18/2024 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsExotic Animal JobsTemporary Exotic Animal Jobs

Temporary Exotic Animal information

See salary details

$9

$21

$27

How much do temporary exotic animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary exotic animal in the United States is $21.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How can I work with animals but not be a vet?

A temporary exotic animal worker can gain experience by assisting with animal care, feeding, and habitat maintenance under supervision. Roles such as zookeeper assistant, animal caretaker, or wildlife rehabilitator often require knowledge of animal behavior and safety protocols but do not require veterinary degrees. Certifications in animal handling or safety training can enhance employability in these positions.

What is the highest paying job working with animals?

The highest paying jobs working with animals typically include exotic animal veterinarians, zoo directors, and specialized wildlife conservationists, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. These roles require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience, and they involve working in specialized environments such as zoos, research facilities, or conservation organizations.

How to get into working with exotic animals?

To work as a temporary exotic animal handler, gaining experience through volunteering or internships at zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, or rescue centers is essential. Relevant skills include animal care, safety protocols, and knowledge of species-specific needs; certifications in animal handling or safety can also improve job prospects.

What jobs can I do if I love animals?

If you love animals, you can pursue jobs such as animal caretaker, zookeeper, wildlife rehabilitator, or pet trainer. These roles often require knowledge of animal behavior, handling skills, and sometimes certifications or training in animal care or safety protocols.
What cities are hiring for Temporary Exotic Animal jobs? Cities with the most Temporary Exotic Animal job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Exotic Animal jobs? The most popular types of Exotic Animal jobs are:
What states have the most Temporary Exotic Animal jobs? States with the most job openings for Temporary Exotic Animal jobs include:
Temporary Exotic Animal jobs near you
Bird Zoologist - Temporary

Bird Zoologist - Temporary

Dallas Zoo

Dallas, TX

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Dallas Zoo rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 34 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

JOB SUMMARY
This is an entry-level position in animal care, following established protocols to provide outstanding
animal care for species in the section: food preparation, feeding, exhibit maintenance, pest control, and reproductive management. Zoologists participate in operant conditioning and husbandry programs, provide approved environmental enrichment, work collaboratively to improve animal exhibits, and prepare and conduct educational presentations and tours for zoo guests.
Representative species cared for by the Bird team include Whooping cranes, Caribbean and lesser flamingos, various species of stork and vultures, and African penguins.
This is a temporary position projected to end in late November 2026.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide overall daily care of assigned animals and exhibits to ensure animal health, safety, and
welfare, staff and public safety as set forth by AZA, USDA, and DZM to include:
Observe and monitor animals' general health and behavior, reporting any abnormal behavior to
manager and/or veterinary staff;
Prepare and provide food for assigned animals, following written instructions, provide water and
administer medication as instructed to ensure proper nutrition and health;
Clean animal exhibits, holding pens, food prep areas, and equipment, maintaining a high level of
sanitation, conducting pest control activities and reporting any mechanical defects that would
endanger the animal, zoo staff, and/or guests;
Achieve the highest standards of animal welfare and wellness by providing environmental
enrichment and training sessions, using operant conditioning, as applicable;
Participate in or assist with the capture and restraint of a variety of taxa including dangerousspecies
Prepare and update animal records, reports and surveys, assisting in research projects as necessaryto ensure thorough documentation and enhanced knowledge of animal biology;
Perform general maintenance and repair of exhibits: painting, repairing fences and shelters, abatingerosion, planting ground cover and removing weeds;
Provide assistance with animal transfers and/or procedures as directed;
Interact positively and professionally with animal care and veterinary staff and volunteers;
Actively encourage interest in wildlife through positive interaction with zoo guests via educational
presentations focused on animals, biology, conservation, and environmental issues;
Utilize the enrichment item/device proposal form to create new enrichment ideas and items to be
added to taxa repertoires and properly record the results of enrichment items after each use;
Collaborate with other zoo personnel as needed to meet the zoo's mission. This can include, but is
not limited to, assisting and participating in media events, special tours, and public relations projects;
Participate in and support zoo-wide initiatives, committees, and work groups;
Understand and support Dallas Zoo's Strategic and Master Plans and departmental collection plans;
Study specific reference materials pertinent to animal care, behavior and natural history as assigned;
Follow all safety protocols and understand the animal keeper's role in emergency procedures,
responding to emergencies as required;
QUALIFICATIONS
An Associate's degree in an animal science, biology, or related science field plus one year of paid animal care experience is required; A Bachelor's degree in an animal science, biology, or related science field is preferred;
Must have knowledge of animal care and basic husbandry skills, and at least one year preferred of
exotic animal care experience at an AZA-accredited facility (ideally with birds)
Must be a flexible, efficient, self-motivated team player, and solution-oriented: finding creative
solutions to complex challenges;
Must have basic knowledge of research techniques and practices, with solid observation skills;
Must be capable of practicing, or willing to learn, safe methods of capture and restraint for a variety
of taxa (which may include potentially dangerous species);
Must be able to establish and maintain an effective rapport with all levels of management, employees, interns, volunteers, and zoo guests;
Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, following instructions and
documenting animal care activities appropriately;
Ability to represent the Zoo in a professional manner at all times;
Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations and to respond with appropriate action;
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with management, other employees & zoo guests;
Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull bend, climb stairs
and ladders and carry up to 50 lbs;
Must be able to work holidays and weekends, both regular and irregular hours as required;
Regular, reliable and punctual attendance is an essential function of this position;
Must be able to actively work outdoors in hot or inclement weather;
Successful candidates must complete pre-employment drug screening, background check and TB
test;
Must have a valid driver's license to operate zoo vehicles and reliable transportation.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel assigned to this job and is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties to be assigned
Employment Type: Full-Time (Temporary Leave of Absence Backfill)

What Dallas Zoo employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply