ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Wildlife Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Holland America/Princess

Driver Guide

Anchorage, AK · On-site

Join Our Team as a Driver-Guide Our Driver-Guides do more than transport guests--they bring Alaska ... local history, wildlife insights, and memorable experiences that turn every journey into an ...

Hec

Wildlife Intern

Benavides, TX

$14 - $18.75/hr

Guiding hunts and assisting with guest services * Assist with maintenance and management of water ... Reports directly to Wildlife Manager with oversight by Ranch Manager Other Job Responsibilities

New

Glacier Creek Cruise Terminal

Driver Guide

Klawock, AK · On-site

$20/hr

Driver Guides serve as both drivers and storytellers, sharing knowledge about the local environment, wildlife, history, and culture of Klawock and Prince of Wales Island. This role requires excellent ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsScience JobsBiology JobsWildlife Biologist JobsWildlife Guide Jobs

Wildlife Guide information

See salary details

$16

$21

$31

How much do wildlife guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for wildlife guide in the United States is $21.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wildlife guide?

A Wildlife Guide leads individuals or groups on nature excursions to observe and learn about wildlife in their natural habitats. They provide educational information about local flora and fauna, ensure the safety of guests, and promote conservation efforts. Wildlife Guides may work in national parks, wildlife reserves, or private tour companies. Strong communication skills, outdoor survival knowledge, and a passion for nature are essential for this role.

What are the typical working conditions and daily responsibilities for a wildlife guide?

Wildlife Guides often spend most of their time outdoors, leading groups through natural habitats such as national parks, reserves, or private conservancies in various weather conditions. Daily responsibilities include preparing and maintaining gear, conducting safety briefings, interpreting wildlife behavior for guests, and ensuring everyone follows conservation regulations. Guides may also assist with logistical tasks, minor first aid, and routine equipment maintenance. The work is often physically demanding but provides rewarding opportunities to educate the public and support conservation efforts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the wildlife guide position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wildlife Guide, you need in-depth knowledge of local flora and fauna, outdoor survival skills, and typically some form of ecological or biological education. Familiarity with GPS devices, binoculars, first aid certification, and sometimes specialized wildlife tracking software are commonly required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and customer service skills help guides create engaging, educational experiences for diverse groups. These competencies ensure guest safety, environmental stewardship, and memorable tours that foster appreciation for wildlife.

More about Wildlife Guide jobs

What cities are hiring for Wildlife Guide jobs?

Cities with the most Wildlife Guide job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Wildlife Guide jobs?

The most popular types of Wildlife Guide jobs are:

What states have the most Wildlife Guide jobs?

States with the most job openings for Wildlife Guide jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Wildlife Guide jobs?

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

Wildlife Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wildlife Guide job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,859 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Director of Wildlife

Port Clinton, OH • On-site

African Safari Wildlife Park
Zoos and Botanical Gardens • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about African Safari Wildlife Parkexternal

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Director of Wildlife (Full-Time)
African Safari Wildlife Park, one of the top family destinations in the Shores & Islands Ohio region, is entering a period of significant growth and investment. Guided by our mission, we are dedicated to inspiring connections between people and wildlife while fostering an appreciation for the natural world.
We're looking for talented individuals who are passionate about animals, wildlife conservation, and providing amazing guest experiences to embark on this exciting journey with us! Whether you're an expert in animal care, a leader in guest services, or an advocate for conservation, there's a place for you on our team.
As the Director of Wildlife, you will oversee the strategic and operational management of the Park's animal collection, including animal care, welfare, husbandry, regulatory compliance, and collection planning. This position is responsible for ensuring that the Park maintains the highest standards of animal care while supporting our mission of connecting people with wildlife. The Director of Wildlife will lead and develop the animal care team, oversee regulatory and accreditation requirements, coordinate animal acquisitions and transfers, and work closely with veterinary professionals and other park departments.
In addition to providing leadership to the Wildlife Department, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a willingness to assist across various departments, maintain a positive attitude, and exhibit a passion for animal welfare, conservation, and continued professional growth. Leadership, organization, adaptability, communication, and teamwork are key qualities for success in this role.
Key Responsibilities:
Animal Care and Welfare
  • Manage and supervise all aspects of the Park's animal care and husbandry programs.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain animal welfare programs, including nutrition, preventative health, veterinary care, enrichment, husbandry, and habitat management.
  • Ensure animals receive appropriate daily care in accordance with established husbandry practices, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
  • Collaborate with veterinary professionals and animal care staff to develop and implement preventative health and treatment plans.
  • Assist with veterinary procedures, animal restraint, treatments, and other animal health needs as appropriate.
  • Monitor animal behavior, condition, and welfare and ensure concerns are identified, documented, and addressed promptly.

Animal Programs and Guest Experiences
  • Work closely with other park departments to develop safe, engaging, and educational animal encounters and guest experiences.
  • Ensure animal programs prioritize animal welfare, employee safety, and guest safety.
  • Assist in developing educational opportunities that spark an appreciation for wildlife and support the Park's mission.
  • Evaluate existing animal experiences and recommend improvements based on animal welfare, safety, operational needs, and guest experience.
  • Develop and maintain long-term plans for the Park's animal collection that align with the Park's mission, facilities, operational capabilities, and strategic goals.

