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Zoo Designer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Ideal candidates are committed to advancing the Zoo's mission to protect nature and inspire people ... This position is designed for an outgoing individual that is looking to get their foot in the door ...

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She works with the zoo in South Bend and is part of the community here in Plymouth. We can offer a ... Externships at Seven Oaks Veterinary Clinic are designed for 3rd and 4th year veterinary students.

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Zoo Designer information

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.

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.

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, often exceeding $100,000. The role often requires knowledge of environmental design, construction, and animal welfare standards.

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.

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.

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.

Infographic showing various Zoo Designer job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Animal Feed Attendant - Part Time

Indianapolis Zoo

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$13/hr

Part-time

Posted 9 days ago


Indianapolis Zoo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos


Job description

Put the FUN back into work and join our Attractions Team! From greeting guests at our bird aviaries, to ensuring safety procedures are followed when visitors participate in feeds or take a stroll through plains, the FUN never stops for our part-time variable hourly (20-29 hours per week) Animal Feed Attendants in our Guest Experience department. NOTE: This is NOT an animal care position.
Ideal candidates are committed to advancing the Zoo's mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. This is an entry-level position partially responsible for animal feeds at the Kangaroo, Flamingo and Giraffe feeding stations. In addition to assisting with the feeds in these areas, this position will assist in over-seeing feeds and interactions between guests and the birds inside the aviaries along with our new Amazonian Rainforest exhibit. By providing above and beyond customer service and ensuring a family-friendly, safe environment, our Attractions department is integral to our operations. A cooperative and team-oriented personality, along with a friendly and courteous attitude is highly desirable. This position is designed for an outgoing individual that is looking to get their foot in the door (so to speak) into animal care. Any experience excelling in customer service is a plus! Pay rate for this exciting position is $13.00/ hr.
Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Greets guests in a responsible, safe manner at all bird aviaries, giraffe ticketing station, and kangaroo feeds.
  • Distributes food and handles tickets at all animal feeding stations, including bird aviaries (budgie, lorikeet, and flamingo), kangaroo, and giraffe.
  • Ensures safety procedures are being followed at all attractions by both staff and guests.
  • Provides friendly, professional service to Zoo guests and fellow staff members; guides, directs, and engages guests with a detailed and pleasant manner.
  • Must be temperamentally suited to work with delicate, wild animals, primarily birds.
  • Must enjoy working as a team but be able to work independently as well.

Why should you apply?
  • Free admission for employees with the option of bringing up to four (4) family members/ friends.
  • Flexible scheduling (Student & Retiree Friendly)
  • Complimentary Zoo passes.
  • Free admission and discounts to other downtown culture venues such as the Children's Museum, Indiana Beach Amusement Park, Holiday World & Splashin' Safari and so much more!
  • Complimentary parking for downtown events!
  • Unique, FUN working environment. How many people can say they are able to visit a tiger or walrus on their lunch break?

To apply:
  • Interested candidates must complete an online application.
  • Attach a resumé and cover letter to your application to increase your chances.

Employment at the Indianapolis Zoo is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a background check, motor vehicle check (if applicable) and a drug test.

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