ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Zoo Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Maryland Zoo

Area Manager (Penguin Coast)

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$50K - $53K/yr

They will need to work closelywith the taxon curators, behavior team, and medical staff, and will report tothe General Curator. Additionally, the Area Manager will support the Zoo's mission to save ...

Chattanooga Zoo

Animal Care Supervisor

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$24.50/hr

Lead department and zoo-wide emergency drills and preparations as assigned by the General Curator. * Make last-minute adjustments to the departmental schedule as needed to ensure all animal areas ...

Chattanooga Zoo

Animal Care Supervisor

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$24.50/hr

Lead department and zoo-wide emergency drills and preparations as assigned by the General Curator.Make last-minute adjustments to the departmental schedule as needed to ensure all animal areas have ...

houstonzoo

Zookeeper III, Elephants

Houston, TX · On-site

May assist with departmental research projects, conservation, AZA, or other industry activities as directed/approve by the Zoo Supervisor or Curator; provides support for the Zoo projects. * Exhibits ...

houstonzoo

Zookeeper III, Elephants

Houston, TX

May assist with departmental research projects, conservation, AZA, or other industry activities as directed/approve by the Zoo Supervisor or Curator; provides support for the Zoo projects. * Exhibits ...

Oglebay

Oglebay Good Zoo Animal Keeper 2

Wheeling, WV · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Prepares and distributes animal diets according to approved guidelines provided by the curator of ... Supervises and assigns work to zoo volunteers and interns scheduled in keeper's area of ...

Utica Zoo

Veterinary Technician 2

Utica, NY · On-site

$16.91/hr

General Curator Department: Animal Care Salary: $16.91/hr. Job Status: Full Time/Non-Exempt Union Status: Union Position Scope: The Keeper/Veterinary Technician 2 works with the zoo's Attending ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsArts and Entertainment JobsEntertainment JobsAnimal Show Entertainer JobsZoo Curator Jobs

Zoo Curator information

See salary details

$25.5K

$72.6K

$119.5K

How much do zoo curator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for zoo curator in the United States is $72,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a zoo curator do?

A Zoo Curator is responsible for managing the care, acquisition, and conservation of the animals within a zoo. They oversee animal welfare, coordinate breeding programs, and work on habitat enrichment to ensure the well-being of the animals. Additionally, they collaborate with veterinarians, researchers, and educators to support conservation efforts and public awareness. Curators may also handle administrative duties such as budgeting, staff supervision, and exhibit planning. Their role is essential in maintaining ethical and sustainable zoo operations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a zoo curator?

To thrive as a Zoo Curator, you need in-depth knowledge of animal biology, conservation, and facility management, typically supported by a degree in zoology or a related field and significant experience with wildlife or zoo operations. Familiarity with specialized animal management software, regulatory compliance systems, and sometimes AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) certification is important. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you guide teams and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. These qualities are crucial for ensuring animal welfare, effective team management, and adherence to industry standards.

How do you become a zoo curator?

To become a zoo curator, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, or a related field, along with several years of experience working with animals or in a zoo environment. Many curators also pursue advanced degrees such as a master's or doctorate and develop skills in animal care, conservation, and management. Certification or specialized training in animal handling and exhibit design can also be beneficial.
More about Zoo Curator jobs

What cities are hiring for Zoo Curator jobs?

Cities with the most Zoo Curator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo Curator jobs?

The most popular types of Zoo Curator jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Zoo Curator jobs?

The top employers for Zoo Curator jobs are:

What states have the most Zoo Curator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Zoo Curator jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Zoo Curator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Zoo Curator jobs are:

Zoo Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Curator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,627 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Provisional Senior Wild Animal Keeper, Central Park Zoo

Wildlife Conservation Society

New York, NY • On-site

$54K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Wildlife Conservation Society rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

Title: Provisional Senior Wild Animal Keeper
Reports To: Supervisor of Animals/Animal Dept. Curator
Position Managed: N/A
Department: Animal Programs
Location: Central Park Zoo
Employment Type: Union, Full-Time
Pay Range: $54,473.00 per year
About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS):
WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world's premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean.  We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence.  Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.
Position Summary:
To perform authorized activities necessary for the safe, proper, and humane management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, holding facilities, and associated service.
Principal Responsibilities:
  • Supervise and provide leadership in the assigned section of the zoo, taking responsibility for daily animal care activities of keepers, trainees or interns as assigned, and be responsible for the exhibit appearance in the section.
  • Perform and supervise safe, proper, and humane care of assigned animals according to established protocols or under the direction of the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Prepare and supervise animal diets according to established protocols or under the direction of the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Perform and supervise safe and proper maintenance of assigned animal exhibits, holding facilities, and associated service areas according to established protocols or under the direction of the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Routine maintenance can include, but is not limited to, watering plants, maintenance/replacement of substrates and exhibit furnishings, clearing and cleaning drains/catches, changing lightbulbs, and cleaning exhibit glass.
  • Assist curatorial/supervisory staff in developing safe, proper, and humane protocols for the management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, holding facilities, and associated service areas.
  • May provide guidance and on-the-job training to other employees.
  • Participate in the modification and enhancement of animal exhibits under the direction of supervisory/curatorial staff, to include, but not limited to, the installation of plant material, perches, and exhibit props such as rocks and logs, monitoring water quality, addition of substrates, and cleaning of exhibit glass where maintenance staff does not have access.
  • Inspect animal exhibits, holding facilities, and associated service areas to ensure that they are clean, well-lit, properly ventilated, properly heated or cooled, and that all mechanical systems are operating properly.
  • Report any deficiencies and/or required maintenance - whether Animal Department or Maintenance responsibility - to the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Make any minor repairs necessary to assure safe, proper, and humane animal management.
  • Observe assigned animals for any changes in activity pattern, social behavior, feeding behavior, and food preference, any abnormal behavior or evidence of injury and illness, any indications of sexual behavior or sexual cycle.
  • Summarize these and any other observations relevant to safe, proper, and humane management in a daily report submitted to the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Maintain life history cards and other assigned recordkeeping.
  • Promptly report anything that might require immediate action to the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Carry out the curator and veterinarian's instructions for the care of sick and injured animals and summarize required procedures in a daily report submitted to the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Submit a daily report to supervisory/curatorial staff that summarizes events/changes in the animal collection and staff activities within assigned work areas, identifies required maintenance, and lists needed supplies and equipment.
  • Participate in CPZ animal behavior programs to facilitate animal management and to enhance and enrich the daily lives of the animals in our care.
  • Develop animal conditioning skills and techniques. Maintain each animal's current level of behavior criteria through effective observation, listening, and training application.
  • Develop a proactive approach to behavioral husbandry. Anticipate behavioral issues and discuss with the supervisor/curator to avoid potential problems.
  • Implement department programs to condition behaviors and acclimate both naive and experienced animals to exhibits.
  • Provide special attention to the need to make animals more visible to our guests.
  • Aid the general public and provide information concerning the Central Park Zoo, guest services, exhibits, and the animal collection.
  • Enforce the Central Park Zoo's guest rules and regulations.
  • Perform other related tasks and duties at the instruction of the supervisory/curatorial staff.

What Wildlife Conservation Society employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply