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Wildlife Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Museum

Curatorial Associate

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$93K - $98K/yr

Curatorial Associate The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world's preeminent ... wildlife transactions and Museum policy. * Work with the chair and curators to seek external ...

Audubon Institute

Zookeeper- Elephants

New Orleans, LA ยท On-site

Curator Location: Audubon Zoo FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Date Revised: 8/31/2026 General Summary: This ... Looks to have genuine conversations about conservation, wildlife, and take-home messages. * Ability ...

Audubon Institute

Zoo Keeper (Primates)

New Orleans, LA ยท On-site

$18 - $24.25/hr

Assistant Curator of Section working Location: Audubon Zoo FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Date Revised: 8 ... Looks to have genuine conversations about conservation, wildlife, and take-home messages. * Ability ...

Oglebay

Oglebay Good Zoo Animal Keeper 2

Wheeling, WV ยท On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Prepares and distributes animal diets according to approved guidelines provided by the curator of ... Assists other park managers with resident wildlife problems within the resort, may include trapping ...

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Wildlife Curator information

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$28K

$76.3K

$135.5K

How much do wildlife curator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for wildlife curator in the United States is $76,262.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $84,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wildlife curator?

A Wildlife Curator is a professional responsible for managing, caring for, and overseeing collections of animals in facilities such as zoos, wildlife reserves, or conservation centers. Their duties include developing animal care protocols, supervising staff, coordinating breeding programs, and ensuring animal welfare standards are met. Wildlife Curators also play a key role in conservation efforts, educational programs, and research initiatives related to the animals under their care.

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

To thrive as a Wildlife Curator, you need a solid background in zoology, ecology, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in animal management. Familiarity with animal management software, collection databases, and knowledge of regulatory compliance like CITES permits are typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help in managing teams and collaborating with researchers and the public. These skills ensure effective care of animal collections, regulatory adherence, and successful education and conservation efforts.

How does a wildlife curator typically collaborate with other departments within a zoo or wildlife sanctuary?

Wildlife Curators frequently work alongside animal care staff, veterinary teams, educators, and facility managers to ensure the well-being of animal collections and the success of conservation programs. They coordinate with veterinarians on health protocols, collaborate with educators to develop public programs, and work with maintenance teams to design suitable habitats. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as curators often serve as the bridge between scientific, operational, and public-facing aspects of the institution.

How do you become a wildlife curator?

To become a wildlife curator, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, or a related field, with many roles preferring a master's degree or higher. Relevant experience in animal care, collections management, or museum work is important, along with skills in taxonomy, conservation, and record-keeping. Certifications in wildlife handling or conservation can also enhance prospects.

What are popular job titles related to Wildlife Curator jobs?

For Wildlife Curator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Wildlife Curator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 7% Internship, 74% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,262 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Jellies and Live Food Aquarist Level 1 or 2

Springfield, MO

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium
See more jobs at Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquariumexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job Overview:

We are seeking a dynamic Jellies and Live Food Aquarist to join our team that will ensure and promote effective and efficient care of the department's animal collection. This person will work under the supervision of the Lead Aquarist and the Curatorial Staff. The position is part of a jellies specific team that maintains and cultures a wide diversity of jellies to display across multiple exhibits, including one of the largest jelly exhibits in North America. The team is responsible for the husbandry of not only the exhibits, but a dedicated live food culture room and jelly culture lab.

Essential Functions:

Jellies and Live Food Aquarist I or II provide direct care to a variety of jellies and cultured foods; they strive to provide the best welfare and wellbeing to Wonders of Wildlife's collection.

  • They are responsible for daily husbandry and ensuring proper care of all animals, including preparation of diets and medical care.
  • Daily animal and exhibit observations along with maintenance of animal exhibit space.
  • Responsible for upkeeping daily records and recording appropriately in TRACKS.
  • Oversee training and education of volunteers and interns; provide mentorship for less experienced staff.
  • Completes daily activities through effective communication with staff and volunteers.
  • Strives to build and maintain a cooperative attitude and working relationships with colleagues and other departments associated with Wonders of Wildlife.
  • Conducts regular SCUBA assisted diving for exhibit cleaning.
  • Assist museum staff & visitors as needed in a pleasant, professional and courteous manner.
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned in order to achieve the goals and mission of the museum.

Education:

A Bachelor's Degree in Biology or a related field is preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a four-year degree at the discretion of WOW.

Experience:

For an Aquarist 1, preferred one year experience in a facility working with captive fresh and saltwater fishes, and invertebrates. Experience with jellies and live food cultures is a plus.ย 

For Aquarist 2, preferred four years' experience in a facility working with captive fresh and saltwater fishes, and invertebrates. Experience with jellies and live food cultures is preferred.

We offer the following benefits by joining our team:

Store/Attraction employee discounts

Medical, Vision, Dental, Company Paid Life Insurance, LTD, STD, 401(k), Paid Time Off

Apply Today!

About Us:

Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium consists of an all-new 1.5-million-gallon Aquarium Adventure showcasing 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds, and immersive Wildlife Galleries that bring visitors eye-to-eye with the greatest collection of record-setting game animals ever assembled. Created by noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny Morris, the 350,000-square-foot experience celebrates people who hunt, fish, and act as stewards of the land and water. Located next to Bass Pro Shops National Headquarters in Springfield, Missouri the campus is a centerpiece of America's Conservation Capital in Missouri's Ozark Mountains. Wonders of Wildlife has been voted "Best New Attraction in America" and "America's Best Aquarium" by the readers of USA TODAY. For more information, visit www.wondersofwildlife.org

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