ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Zoo Administration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Maryland Zoo

Business Administrator

Baltimore, MD · On-site

Monitorguest behavior to ensure their safety at the Zoo; ensure guest safety at alltimes. * Performduties in coordination with administration staff; report any issues, supplyneeds, and necessary ...

City of El Paso

Zoo Assistant Director

El Paso, TX · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Bachelor's Degree or higher in Zoo Management, Veterinary Medicine, Business or Public Administration, or a related field, and six (6) years of zoological operations experience, including four (4) ...

Maryland Zoo

Business Administrator

Baltimore, MD · On-site

Monitorguest behavior to ensure their safety at the Zoo; ensure guest safety at alltimes. * Performduties in coordination with administration staff; report any issues, supplyneeds, and necessary ...

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Director of Education

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$65K - $72K/yr

Essential Duties & Specific Program Responsibilities Camp Administration & Seasonal Programming * Summer Zoo Camp Oversight: Direct the operational planning, curriculum design, and safe execution of ...

Denver Zoo

Director of Clinical Medicine

Denver, CO · On-site

$82K - $112K/yr

... and administration of the Zoo's preventative medicine program. * Schedule and coordinate appointments and procedures, including developing and fostering relationships with outside clinical ...

Denver Zoo

Director of Clinical Medicine

Denver, CO · On-site

$82K - $112K/yr

... and administration of the Zoo's preventative medicine program. * Schedule and coordinate appointments and procedures, including developing and fostering relationships with outside clinical ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsArts and Entertainment JobsEntertainment JobsAnimal Show Entertainer JobsZoo Administration Jobs

Zoo Administration information

See salary details

$11

$22

$43

How much do zoo administration jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for zoo administration in the United States is $22.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is zoo administration?

Zoo administration refers to the management and oversight of zoo operations, including budgeting, staffing, animal welfare, education programs, and visitor services. Professionals in this field are responsible for ensuring that the zoo meets regulatory standards and provides a safe, engaging environment for both animals and guests. Zoo administrators also play a key role in strategic planning, fundraising, and community outreach to support the zoo's mission and long-term sustainability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in zoo administration?

To thrive in Zoo Administration, you need strong organizational, leadership, and financial management skills, usually supported by a degree in business, zoology, or a related field. Familiarity with budgeting software, animal management databases, and compliance systems is often required. Effective communication, problem-solving, and teamwork are essential soft skills for coordinating staff and engaging with the public. These abilities are crucial for ensuring smooth operations, regulatory compliance, and positive visitor and animal welfare outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in zoo administration?

Zoo administration professionals often navigate the complexities of balancing operational efficiency with animal welfare, visitor satisfaction, and regulatory compliance. Challenges can include coordinating between diverse departments such as animal care, education, marketing, and facilities, as well as managing budgets and fundraising efforts. Additionally, adapting to evolving standards in animal care and public expectations requires ongoing professional development and collaboration with external agencies. Effective communication, flexibility, and problem-solving are essential for success in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Zoo Administration vs Zoo Keeper?

AspectZoo AdministrationZoo Keeper
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in zoology, wildlife management, or related field; often some management trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training or certifications in animal care
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, administrative meetings, strategic planningAnimal enclosures, outdoor habitats, hands-on animal care
Employer & Industry UsageZoo management, administrative roles within zoological parksAnimal care departments, zoological parks, wildlife centers

Zoo Administration focuses on managing zoo operations, strategic planning, and staff oversight, requiring management skills and relevant degrees. Zoo Keepers are responsible for daily animal care, feeding, and habitat maintenance, requiring animal handling skills and certifications. Both roles are essential in a zoo but differ significantly in responsibilities and work environment.

More about Zoo Administration jobs

What cities are hiring for Zoo Administration jobs?

Cities with the most Zoo Administration job openings:

What states have the most Zoo Administration jobs?

States with the most job openings for Zoo Administration jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Zoo Administration jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Zoo Administration jobs are:

Zoo Administration jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Administration job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,070 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Business Administrator

Maryland Zoo

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Maryland Zoo is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status
General Summary: The Business Administratorwill provide customer service and hospitality, coordinate and manage officeactivities, and provide administrative and organizational support.Responsibilities include intercepting incoming communications into the Zoo anddirecting individuals to the appropriate department or employee. The BusinessAdministrator is responsible for exciting, engaging and entertaining guests ina manner that promotes a positive Zoo experience. This position reports to the AssistantDirector of Guest Services - Sales & Revenue. Additionally, the BusinessAdministrator will support the Zoo's mission to save wildlife and protect wildplaces and contribute to its environmental, social, governance sustainability,conservation, education, and DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, andInclusion) goals.
To meet current businessdemands of the Maryland Zoo, the Business Administrator schedule covers a seven-dayschedule that includes mandatory weekend coverage. The Business Administratorworks five consecutive days each week at the Zoo's Mansion House and serves asthe first person that guests encounter upon their entry into the building.
Essential Functions:
Information,Sales and Customer Service
  • Greetvisitors, vendors, and other guests entering the Mansion House and contact appropriatestaff or departments to direct them accordingly.
  • Informdepartment contacts when vendors arrive and need escorts.
  • Knowledgeof all Zoo products and the ability to sell Zoo products or services
  • Knowledgeof Zoo's website to assist with email or phone inquiries about Zoo events,programs or campus.
  • Provideguests with information on all aspects of the Zoo experience, exhibits,on-ground activities (including times and locations), routes through the Zoo,construction, shuttles, rides, attractions and membership information.
  • Responsiblefor answering and directing incoming telephone calls, screening inquiries,taking messages, and providing information in a timely, courteous andprofessional manner.
  • Interactin a consistently pleasant and helpful manner to fellow employees, volunteers,guests, vendors, and other visitors of the Zoo and demonstrate the higheststandards of internal and external customer service.
  • Respondappropriately to guest questions, comments and concerns internally andexternally.
  • Triageand respond to online guest inquiries and feedback.
  • Troubleshootand resolve guest order issues in a timely manner.
  • Developand maintain comprehensive knowledge of Zoo products and services that includeaccurate pricing as well as knowledge of animal collection and exhibits.
  • Obtainaccurate and detailed information from customers in order to complete andconfirm reservations.
  • Promotethe mission of the Zoo.
  • Communicatewith all personnel, volunteers, visitors, vendors and contractors in aprofessional manner.
  • DistributeZoo literature, including but not limited to maps, event flyers, Zoograms andother Zoo literature, and maintain appropriate par levels.

