ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Zoo Designer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

LocumTenens

The facility operates within a structured on-site care model designed to support accessible mental ... Nearby natural destinations include Marsh Sanctuary, Scidmore Park and Petting Zoo, and Palmer Lake ...

New

LocumTenens

$87K - $120K/yr

The area is also home to the Detroit Zoo, which continues to expand its offerings with new trails ... Our services are 100% free for clinicians and are designed for a seamless experience with every ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsZoo Designer JobsZoo Designer Jobs in Michigan

Zoo Designer information

See Michigan salary details

$5

$21

$49

How much do zoo designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for zoo designer in Michigan is $21.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.98 and $26.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Zoo Designer jobs in Michigan? For Zoo Designer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Zoo Designer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Zoo Designer jobs in Michigan are:
Zoo Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Designer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,807 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

School & Youth Program Manager

John Ball Zoo

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

$57K - $67K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

John Ball Zoo rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

School amp; Youth Program Manager
The School amp; Youth Program Manager manages school, youth, and community programming, including establishing, building, and maintaining partnerships, and engaging relevant stakeholders that advance the mission of John Ball Zoo and supports the Zoo’s strategic goals. This includes the development, design, and direction of conservation educational efforts of the Zoo including but not limited to educational experiences and programs for schools at the Zoo, on school grounds, in the community, and all youth programs, such as Zoo Camp and ZooLittles. The School amp; Youth Program Manager will lead in creating programs and curriculum that aligns with state and local education standards and the Zoo's conservation education goals.

This is a salary year-round position starting between $57,290 - $67,400

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE SCHOOL amp; YOUTH PROGRAM MANAGER AT JBZ
The School amp; Youth Program Manager provides leadership, direction, and supervision to the School amp; Youth Program team while fostering strong collaborative relationships across all functional areas of John Ball Zoo. This role supports the professional growth and continued development of direct reports through coaching, performance management, and regular performance evaluations, and administers corrective or disciplinary actions when necessary.
The School amp; Youth Program Manager designs, develops, implements, evaluates, and continuously improves inclusive educational programs and curricula focused on biology, ecology, conservation, animal husbandry, and other science topics for school-aged audiences. These programs supplement K–12 science instruction and align with local Intermediate School District (ISD) curricula and the Michigan Academic Standards for accredited elementary and secondary education. This position collaborates with K–12 school districts to develop engaging educational experiences that expand awareness and understanding of wildlife conservation, environmental stewardship, ecological concepts, and their impact on the community.
In partnership with the Interpretation and Evaluation Specialist, the School amp; Youth Program Manager designs, administers, and analyzes program evaluation tools to assess program effectiveness and ensure educational objectives are achieved for targeted audiences. The role also works closely with the Director of Education amp; Conservation to ensure all youth and camp programming complies with applicable state regulations and partners with the Volunteer Manager to identify volunteer opportunities, develop volunteer training, and implement recognition initiatives that support the Education Department.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE SCHOOL amp; YOUTH PROGRAM MANAGER AT JBZ
  • Affinity for the mission and values of John Ball Zoo
  • Bachelor’s degree in education, conservation, zoology, or related field
  • At least one year of experience working with youth 3-15 years of age, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
  • Teaching certificate preferred
  • Thorough working knowledge of the principles and practices of primary, secondary, adult and pre-primary education, including curriculum design and Michigan Education Standards, along with County specific core curriculum standards
  • Thorough working knowledge of the principles and practices of presentation design and delivery for print, electronic and digital media
  • Knowledge of safe animal handling and exhibit techniques
  • Knowledge of safe and humane practices for restraining and transporting animals
  • Knowledge of animal behavior in their natural habitat and in human care
  • Ability to work some evening and/or weekend hours, as required
  • Flexing work hours may be needed periodically throughout the year

BENEFITS AT JBZ
We offer incredibly competitive benefits. This includes FREE:
  • Medical plan option
  • Short-term disability
  • Long-term disability
  • Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Dental amp; Vision for employee amp; family
  • 12 Full weeks of parental leave

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
We offer generous vacation time, 9 days of personal time, and 11 paid Holidays each year. We offer a 4% match and 3% employer contribution to your 401k, zoo discounts, employee-only zoo experiences, tuition reimbursement, additional medical benefits to meet your and your family's needs, and a FREE Premium Zoo membership for you and your family.

John Ball Zoo is a drug free facility under federal regulations. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. We invite individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, hairstyles, or any other characteristic to join our team where diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated.

What John Ball Zoo employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply