ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Zoo Animal Keeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fort Worth Zoo

Temporary Mammal Keeper

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

Demonstrated knowledge of: • Operations, services, and activities of a zoo animal program • ... record keeping Must possess ability to: • Work with a variety of domestic and wild animals • ...

Fort Worth Zoo

Temporary Bird Keeper

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$17/hr

Demonstrated knowledge of: • Operations, services, and activities of a zoo animal program • ... record keeping Must possess ability to: • Work with a variety of domestic and wild animals • ...

Fort Worth Zoo

Part-Time Houston Toad Keeper

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$14.50 - $17/hr

... zoo keeping experience, compensation will be experience dependent • Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, zoology, animal behavior, biology, ecology, psychology or related field preferred • ...

Utica Zoo

Keeper I

Utica, NY · On-site

$10/hr

Keeper IV-Lead Keeper and Animal Department Managers Department: Animal Care Salary: Job Status ... forth by the animal department managers. * Support Utica Zoo's conservation and research ...

fwzoo

Animal Programs Swing Keeper

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

The responsibility of this position is to maintain and care for a variety of animals within the Zoo ... Present keeper talks to park visitors and media as required • Feed live prey and or euthanize ...

fwzoo

Aquatic Ectotherms Keeper

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

Each animal must have an updated cage card (if applicable) and records in TRACKS • Animal ... and zoo visitors Present keeper talks as scheduled • Be respectful of coworkers, maintain a ...

fwzoo

Elephant Keeper

Fort Worth, TX

... in the zoo-wide behavioral management program by implementing approved animal training and ... Present keeper talks to park visitors and media as required • Assist in directing the proper ...

Utica Zoo

Keeper II

Utica, NY · On-site

$16.91/hr

Reports To: Keeper IV-Lead Keeper and Animal Department Managers Department: Animal Care Salary ... A minimum of 2 years prior related animal care experience as determined by Utica Zoo is required.

fwzoo

Temporary Bird Keeper

Fort Worth, TX

Demonstrated knowledge of: • Operations, services, and activities of a zoo animal program • ... record keeping Must possess ability to: • Work with a variety of domestic and wild animals • ...

fwzoo

Temporary Mammal Keeper

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

Demonstrated knowledge of: • Operations, services, and activities of a zoo animal program • ... record keeping Must possess ability to: • Work with a variety of domestic and wild animals • ...

fwzoo

Temporary Farm Town Keeper

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

Demonstrated knowledge of: • Operations, services, and activities of a zoo animal program • ... record keeping Must possess ability to: • Work with a variety of domestic and wild animals • ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsZoo Animal Keeper Jobs

Zoo Animal Keeper information

See salary details

$12

$24

$35

How much do zoo animal keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 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?

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 is a zoo animal keeper?

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:
What job categories do people searching Zoo Animal Keeper jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Zoo Animal Keeper jobs are:
Zoo Animal Keeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Animal Keeper job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,573 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Animal Keeper Helper (HG 5001-05)

National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Washington, DC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Description
OPEN DATE: August 26, 2025                                   
CLOSING DATE: September 10, 2025 (This job will close once 100 applications are received which may be sooner than the closing date.)                           
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE:  Permanent/Indefinite    
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
 
Open to all qualified applicants 
 
 What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program and may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). 
 
Conditions of Employment
  • Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated as low risk.
  • Complete a Probationary Period
  • Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
  • The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
  • Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.


OVERVIEW

The Smithsonian Institution is a unique complex of 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and nine research centers. The Smithsonian is a national and world treasure and is dedicated to its founding mission, “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” The Smithsonian’s National Zook and Conservation Biology Institute plays a leading role in the Smithsonian’s global efforts to save wildlife species from extinction and train future generations of conservationists. The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
 
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) is a leader in the conservation, care, exhibition, and research of wildlife and habitats.  NZCBI’s employees in the nation’s capital, Virginia, and worldwide and as part of the Smithsonian make it prominent in national and international affairs involving conservation, zoos, wildlife, public outreach, and biological research.
   
This position is located at NZCBI Headquarters 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington DC 2008. It is accessible via mass transit, and onsite employee parking is currently available at no cost. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Animal Keeper position is located at the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) at the National Zoological Park (NZP) in Washington, DC. The incumbent is responsible for performing a variety of duties that ensure the proper care, feeding, exhibition, and propagation of a collection of animals.
  
  In this position, you will:
  • Assist higher graded Animal Keepers in performing a variety of tasks associated with the proper care, feeding, exhibition, and propagation of a collection of wild and exotic animals. 
  • Clean animal enclosures by hosing, sweeping, scrubbing, raking, and removing manure, unconsumed food, and other refuse.
  • Receive training and developmental assignments in the receipt, storage, inspection, inventory, preparation and issuance of food and dietary supplements, forage, and bedding materials. Unloads and stores food supplies. As instructed and under close supervision prepares animal diets according to standard procedures.
  • Keep service areas and adjacent public areas clean. 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
  • Requires the ability to catch and handle docile animals by hand or by using nets without injuring the animals or endangering oneself.
  • Requires familiarity with a range of animal species in order to identify them by natural markings.
  • Requires skill and ability to carry out routine animal keeper duties.
  • Requires ability to understand instructions given by higher-level animal keeper personnel.

 
Applicants, who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States, must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
 
Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins.
  
The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
 
 Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.  
 
 What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
 
Relocation expenses are not paid.
 
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact BiagasL@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.  To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
 
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: www.si.edu/oeema.