Leadership and Staff Management
  • Manage, supervise, schedule, and provide directions to zookeepers and other Wildlife Department employees.
  • Works closely with park managers to recruit, interview, and hire animal care staff (full time and seasonal) as needed.
  • Works closely with corporate office staff to complete all company hiring documents.
  • Train and mentor Wildlife Department employees on animal husbandry, safety, department procedures, regulatory requirements, and company expectations.
  • Develop and coordinate staff training plans and encourage continued professional development.
  • Establish daily and weekly priorities and ensure assigned animal care responsibilities and department projects are completed in a timely manner.
  • Promote a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment.

Regulatory Compliance and Accreditation
  • Ensure compliance with applicable USDA regulations, ZAA accreditation standards, and other local, state, and federal requirements.
  • Maintain required animal-related permits, licenses, certifications, records, and documentation.
  • Coordinate and prepare for regulatory inspections and accreditation reviews.
  • Conduct regular self-audits and inspections to ensure continued compliance with regulatory requirements and Park standards.
  • Stay current on changes to animal welfare regulations, accreditation standards, and industry best practices.
  • Develop and maintain policies and procedures related to animal care, welfare, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Animal Transfers and Acquisitions
  • Oversee animal acquisitions, transfers, dispositions, and other changes to the Park's animal collection.
  • Coordinate animal transportation logistics, including transport planning, scheduling, documentation, permits, and communication with participating institutions.
  • Ensure animal transfers and acquisitions are conducted in accordance with applicable regulations, Park policies, and animal welfare standards.
  • Evaluate potential acquisitions and dispositions based on animal welfare, available facilities, social needs, collection planning, and the Park's long-term goals.

Registrar and Animal Records
  • Utilize Animal Care Software and other appropriate record-keeping systems to maintain accurate and complete animal records.
  • Ensure animal records include appropriate information related to identification, husbandry, veterinary care, transfers, breeding, behavior, and other relevant activities.
  • Maintain required regulatory and institutional documentation related to animal collection.
  • Ensure animal records are completed accurately and in a timely manner by Wildlife Department employees.

Administration
  • Oversee purchasing and inventory of animal feed, husbandry supplies, equipment, enrichment materials, and other department needs.
  • Maintain organized department records, schedules, policies, procedures, and other administrative documentation.

General Tasks
  • Respond to animal-related emergencies and urgent department needs during park operating hours and after hours when necessary.
  • Work closely with all park departments to support daily operations, special events, and guest experiences.
  • Assist with emergency preparedness and response activities involving animals, employees, and guests.
  • Oversee and assist with animal emergency procedures, including animal escapes and other wildlife-related incidents.
  • Assist with the development and enforcement of park policies and procedures related to animal care, welfare, safety, and operations.
  • Assist in other departments and perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in an animal-related field such as Zoology, Wildlife Biology, Animal Science, or a related discipline, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
  • Minimum of 6-10 years of professional experience in zoo, wildlife, exotic animal, or related animal management, including leadership or supervisory experience.
  • Strong knowledge of animal husbandry, welfare, enrichment, nutrition, and preventative health practices.
  • Strong knowledge of USDA requirements, ZAA accreditation standards, and other regulations applicable to zoological facilities.
  • Experience managing diverse animal collections.
  • Experience supervising, training, and developing animal care employees.
  • Experience with animal transfers, acquisitions, transportation, and associated documentation preferred.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older and pass pre-employment screening.
  • Regular and dependable attendance.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record and reliable transportation.
  • Use private vehicle for work-related tasks on occasion.
  • Must provide a negative TB test and have a recent tetanus vaccination.
  • Flexible schedule requiring availability for weekends, holidays, early mornings, evenings, and animal-related emergencies as needed.
  • Physical ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions and perform labor-intensive tasks, including lifting and moving up to 70 pounds.
  • Must be able to be on your feet for several hours.
  • Ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull, bend, and climb stairs and ladders.
  • Ability and willingness to work safely around a diverse collection of exotic and domestic animals.

Necessary Skills
  • Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively manage, mentor, and develop team members.
  • A team player who collaborates effectively with colleagues across multiple departments.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with employees, managers, veterinary professionals, regulatory officials, other zoological institutions, and guests.
  • Strong knowledge of animal behavior, husbandry, welfare, and professional animal care practices.
  • Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, particularly in situations involving animal welfare and safety.
  • Highly organized and capable of functioning independently.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and animal care needs simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong attention to detail with an emphasis on animal welfare, safety, regulatory compliance, and accurate record keeping.
  • Proficiency with AnimalCare Software or similar animal record-keeping systems.
  • Microsoft Office Literate.
  • Basic Office and Organization Skills.
  • Willingness to learn new skills and adapt to the Park's unique needs.

What We Offer:
  • Opportunities for further education and development.
  • Team member appreciation days and parties.
  • Free admission for yourself and family & friends on your days off.
  • In-Park Discounts on retail and select animal encounters.
  • Paid Time Off with increasing accrual rates over tenure.
  • Subsidized health insurance.

Apply