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Wild Animal Trainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HFE Valdosta LLC

Animal Keeper

Valdosta, GA · On-site

This position will participate in and assist with the development of the animal training program ... with Wild Adventure and USDA standards as a minimum. * Respond to questions from patrons, and ...

City of Springdale, AR

Animal Caretaker

Springdale, AR · On-site

$35K - $53K/yr

Access animals, handle wild/vicious animals, bag dead animal bodies as needed. Bottle feed and ... or training. Must be proficient in the use of a personal computer, standard office equipment ...

fwzoo

Animal Programs Swing Keeper

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

... training of assigned animals; guide animals through daily routines according to established ... wild or potentially dangerous animals; animal odors and animal body fluids • Exposure to all ...

Maryland Zoo

Exhibits Specialist

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$21/hr

Provide training foranimal staff on safe operation of department tools and equipment; * Assist ... wild animal exclusion in and around animal habitats; * Advise Animal departmentmanagement on ...

Maryland Zoo

Exhibits Specialist

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$21/hr

Provide training foranimal staff on safe operation of department tools and equipment; * Assist ... wild animal exclusion in and around animal habitats; * Advise Animal departmentmanagement on ...

City of Springdale, AR

Animal Caretaker

Springdale, AR · On-site

$35K - $53K/yr

Access animals, handle wild/vicious animals, bag dead animal bodies as needed. * Bottle feed and ... High school diploma or GED and 7-11 months of related experience and/or training. * Must be ...

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Wild Animal Trainer information

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How much do wild animal trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for wild animal trainer in the United States is $16.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $14.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wild animal trainer?

Wild animal trainers are professionals who work with a variety of non-domesticated animals, teaching them specific behaviors for purposes such as entertainment, education, research, or animal care. They use positive reinforcement, patience, and specialized training techniques to build trust and communication with animals like lions, elephants, dolphins, or birds of prey. Wild animal trainers may work in settings such as zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, circuses, or film and television productions, ensuring both the safety and well-being of the animals and the people around them.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wild animal trainer?

To thrive as a Wild Animal Trainer, you need a strong background in animal behavior, zoology, and hands-on experience working with wildlife, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications in animal training. Familiarity with animal training equipment, safety protocols, and record-keeping systems is essential. Patience, observational skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for building trust with animals and collaborating with colleagues. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the safety of both trainers and animals while achieving successful training outcomes in diverse settings.

What are some common challenges faced by wild animal trainers during daily routines?

Wild animal trainers often encounter challenges related to animal behavior unpredictability, safety protocols, and maintaining trust between themselves and the animals. Working with wild species requires patience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of each animal's unique temperament. Trainers must also coordinate closely with veterinarians, zookeepers, and other staff to ensure the animals' welfare and to adjust training methods as needed. Regular communication and teamwork are vital for managing risks and achieving training goals in a safe, ethical manner.

What is the difference between Wild Animal Trainer vs Zookeeper?

AspectWild Animal TrainerZookeeper
CredentialsAnimal handling certifications, experience with exotic animalsAnimal care certifications, zoology or related degrees
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, wildlife parks, or sanctuariesZoological parks, aquariums, or zoos
Employer & IndustryWildlife parks, film industry, private trainersZoological institutions, aquariums, conservation organizations

While both Wild Animal Trainers and Zookeepers work with animals, Wild Animal Trainers focus on training and conditioning wild or exotic animals for entertainment, film, or educational purposes. Zookeepers primarily care for animals, maintain habitats, and support conservation efforts. The roles overlap in animal handling skills and certifications, but their work environments and primary objectives differ.

What cities are hiring for Wild Animal Trainer jobs?

Cities with the most Wild Animal Trainer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Wild Animal Trainer jobs?

For Wild Animal Trainer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Wild Animal Trainer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wild Animal Trainer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,875 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Animal Keeper (Wild Animal Keeper) - Per Diem - Bergen County Zoo, Department of Parks

Hackensack, NJ • On-site

Bergen County
See more jobs at Bergen Countyexternal

$17/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Organizational Overview:
The Bergen County Zoo provides a clean, aesthetically pleasing facility that meets or exceeds the physical, environmental, and behavioral needs of the animals in its care. The goal of the zoo is to develop and maintain exhibits which emphasize natural behavior, encourage longevity, and promote breeding success. The zoo provides a unique and effective educational experience that fosters an appreciation for the interrelationships between the animals and their environments. It provides an enjoyable recreational experience for the residents and visitors of Bergen County.
Job Description:
This employment opportunity is to serve as the Animal Keeper at the Bergen County Zoo. Under direction, feeds and cares for mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians in accordance with established programs; carries out regular husbandry programs of cages, pens, paddocks, and other areas; provides daily enrichment to animal collection in accordance with AZA and USDA guidelines. Does related work as required.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Ability to care for and feed domesticated and non-domesticated animals.
  • Works with other animal keepers and staff members to ensure optimal care for the animals housed within the facility.
  • Carries out a regular scheduled program designed to ensure prompt feeding, cleaning and care to the animal collection assigned.
  • Reports immediately any mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians that are not well.
  • Carries out regular daily maintenance program involved in keeping cages, pens, paddocks, and animal areas in good repair and in a manner that ensures maximum cleanliness and neatness.
  • Performs minor repairs to animal displays and exhibits.
  • Carefully enforces established zoo safety regulations relating to the protection of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians in a manner that ensures maximum protection to them and maximum safety to the public.
  • Works to meet and exceed the AZA guidelines for animal welfare. Supports the Bergen County's Zoo vision and mission statement.
  • Actively participates in professional development through webinars, online courses and county mandated courses to improve job knowledge.
  • Maintains positive relationships within the work environment. Ability to work harmoniously with associates and people visiting the zoo.
  • Ability to interact with the public in a positive manner, providing educational information regarding the zoo and the animals.
  • Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Schedule:
  • Standard Hours: 19.5 hours per week (per diem basis)
  • Weekly Schedule: Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays
  • Additional Availability: Flexible hours, weekends, and holidays as needed

Education Requirements:
  • A.S or B.S. degree in biology, life sciences or related field. Sufficient relevant experience will be considered.

Other Requirements:
  • One year of experience in the care and feeding of non-domesticated animals in a zoological park, game, nature farm or other animal sanctuary
  • Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
  • Valid New Jersey Driver's License.

What we offer:
  • Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Employee Assistance and Employee Wellness Programs

Salary: $17.00 / per hour
Please send resume and employment application to resume@bergencountynj.gov - put in subject line job applying for, thank you.
The County of Bergen is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.
It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of The County of Bergen not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.
This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.

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