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Zoo Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Brevard Zoo

Zoo Experience Advisor

Melbourne, FL · On-site

Zoo Experience Advisor Status: Part-Time, FLSA Hourly Non-Exempt Department: Guest Experience ... It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties ...

Great Plains Zoo

Zookeeper (Ungulate)

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$18/hr

Join us at the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium as a member of our Ungulate team! Job Summary ... Designing and maintaining proper animal enclosures/props/exhibits. * Utilizing preventative ...

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 ... Designing and maintaining proper animal enclosures/props/exhibits. * Utilizing preventative ...

Zoo New England

Temporary Zookeeper

Boston, MA · On-site

... designed to meet the nutritional needs of animals. This includes preparing diets according to ... Provides approved items and methods in accordance with zoo policy. Cooperates with existing ...

Zoo New England

Temporary Zookeeper

Boston, MA · On-site

Duties & Responsibilities Participates in procedures designed to meet the nutritional needs of ... Provides approved items and methods in accordance with zoo policy. Cooperates with existing ...

Sedgwick County

Horticulturist - ZOO

Wichita, KS · On-site

$17.89/hr

Create, read, and execute landscape projects from construction documents or landscape designs ... zookeeper and horticulturists' standards. * Assist maintenance with large construction projects ...

Zoo New England

Temporary Zookeeper

Boston, MA · On-site

$19.52/hr

Duties & Responsibilities Participates in procedures designed to meet the nutritional needs of ... Provides approved items and methods in accordance with zoo policy. Cooperates with existing ...

Sedgwick County

Horticulturist - ZOO

Wichita, KS · On-site

$17.89/hr

Create, read, and execute landscape projects from construction documents or landscape designs ... zookeeper and horticulturists' standards. * Assist maintenance with large construction projects ...

mkecounty

Zoo Worker Horticulture (Seasonal)

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$11.23 - $23.87/hr

Designs, sets up, and maintains seasonal and special event decorative displays and photo opportunities using live and artificial plants, props, lighting, and other elements to enhance the zoo ...

New

Zoo

General Application

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

About Us Zoo is building the next generation of hardware design tools redefining how hardware products are designed, developed, and built. Our platform combines a modern, cloud-native CAD environment ...

Zoo

General Application

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

About Us Zoo is building the next generation of hardware design tools redefining how hardware products are designed, developed, and built. Our platform combines a modern, cloud-native CAD environment ...

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How much do zoo designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for zoo designer in the United States is $23.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a zoo designer?

A Zoo Designer is a professional who plans and creates zoo exhibits and environments that prioritize animal welfare, visitor experience, and sustainability. They incorporate principles of architecture, landscape design, and animal behavior to develop spaces that meet the physical and psychological needs of animals while engaging the public. Zoo Designers work closely with zoologists, veterinarians, and engineers to ensure exhibits are safe, functional, and immersive. Their goal is to design habitats that support conservation, education, and research while providing a naturalistic and enriching experience for animals and visitors alike.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a zoo designer?

To thrive as a Zoo Designer, you need expertise in architecture, landscape design, animal behavior, and environmental planning, often supported by a degree in architecture, landscape architecture, or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and knowledge of building codes and accreditation standards, such as those from AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums), are typically required. Strong collaboration, creativity, and communication skills are essential for working with multidisciplinary teams and translating complex ideas into practical designs. These skills ensure that zoo environments are functional, aesthetically pleasing, safe for both animals and visitors, and promote animal welfare and educational goals.

What are typical challenges faced by zoo designers when creating new exhibits or habitats?

Zoo Designers often encounter the challenge of balancing the needs and welfare of diverse animal species with guest experience, safety, and budget constraints. Each project requires extensive collaboration with veterinarians, animal keepers, engineers, and educators to ensure habitats are enriching, secure, and align with conservation goals. Zoning restrictions, climate considerations, and adapting to existing landscapes can also add complexity to the design process. Designers must continuously update their knowledge of best practices in animal care and exhibit innovation, making flexibility and problem-solving essential assets in this role.

How do you become a zoo designer?

To become a zoo designer, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in architecture, landscape architecture, zoology, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or work in landscape design, architecture, or zoological planning is important, along with developing skills in CAD software and understanding animal habitat needs.

How much do zoo designers make?

Zoo designers typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and project scope. Senior designers or those with specialized skills in landscape architecture or animal habitats can earn higher salaries. The role often requires knowledge of design software and environmental considerations.

What does a zoo designer do?

A zoo designer plans and creates the layout, exhibits, and habitats within a zoo to ensure they are functional, safe, and engaging for both animals and visitors. They often collaborate with architects, biologists, and engineers, and may use design software to develop detailed plans. The role requires knowledge of animal needs, environmental sustainability, and design principles.
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Zoo Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,884 per year, or $24 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 4 hours 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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