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Zoo Animal Keeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Animal Keeper

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$23.90 - $26.30/hr

The Santa Barbara Zoo is seeking a full-time Animal Keeper for our Animal Care and Health team. If you are a dedicated, passionate, and experienced individual with a strong commitment to animal care ...

Under the supervision of the Animal Curator, the Animal Keeper will be responsible for ... Care for the wild and domestic animals in the Zoo's collection. * Clean and disinfect displays and ...

New

Animal Keeper

Peoria, IL · On-site

$20.96/hr

Under the supervision of the Animal Curator, the Animal Keeper will be responsible for ... Care for the wild and domestic animals in the Zoo's collection. * Clean and disinfect displays and ...

New

Animal Keeper II

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$43K - $63K/yr

... is recruiting for an Animal Keeper II to perform a wide range of routine animal care and ... ABOUT BIG BEAR ALPINE ZOO The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a rehabilitation facility offering injured ...

Caring for the wild and domestic animals in the Zoo's collection. * Cleaning and disinfecting ... and animal care. Participating in all aspects of kitchen * clean-up. * Keeping work areas and ...

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Zoo Animal Keeper information

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$24

$35

How much do zoo animal keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for zoo animal keeper in the United States is $24.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Zoo Animal Keepers face in their daily work?

Zoo Animal Keepers often encounter challenges such as managing the physical demands of cleaning enclosures, preparing specialized diets, and maintaining animal enrichment activities. They must also be vigilant about animal health, quickly recognizing signs of illness or stress. Additionally, keepers regularly balance strict safety protocols with the need to build trust and rapport with a variety of species. Effective communication with veterinarians and other staff is essential to ensure the well-being of the animals.

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 understanding of animal biology, behavior, and husbandry, often supported by a degree in zoology or related experience. Familiarity with animal care equipment, record-keeping systems, and sometimes certifications like AZA Professional Development courses are typical. Observation skills, teamwork, and strong communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring animal welfare and collaborating with colleagues. These abilities are vital for providing proper animal care, ensuring safety, and supporting conservation and education goals within the zoo environment.

What is the difference between Zoo Animal Keeper vs Zoo Veterinarian?

AspectZoo Animal KeeperZoo Veterinarian
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require animal care certificationsDoctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and state licensure
Work EnvironmentAnimal enclosures, zoo grounds, animal habitatsVeterinary clinics, animal habitats, zoo medical facilities
Employer & Industry UsageZoos, wildlife parks, animal sanctuariesZoos, wildlife parks, veterinary clinics within zoological settings
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding daily animal care rolesUnderstanding medical and health care responsibilities

The main difference between a Zoo Animal Keeper and a Zoo Veterinarian lies in their qualifications and responsibilities. Zoo Animal Keepers focus on daily animal care, feeding, and habitat maintenance, while Zoo Veterinarians diagnose and treat health issues. Both roles are essential in a zoo setting but require different levels of education and expertise.

What are zoo animal keepers?

Zoo animal keepers are professionals responsible for the daily care and well-being of animals in zoos or wildlife parks. Their duties typically include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, observing animal behavior, assisting with medical care, and providing environmental enrichment. Keepers also help educate the public about wildlife conservation and the animals under their care. This role requires a strong commitment to animal welfare, attention to detail, and often specialized knowledge of different species.
More about Zoo Animal Keeper jobs
What cities are hiring for Zoo Animal Keeper jobs? Cities with the most Zoo Animal Keeper job openings:
What states have the most Zoo Animal Keeper jobs? States with the most job openings for Zoo Animal Keeper jobs include:
Infographic showing various Zoo Animal Keeper job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,573 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

$19.28/hr

Part-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Introduction

\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Brandywine Zoo is managed by Delaware State Parks with the support of the Delaware Zoological Society. This quaint facility is home to a variety of species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. \r\n\r\n\r\nClick here to learn more about the Brandywine Zoo!\r\n

Summary Statement

The duties for this year-round position will include but are not limited to the following: daily cleaning, feeding and observation of animals in a specified area, basic maintenance duties, public speaking through keeper talks and guest interactions, operant conditioning training, exhibit maintenance, basic grounds keeping, record keeping, and other duties required for daily operations. Work is performed indoors and outdoors under various weather conditions. Applicants must be available to work weekends and holidays as scheduled.\r\n

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.\r\n\r\n\r\n Supports the Brandywine Zoo's mission of promoting environmental conservation by providing engaging educational experiences between visitors and wildlife. \r\n Supports the overall mission of the association of Zoos and Aquariums to be a leader in animal welfare, public engagement, and the conservation of species. \r\n Works with zookeeper, veterinary, behavioral management, and curator teams to provide exceptional levels of animal care and welfare for animal collection. \r\n Observes the medical and behavioral condition of animals and reports conditions. \r\n Ensures clean, safe, and maintained animal exhibits and facilities. \r\n Ensures appropriate grounds and equipment maintenance. \r\n Responds to visitor questions and educates visitors about the care and handling of animals. \r\n Maintains and compiles records and reports using various online programs including Zoological Information Systems (ZIMS). \r\n Must be able to demonstrate responsibility, dependability, and good communication skills. \r\n Maintain a positive attitude. \r\n Other duties as assigned.\r\n\r\n

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Animal Keeper Please attach a resume with your online application or use the resume tab in DEL to provide a detailed description of how your education, training and/or experience meets each job requirement including employer, experience/responsibilities, and dates (month/year) of employment/training. \r\n\r\n\r\nApplicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas: \r\n\r\n\r\n1. Six months experience in feeding, monitoring diet, and caring for animals in an animal care facility such as a zoo, animal hospital/clinic or animal shelter. \r\n2. Six months experience in recording, interpreting, and communicating observations concerning animal health and behaviors. \r\n3. Knowledge of biology, natural resources, wildlife management or environmental studies. \r\n4. Possession of a valid driver's license (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).\r\n\r\n

Additional Posting Information

This posting may be closed on or before the listed closing date upon filling the vacant position(s). \r\n\r\n\r\nThis is a Casual/Seasonal position which is a non-pension eligible position without healthcare and/or other benefits.\r\n\r\n

Conditions of Hire

DNREC does not provide sponsorship for holders of H-1 B Visas. \r\n\r\n\r\nApplicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources. \r\n\r\n\r\nCriminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire. \r\n\r\n\r\nUpon a conditional offer, the applicant must undergo a pre-employment base line two step tuberculin skin test (TST) as part of the hiring process.\r\n\r\n

Selection Process

The application and resume are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training, and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the resume to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education, and training history as it relates to the job requirements. \r\n\r\n\r\nOnce you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the "My Applications" tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.\r\n\r\n

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. \r\nIndividuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com. \r\nIf you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call (302) 739-5458 or email jobs@delaware.gov.\r\nThe State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. \r\n

Employment Type: Part Time