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Zoo Crew Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nashville Zoo

Guest Service Associate

Nashville, TN · 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 ...

Nashville Zoo

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 ...

Nashville Zoo

Guest Service Associate

Nashville, TN · 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 ...

John Ball Zoo

Facilities Maintenance II

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$22.04/hr

The employee may also serve as a lead person for a small crew of workers engaged in maintenance ... Ability to interact positively and appropriately with coworkers, supervisors, managers, Zoo guests ...

Aerotek

Laborer Crew Lead

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Work on projects ranging from 8 months to 2 years in duration at locations such as zoo and high school construction sites. Essential Skills * General labor and construction experience. * Crew ...

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Zoo Crew information

See salary details

$10

$21

$32

How much do zoo crew jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 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?

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 is a 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.
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Zoo Crew jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Crew job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $44,261 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Wild Fall Improvisational Performer

Denver Zoo

Denver, CO

$40/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, United, Curious, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.

The Wild Fall Improvisational Performer works with the Engagement and Entertainment team to facilitate learning through the implementation of conservation-based improvisational experiences and engagement with guests during Wild Fall. This position facilitates experiences for diverse audiences (including but not limited to students/children in grades preschool through high school, families, and community groups) and various group sizes. This temporary position will work directly on zoo grounds with the general public. Staff in this role will be entertaining guests through improvised activities inspired by our conservation field program work. This position will be focused on entertainment learning through hands-on experiences, activity delivery, and enthusiastic interaction with guests. This position has a final date of 10/31/26. 

Our team is made up of passionate and diverse professionals dedicated to providing excellent care for our animals while creating meaningful experiences for our guests. If you're excited to contribute your skills in a collaborative and innovative environment, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is the place for you!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Active Guest Engagement

  • Facilitate on-ground atmosphere and enhancement for guests through dynamic presentation of improvised materials. Duties will include personal and public performances, welcoming and speaking with Zoo guests, and encouraging guests to discover the Wonder elements of Wild Fall.
  • Primary function for this role will be to act in one of 4 “stock character” roles, being the:
    • Cryptozoologist
    • Secret Agent
    • Zoo Psychic
    • Park Ranger 
  • Lead guests to discover habitat-based interpretation focused on wonderous creatures, and increase conservation awareness among guests. This role will consist of substantial daily public interaction. Staff will work throughout the campus at both outdoor and indoor locations.

Program Support

  • Create experiential atmosphere through character improvisation and individual performance.
  • Prepare, maintain, and clean up daily performance materials and supplies

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

  • Completion of or in pursuit of a high school degree or equivalent required, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience.  
  • Experience in public engagement, including theater with a strong focus on improvisation. Substantial experience in long-form improvisation required.
  • Exposure to working with multigenerational audiences or students of varied ages in a professional setting preferred; outstanding group management skills.
  • Experience providing outstanding customer service to diverse audiences.
  • Must be a highly-skilled and confident improvisational actor.
  • Comfort and confidence in presentation skills; ability to communicate effectively in noisy, crowded situations.
  • Affinity for animals and nature.
  • Comfortable and experienced engaging children in natural spaces preferred.
  • Ability to work by oneself and in a team setting.
  • Proactive, positive, and flexible attitude; willingness to learn.

Compensation

Hourly rate for this position: $40/hour

A pay differential will be paid for staff with bilingual fluency in Spanish/English.

Position Conditions

  • Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
  • This position requires working up to 35 hours per week.
    • On-site guest work regularly from 9/25/26 - 10/31/26
    • Rehearsal schedules through August and September
  • Flexibility to support programs as scheduled, including a mix of weekday, weekend, and evening assignments with notice.
  • A certain number of minimum days of rehearsal will be required and established based on group availability between 8/11/25 and 9/26/25, largely scheduled on Monday and Thursday evenings.

Wild Perks

As a temporary team member, you’ll have access to some great perks, including:

  • A Family Plus Denver Zoo Membership – Bring your crew and explore!
  • Exclusive Discounts – Save on concessions and retail.
  • Sick Time Accrual – Because your well-being matters.
  • 403(b) Retirement Account – Plan for your future.

Application Process and Timelines

Review of applications will begin immediately.  Candidates will be contacted about possible auditions. DZCA reserves the right to close the position before 10/31/2026.

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

www.denverzoo.org

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