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Zoo Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper, Primates

Houston, TX · On-site

Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. Job Duties and Responsibilities

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper, Primates

Houston, TX

Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. Job Duties and Responsibilities

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper II, Birds

Houston, TX · On-site

Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper III, Elephants

Houston, TX · On-site

Under the direction of a Zoo Supervisor, the Zookeeper is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations associated with the husbandry of the animals and the maintenance of animal enclosures ...

City of El Paso

Zoo Keeper

El Paso, TX · On-site

$37K - $54K/yr

Typical Duties Feed, water and care for exotic zoo animals and clean and maintain animal enclosures. Involves: Prepare regular and special diets to feed animals. Clean, disinfect and maintain holding ...

Sedgwick County

PT Zookeeper - Mammals - ZOO

Wichita, KS · On-site

$20.72/hr

Zoo Job ID: 12880 Pay: $20.72 per hour Work Schedule: Sedgwick County offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes health coverages, paid leave, regular compensation ...

City of El Paso, TX

Zoo Keeper

El Paso, TX · On-site

$37K - $54K/yr

Typical Duties Feed, water and care for exotic zoo animals and clean and maintain animal enclosures. Involves: Prepare regular and special diets to feed animals. Clean, disinfect and maintain holding ...

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper II, Wildlife Connections

Houston, TX · On-site

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper II Elephant

Houston, TX · On-site

Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. Job Duties and Responsibilities

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Zoo information

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$15

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How much do zoo jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for zoo in the United States is $15.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.10 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Zookeeper, you need a background in animal science or biology, experience with animal care, and often a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with animal husbandry tools, record-keeping software, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong observation skills, patience, and effective communication help zookeepers manage animals and interact with the public and colleagues. These skills ensure the health and welfare of animals while promoting education and safety within the zoo environment.

What are zoo workers and what do they do?

Zoo workers are professionals who care for animals in zoos and ensure their well-being. Their duties can include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and providing enrichment activities. Some zoo workers, like zookeepers, may specialize in certain species, while others assist with education programs or maintenance. They also help educate the public about wildlife conservation and animal behavior. Working at a zoo requires a passion for animals, attention to detail, and strong communication skills.

What is the difference between Zoo vs Zookeeper?

AspectZooZookeeper
CredentialsTypically none required, but education in biology or animal science helpsOften requires a degree in biology, zoology, or related field
Work EnvironmentPublic, educational, and conservation-focused settingsHands-on animal care in zoo habitats
Employer & IndustryZoos, wildlife parks, conservation organizationsZoos, aquariums, wildlife reserves

While 'Zoo' refers to the facility or organization, a 'Zookeeper' is the professional responsible for animal care within a zoo. Zookeepers work directly with animals, ensuring their health and well-being, whereas 'Zoo' describes the environment or institution where these activities occur.

What Are the Qualifications to Work in a Zoo?

The qualifications to work in a zoo vary greatly. As a zoologist, you need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, or a closely related degree. Some zookeepers have zoology degrees as well, but that is not always a strict requirement for becoming a zookeeper. To work on the administrative side, you need a strong grasp of business administration, animal science, and community planning and engagement. Tour guides may be volunteers that lead tours or full-time employees with a high school diploma or GED certificate. Strong research skills and good interpersonal communication skills are essential.

What are some of the common challenges faced by zookeepers in their daily work?

Zookeepers often encounter challenges such as ensuring animal welfare while managing a variety of species with different needs, maintaining strict safety protocols, and handling physically demanding tasks in all weather conditions. They also need to adapt to rapidly changing situations, such as animal health emergencies or behavioral issues, and frequently collaborate closely with veterinarians, educators, and maintenance staff. Building trust with the animals and staying updated on best practices in animal care are ongoing aspects of the role.
More about Zoo jobs
What cities are hiring for Zoo jobs? Cities with the most 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 Zoo jobs? States with the most job openings for Zoo jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Zoo jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Zoo jobs are:
Zoo jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,242 per year, or $15 per hour.
Zookeeper, Primates

Zookeeper, Primates

Houston Zoo

Houston, TX • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

Houston Zoo rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 33 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

Under the direction of a Zoo Supervisor, the Zookeeper is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations associated with the husbandry of the animals and the maintenance of animal enclosures within a specified Houston Zoo animal program. This position will coordinate all program objectives in addition to day-to-day husbandry and enclosure maintenance.
Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.
Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
  • Carries out all aspects of the daily care of assigned animals including cleaning, feeding, exhibit maintenance, general upkeep of support facilities.
  • Maintains clean and organized exhibits, holding areas, service areas and equipment.
  • Prepares and feeds appropriate diets as per established feeding practices and diet sheets.
  • Administers prescribed medications, supplements, or treatments under the guidance of the veterinary and supervisory staff.
  • Records and reports any abnormal animal health or behavioral issues to the Zoo Supervisor.
  • Maintains daily reports, logs, training and enrichment records, research or veterinary records, as appropriate and according to established guidelines; requires basic skills with TRACKS and Microsoft Office software applications.
  • Understands and applies a practical understanding of operant conditioning as it relates to the daily management of species under his/her care.
  • Understands and applies the basic principles of animal enrichment as part of the daily management of species under his/her care.
  • Maintains clean and organized exhibits, equipment, and keeper areas.
  • As appropriate, maintains water quality through filtration, balance of chemical elements, and sanitation methods for aquatic or semi-aquatic animal species.
  • As appropriate, maintains live exhibit plantings to enhance exhibit aesthetics; eliminates weeds and toxic plants from animal enclosures.
  • In conjunction with the Zoo's pest control officer, may assist in pest control through the use of exclusion or traps.
  • Identifies potential maintenance or safety issues and reports them to the Zoo Supervisor.
  • Participates in keeper chats, tours, animal presentations or demonstrations, and/or other public interactions as requested by the Zoo Supervisor.
  • May assist with departmental research projects, conservation, AZA, or other industry activities as directed/approve by the Zoo Supervisor or Curator; provides support for Zoo projects
  • Exhibits good teamwork and communication skills both within the home team and when working with other teams or departments.
  • May be required to safely operate a motor vehicle.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in all duties and all assigned work areas within a specified timeframe.
  • Assists with training, mentoring, and may oversee and direct activities of teenage volunteers, Zoo Crew.
  • May assist Zoo Supervisors in the oversight of team projects.
  • Demonstrates a clear understanding of the roles AZA zoos play in conservation and saving animals in the wild.
  • Actively pursues feedback and other resources to develop leadership skills.
  • Contributes to saving animals in the wild through: reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from four-year college or university in zoology, biology, animal husbandry or a related field.
    • Experience and education may be considered equivalent at the rate of six months of experience per 15 hours of college level credit, up to 60 hours.
    • A certificate of completion from an acceptable animal care program may be substituted for a Bachelor's degree.
  • Three years of experience in animal care at an AZA or equivalent facility, gained through employment or internships.
  • Experience with basic carpentry and mechanical skills.
  • Must have or be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license.

About Houston Zoo
Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.
Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Disclaimer
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.
Benefits
Full-time, regular positions are offered the following benefits.
  • Medical and Prescription Drug
  • Vision
  • Dental
  • Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid)
  • Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
  • Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
  • Supplemental Life
  • Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account
  • 401k, with employer match

Full-time and Part-Time, regular positions are offered the following additional benefits.
  • Free Zoo Membership
  • Free Guest Passes
  • Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs
  • Free parking

Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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