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Zoo Crew Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper, Primates

Houston, TX · On-site

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 ...

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper, Primates

Houston, TX

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 ...

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper II, Birds

Houston, TX · On-site

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 ...

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper II, Wildlife Connections

Houston, TX · On-site

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

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 ...

houstonzoo

Zookeeper II, Birds

Houston, TX

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 ...

houstonzoo

Zookeeper II, Birds

Houston, TX

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 ...

houstonzoo

Zookeeper, Primates

Houston, TX

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 ...

houstonzoo

Zookeeper, Primates

Houston, TX

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 ...

San Antonio Zoo

Fleet Mechanic [Full-Time]

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$21.75 - $28/hr

Fleet Mechanic Collaborate with a passionate Zoo Crew in San Antonio Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally important ...

Southern Dental Alliance

Dental Assistant

Lebanon, TN · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Zoo Crew Pediatric Dentistry is looking for a EFDA to join our team. We are a fast paced pediatric dental office in Lebanon. Coronal polish, sealants, and nitrous monitoring certificates are required!

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Zoo Crew information

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$10

$21

$32

How much do zoo crew jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for zoo crew in the United States is $21.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Zoo Crew member, you need a basic understanding of animal care, safety procedures, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal handling tools, record-keeping systems, and sometimes CPR or first aid certification is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and customer service skills help you engage with visitors and support your team effectively. These skills ensure the safety and well-being of both animals and guests while providing a positive zoo experience.

What are some common challenges faced by Zoo Crew members during their daily shifts?

Zoo Crew members often encounter challenges such as managing the needs of a diverse range of animals while ensuring strict safety protocols are followed. They may need to respond quickly to unpredictable animal behavior or unexpected situations, such as weather changes affecting animal habitats. Additionally, balancing animal care responsibilities with guest interactions and educational duties requires strong communication and adaptability. Teamwork is crucial, as crew members frequently collaborate with keepers, veterinarians, and educators to maintain a safe and engaging environment for both animals and visitors.

What is the difference between Zoo Crew vs Zookeeper?

AspectZoo CrewZookeeper
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications in animal careHigh school diploma; often requires specialized training or certifications in animal husbandry
Work EnvironmentAnimal enclosures, maintenance areas, outdoor and indoor zoo settingsAnimal habitats, research areas, public interaction zones
Employer & Industry UsageZoo staff involved in daily animal care, maintenance, and support rolesProfessional animal care staff responsible for animal health, diet, and habitat management

Zoo Crew roles typically involve supporting daily zoo operations, maintenance, and assisting with animal care tasks. Zookeepers have more specialized responsibilities, including direct animal care, health monitoring, and habitat management. While both roles work in zoo environments, zookeepers usually require more specific training and certifications.

What are Zoo Crew?

Zoo Crew typically refers to staff members or volunteers who work at zoos to assist with animal care, enrichment, education programs, and guest services. Their responsibilities can include feeding animals, cleaning habitats, leading tours, and helping with special events. Zoo Crew members are essential in supporting zookeepers and educators, ensuring that both the animals and the visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience. This role often provides valuable hands-on experience for those interested in animal care or conservation careers.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A zoo crew member typically does not earn $10,000 a month without a degree; such high salaries are uncommon in entry-level or support roles. High-paying jobs that can reach this level often involve specialized skills, entrepreneurship, or sales, such as real estate agents, sales managers, or skilled trades, which may require experience or certifications but not necessarily a degree.
More about Zoo Crew jobs
What cities are hiring for Zoo Crew jobs? Cities with the most Zoo Crew job openings:
What states have the most Zoo Crew jobs? States with the most job openings for Zoo Crew jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Zoo Crew jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Zoo Crew jobs are:
Zoo Crew jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Crew job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,261 per year, or $21.3 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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