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Zoo Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Audubon Institute

Zoo Keeper (Primates)

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$18 - $24.25/hr

Assistant Curator of Section working Location: Audubon Zoo FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Date Revised: 8/31/2026 General Summary: This position is a Zookeeper at Audubon Zoo. This position will encompass a ...

Great Plains Zoo

Zookeeper - Primates

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

This engagement of the Zoo's guests should extend to being willing to provide Behind the Scenes ... Other duties as assigned by the Curator or Director of Animal Care & Conservation. Competency

City of Idaho Falls, ID

Zoo Keeper

Idaho Falls, ID · On-site

SUPERVISION RECEIVED Works under the supervision of the Lead Keeper and the General Curator. SUPERVISION EXERCISED: May provide supervision and assistance to seasonal zoo keepers and volunteers.

Merlin Entertainments

Curator

East Rutherford, NJ · On-site

Leads the site with complete understanding of Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) policies and standards and able to lead through an AZA accreditation process in the future. * Leads Curatorial ...

Great Plains Zoo

Zookeeper - Primates

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$18/hr

Join our Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium zookeeper team! Zookeepers are responsible for the ... Other duties as assigned by the Curator or Director of Animal Care & Conservation. Competency

Audubon Institute

Zookeeper- Elephants

New Orleans, LA · On-site

Curator Location: Audubon Zoo FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Date Revised: 8/31/2026 General Summary: This is an exciting time for the Audubon Zoo Elephant Department as we are adding three new positions to ...

SEA LIFE

Curator

East Rutherford, NJ · On-site

Leads the site with complete understanding of Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) policies and standards and able to lead through an AZA accreditation process in the future. * Leads Curatorial ...

SEA LIFE

Curator

East Rutherford, NJ

Leads the site with complete understanding of Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) policies and standards and able to lead through an AZA accreditation process in the future. * Leads Curatorial ...

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Zoo Curator information

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$25.5K

$72.6K

$119.5K

How much do zoo curator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 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.
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Zoo Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Curator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,627 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Zookeeper - Elephants/Rhinos (Full Time)

Memphis, TN • On-site

Memphis Zoo
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Memphis Zooexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Summary:
We are currently in search of a motivated individual to join our Pachyderm Team. This position would primarily be responsible for the daily husbandry and care of African elephants, Southern White Rhinos, Grant's Zebra and Scimitar-Horned Oryx.
Now is an exciting time to join our team as we begin the process of designing a new Africa habitat, which would include new exhibits for our elephants, rhinos, giraffes and other area hoofstock. This renovation and expansion will serve to further the Memphis Zoo's commitment to elephants in the future. The ideal candidate would be proficient in all aspects of zoo animal care including husbandry, enrichment, training, exhibit maintenance, record keeping, public presentations, and conservation. Candidates for this position should be self-motivated, hard-working, positive, dependable, who can work independently, but also thrive in a team setting.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Daily husbandry of assigned animals.
  • Facilitates formal and informal public presentations to engage guests and provide a positive guest experience.
  • Actively observes animals' behavior, checking for any signs of illness or disorder; reports irregularities and abnormal behavior to supervisor; works with vet staff to address medical needs.
  • Prepares and administers appropriate daily diets and maintain accurate records of assigned animals.
  • Appropriately cleans and disinfects assigned animal enclosures/habitats according to written protocols and ensures a sanitary and safe environment.
  • Exercises good judgement when making decisions that affect our collection.
  • Assists hospital staff in all aspects of animal treatment within the assigned section.
  • May incorporate modern behavioral husbandry techniques such as operant conditioning and environmental enrichment into animal care.

Minimum Education and Experience:
  • High school diploma.
  • Some college level coursework in the fields of Zoology, Biology, Psychology, or related field.
  • Experience working with animals (preferably rhinos or similar large taxa) in a zoological setting and/or similar experience working large mammals in the field of agriculture

Preferred Education and Experience:
  • Previous experience working with elephants and/or rhinos in a captive setting.

Competencies:
  • Written and Oral Communication.
  • Proficient in MS office, current technology and applications for communication, research, and record keeping.
  • Records and Reports Creation and Management.
  • Problem Solving/Analysis.
  • Stress Management/Composure.
  • Flexibility.
  • Teamwork Orientation.

Supervisory Responsibility: None.
Reporting Structure: Reports to Associate Curator, Team Lead.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Full-time positions are defined as positions scheduled to work approximately 40 hours a week. Scheduling is at the discretion of the manager.
This position is considered non-exempt under the federal and state wage and hour laws.
Scheduling Availability Requirements: This position regularly requires flexible hours including weekdays, holidays, and weekends.
Work Environment: While performing the duties of the job, the employee will frequently work in outdoor settings (Zoo grounds). When outdoors this position is required to work in various weather conditions including rain, humidity, and extreme heat or cold.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
This position requires frequent sitting/standing/walking/bending/kneeling and may occasionally move or lift objects up to 50 pounds.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Other Requirements:
  • 18 years or older.
  • Clear background check.
  • Clear drug screening.
  • Clear TB screening.

Benefits & Perks
The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see our Memphis Zoo Careers page for details.
EEOC and Inclusion Statement:
The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply.
The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org.
The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.
All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
How to Apply:
Applications should be submitted via the Memphis Zoo Careers page. Please note that any other application submissions will not be considered. www.memphiszoo.org/careers.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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