Organizationaland Business Support:
  • AssistMansion House administrative staff including the Zoo's president
  • Assisteducation, group sales, development, events, marketing and communicationdepartments as needed for cross utilization of skills and manpower.
  • Performother duties as assigned by all departments.
  • AssistGuest Services department with administrative responsibilities and paperwork.
  • Assistthe Education team in making reservations with educators who need information.or would like to book a field trip at the Zoo via the State of Maryland's freefield trip program.
  • Completeand mail all confirmation materials in accordance with educational grantstandards, as needed.
  • Maintaina filing system for tracking pertinent information in regards to each bookingfor education programs.
  • Utilizethe Zoo email system to communicate effectively for all business needs.
  • Providea variety of clerical duties; perform other duties as assigned.
  • Accuratelyprocess and distribute incoming mail and act as point person for allreceivables including but not limited to FedEx, UPS and courier services.
  • Providefield support in other Guest Services work areas as needed.
  • Assistin maintaining group calendar for scheduling Mansion House conference rooms,administration golf carts, and on-grounds Penguin Encounters.

DatabaseManagement, Communications and Safety Support:
  • Proficientwith the use of Zoo's software system and databases to sell Zoo productsand make guest reservations for events and programs via phone or internet.
  • Responsiblefor point-of-sale data input, data ownership and accuracy of all constituentrecords.
  • Knowledgeof database functions and reporting.
  • Assistwith database management.
  • Respondand resolve any issues in the point of sale system.
  • Knowledgeand use of campus-wide radio system to communicate or assist with informationin regards to safety protocol or procedures.
  • Serveas communication dispatcher during emergency situations and assist the SecurityDepartment to serve as their dispatcher when needed.
  • Knowledgeof code alpha and code beta procedures.
  • Monitorguest behavior to ensure their safety at the Zoo; ensure guest safety at alltimes.
  • Performduties in coordination with administration staff; report any issues, supplyneeds, and necessary ground floor repairs, etc. to administrative personnel.
  • Monitorall staff radio communication and respond to calls at Base as needed.
  • Ensureguest safety at all times.
  • Adhereto all policies and procedures at the Zoo.
  • Maintaincleanliness at work location.
  • Compileand distribute verbally the Zoo's daily report for personnel.
  • Communicatewith fellow employees by radio contact as needed following Zoo radio etiquetteand protocol at all times.
  • Contactappropriate staff to resolve guest issues.
  • Interactin a professional, polite and informed manner with all personnel, volunteers,visitors, vendors and contractors.

Minimum Qualifications:
Hospitality:
  • Friendly, outgoing, andapproachable;
  • Possess a positive andpatient attitude; and,
  • Possess excellent verbal andwritten communication skills.

Education:
  • High school diploma or GEDequivalent required; and,
  • Bachelor's Degree preferred.

Experience/Training:
  • Customer service experiencerequired;
  • Six months of administrativesupport or related experience strongly preferred;
  • Basic knowledge of MicrosoftOffice, Google Workspace, and web-based applications required; and,
  • Familiarity withPoint-Of-Sale systems strongly preferred.

Working Conditions:
  • Ability to work a flexibleschedule to include weekends, holidays, and special events;
  • Must be able to exert up to35 pounds of force to lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move objects;
  • Exposure to potentialenvironmental hazards such as poison oak/ivy, uneven terrain, insectbites/stings, and Hepatitis B depending on the position.

Equipment:
  • Must be able to operate acomputer, two-way radio, multi-line telephone, copier/ scanner, etc.

Traits Desirable:
  • Ability to work withindividuals from a wide variety of ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
  • Reliable and punctual workethic.

Benefits:
  • We offer an excellent benefits package including 24days of Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick and Safe Leave, and 2 paid holidays.
  • Eligible for medical, dental, vision, short- andlong-term disability and life insurance.
  • 401(k) with employer match.
  • Zoo membership plus 16 guest passes.

Disclaimer: Thestatements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of workbeing performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are notintended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, dutiesand/or skills required of all personnel so classified. Therefore, managementreserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or differenttasks be performed when circumstances change.
Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.

Apply