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Zoo Animal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Dallas Zoo's Animal Health teams work together to ensure the welfare of nearly 2,000 animals representing around 400 diverse species. Our professionals combine veterinary expertise, precise ...

Cleans and maintains animal habitats, service areas, and guest areas around and adjacent to ... Supervises and assigns work to zoo volunteers and interns scheduled in keeper's area of ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Animal Care Specialist-Hoofstock

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$24.20 - $29.64/hr

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ... The Animal Care Specialist - Hoofstock role will support our mission by ensuring the safe ...

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission of Inspiring ...

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Zoo Animal information

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$10

$18

$26

How much do zoo animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for zoo animal in the United States is $18.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Zoo Animal Keeper, you need a solid background in animal science, biology, or zoology, typically supported by a relevant degree and experience working with animals. Familiarity with animal management software, safety protocols, and enrichment techniques is commonly required. Strong observation skills, patience, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring animal welfare and collaborating with team members. These competencies are vital for maintaining the health and wellbeing of zoo animals while promoting a safe and educational environment for staff and visitors.

What is the difference between Zoo Animal vs Zoo Keeper?

AspectZoo AnimalZoo Keeper
CredentialsNone required; biological knowledge helpfulRelevant certifications (e.g., zookeeper certification), experience in animal care
Work EnvironmentAnimals in zoo habitatsAnimal enclosures, animal care areas, and public interaction zones
Industry UsageRefers to the animals themselvesRefers to the professional caring for animals
Search IntentInformation about animals in zoosCareers and job roles in zoos

Zoo Animal describes the animals kept in zoos, focusing on their species and characteristics. Zoo Keeper refers to the professionals responsible for caring for these animals, ensuring their health and well-being. While Zoo Animals are the subjects, Zoo Keepers are the caretakers. Understanding this distinction helps clarify job roles versus animal types in the industry.

What are zoo animals?

Zoo animals are a diverse group of animals that are kept in zoos for purposes such as conservation, education, research, and public display. These animals can include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and sometimes fish and invertebrates. Zoos aim to provide environments that replicate the animals' natural habitats as closely as possible, while also ensuring their health and welfare. Many zoos participate in breeding programs and conservation initiatives to help protect endangered species.

What are some common challenges faced by zookeepers when caring for zoo animals, and how are these challenges typically addressed?

Zookeepers often encounter challenges such as meeting the complex dietary, behavioral, and health needs of a diverse range of animals. Adapting care routines for different species, monitoring for signs of illness, and ensuring enrichment to prevent boredom are all part of the daily responsibilities. Teamwork and clear communication with veterinary staff, nutritionists, and other keepers are essential to address these challenges effectively. Continuous training and professional development help zookeepers stay updated on best practices for animal welfare.
More about Zoo Animal jobs
What cities are hiring for Zoo Animal jobs? Cities with the most Zoo Animal job openings:
What states have the most Zoo Animal jobs? States with the most job openings for Zoo Animal jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Zoo Animal jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Zoo Animal jobs are:
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Zoo Animal Technology

Adjunct Assistant Professor, Zoo Animal Technology

Santa Fe College

Gainesville, FL โ€ข On-site

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Description Summary
Each part-time faculty member reports to a chair or director, satisfies criteria for accreditation, possesses subject matter expertise, and has the following instructional and institutional responsibilities: โ€ข Designing courses, delivering instruction, evaluating student learning, and incorporating college-required technology. โ€ข Possessing subject matter expertise and engaging in ongoing professional development. โ€ข Maintaining effective communication within the College and the department or program.
Job Description
Salary is determined per the SF Salary Schedule.
The Zoo Animal Technology Program at Santa Fe College is the premier zookeeper-training program in the United States. The Zoo Animal Technology Program educates students in animal care and conservation and trains them in the responsibilities associated with working in a zoological facility via a combination of classroom instruction and practical real-world experience. To facilitate the training of animal professionals, the College has its own on-site functioning zoo, open to the public. The SF Teaching Zoo, a ten (10) acre facility set in a naturally wooded environment is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) provides a home to a diverse collection of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates enabling students to experience hands-on all aspects of zoo animal care from habitat construction and maintenance to interacting with the public.
Under general supervision, the Adjunct Assistant develops, prepares and teaches a variety of specialized zoological concepts consisting of Introduction to Zoos and Aquariums, Basic Zookeeper Technology and Lab, Animal Management 1, 2, 3 and 4, Zoo Topics, Herpeculture, Aviculture, Mammal Culture, Aquarium Culture, Animal Nutrition and Animal Breeding. Adjunct Faculty are employed on a term-by-term basis and may be assigned teaching duties at SF's main Northwest campus or at any of the College's six educational centers. Course offerings within The Teaching Zoo may be taught during the day, evening, or online, as well as taught using other distance learning formats.
Responsibilities and Duties
  • Train students on specific zookeeping skills such as cleaning, sanitation, animal restraint and handling, diet preparation and feeding, animal behavior and observation, operant conditioning, safe zoo practices, and guest interactions.
  • Direct, supervise and evaluate the zookeeping skills and competencies of students within the SF Teaching Zoo.
  • Plan, organize, and deliver zoological instruction in didactic, laboratory and/or classroom settings to promote student success within a community college setting.
  • Support and promote the college and departmental missions centered on excellence in teaching and learning through quality instruction, curriculum enhancement, and service.
  • Collaborate with department chair, faculty, and peers to evaluate, revise, and develop curriculum to cultivate the mastery of course content.
  • Provide students with frequent, timely assessment of and clear feedback regarding academic performance.
  • Appropriately document student progress and maintain accurate records such as attendance, grading and achievement of student learning outcomes.
  • Honor student confidentiality and privacy as per appropriate laws, regulations and college rules.
  • Proctor exams, participate in departmental meetings, as well as college taskforces and/or committees as necessary.
  • Maintain appropriate office hours proportionate to the instructional assignment.
  • Provide service excellence through courteous, informed, accessible and professional engagement.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Reports to: Coordinator, Zoo Animal Technology Program/Chair, Natural Sciences
Qualifications
Required: An Associate's degree in Zoo Animal Technology or a Bachelor's degree in any of the qualifying fields of Zoology, Wildlife Ecology, and/or Animal Management. A criminal background check will be conducted.
Preferred: At least two years of professional experience within a zoological field is preferred, as is relevant teaching experience within a community college setting.
General Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
The Adjunct Assistant must have the ability to deliver a high level of interactive customer service, develop and maintain collaborative relationships throughout the organization, communicate effectively and possess proficient computer skills, including familiarity with the Microsoft Suite of Office Applications. The successful applicant must be willing to work a flexible schedule at multiple sites, as well as demonstrate the ability to work well with students, faculty and staff at all levels within a diverse, multi-cultural, collaborative environment.
If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.
Santa Fe College (SF) is committed to maintaining a work and educational environment that embraces diversity and where no member of the college community is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subject to discrimination in any college program or activity based on: their race, ethnicity, national origin, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy status, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, political opinions or affiliations, or veteran status. This commitment applies to employees, volunteers, students, and, to the extent possible, to third parties, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, and the general public. sfcollege.edu/eaeo
Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies or concerns about discrimination or harassment, including concerns about sexual harassment or sexual violence under Title IX, should be directed to: equity.officer@sfcollege.edu
Santa Fe College reserves the right to extend deadlines and/or not to offer advertised positions. Preference will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of veterans.