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Zoo Crew Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Guest Service Associate

Nashville, TN

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

Maintain a positive example in meeting the needs of Nashville Zoo guests, working with other crew members to improve guest relations and handle individual guest issues as needed. Financial * Maintain ...

Guest Service Associate

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

Maintain a positive example in meeting the needs of Nashville Zoo guests, working with other crew members to improve guest relations and handle individual guest issues as needed. Financial * Maintain ...

Guest Service Associate

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

Maintain a positive example in meeting the needs of Nashville Zoo guests, working with other crew members to improve guest relations and handle individual guest issues as needed. Financial * Maintain ...

Guest Service Associate

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

Maintain a positive example in meeting the needs of Nashville Zoo guests, working with other crew members to improve guest relations and handle individual guest issues as needed. Financial * Maintain ...

Ensure all employees are in approved Zoo uniform with shirt tucked in and wearing name badge. * Supervise building crew on the following tasks: cleaning, cooking, breaks, employee scheduling ...

... Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and San Diego Botanic Garden. Position Summary Drab to Fab is ... The Horticultural Crew Lead is responsible for performing high-quality horticultural stewardship ...

Horticultural Crew Lead

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Horticultural Crew Lead Full-Time Preferred; Part-Time Considered for the Right Candidate About ... Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and San Diego Botanic Garden. Position Summary Drab to Fab is ...

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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 9, 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:
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.
Associate, Horticulture (Full-time, Seasonal)

Associate, Horticulture (Full-time, Seasonal)

Oakland Zoo

Oakland, CA โ€ข On-site

$22.86/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time, Temporary
Description
Note: This is a full-time seasonal position that is expected to end on September 30 2026, with potential to extend depending on the needs of the organization.
Pay Rate: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the pay rate for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $22.86 per hour. An offer at this rate will be our best and final compensation offer.
Finalist candidates will need to complete a paid on-site working interview to be considered. We are looking to hire 1 - 2 people for the position.
Position Summary
Horticulture Associates are essential members of Oakland Zoo's team, tending to vegetation to maintain a pleasant and functional environment throughout the Zoo. They install, monitor, and maintain plants, trees, and shrubs located within the Zoo and Lower Park Creek. They uphold the mission and values of the Zoo and adhere to policies and procedures set forth by the Zoo to support everyone in having the most positive and enjoyable experience possible.
Essential Job Duties
  • Uses gardening equipment for planting, weeding, and general landscape maintenance.
  • Troubleshoots and repairs irrigation.
  • Coordinates with Horticulture Lead and Grounds Crew.
  • Safely drives supply cart throughout Zoo for project work as needed.
  • Demonstrates superior customer service, both internal (i.e. co-workers) and external (vendors, visitors, customers, etc.).
  • Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

Who You Are
  • Minimum of 1 year of relevant experience and/or education.
  • At least 18 years old
  • Valid Driver's License and good driving record (ability to obtain authorization from the Zoo's Insurance Carrier)
  • Skills in safe use of landscape maintenance equipment
  • Basic knowledge of plants including identification, proper placement, maintenance, and irrigation
  • Able to work weekends, early morning shift, and holidays as needed

Work Environment - Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.
  • Work in indoor and outdoor environments in various weather conditions, sometimes in or around significant dirt and dust

Physical Considerations- The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
  • Able to lift and carry objects weighing 50 pounds
  • Able to bend and twist, lift, stand, kneel, sit, walk, bend, stoop and speak regularly and for 8-hour shifts

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities- May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.
  • Communication - communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities
  • Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued
  • Passion - wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo's mission and PRIDE values at all times
  • Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at The Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife
  • Sustainability - oriented toward the mission and values of the Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department

Benefits
Oakland Zoo offers part-time and seasonal employees a valuable benefits package, including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Paid Sick Time, optional 403b Retirement Plan, and a Zoo Membership. They also have access to various perks, discounts, and programs to enhance their overall experience.
Salary Description
$22.86/hour