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Zoo Education Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper III, Elephants

Houston, TX · On-site

ABOUT HOUSTON ZOO The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There ...

Zoo New England

Part- Time Zookeeper

Boston, MA · On-site

... education and guest relations needs of the zoo. · Monitors working laborers and contractors for animal safety and watches animals for signs of stress. Checks exhibits upon completion of work for ...

Zoo New England

Part- Time Zookeeper

Boston, MA

... the education and guest relations needs of the zoo. Monitors working laborers and contractors for animal safety and watches animals for signs of stress. Checks exhibits upon completion of work for ...

Zoo New England

Part- Time Zookeeper

Dorchester, MA · On-site

... the education and guest relations needs of the zoo. Monitors working laborers and contractors for animal safety and watches animals for signs of stress. Checks exhibits upon completion of work for ...

Zoo New England

Part- Time Zookeeper

Boston, MA · On-site

$19.52/hr

... education and guest relations needs of the zoo. • Monitors working laborers and contractors for animal safety and watches animals for signs of stress. Checks exhibits upon completion of work for ...

Zoo New England

Full- Time Zookeeper

Boston, MA · On-site

Interacts with and answers questions of zoo guests by providing information about zoo animals and policies, conducts tours and interviews as needed to meet the education and guest relations needs of ...

Brevard Zoo

Zoo Experience Advisor

Melbourne, FL

Zoo Experience Advisor Status: Part-Time, FLSA Hourly Non-Exempt Department: Guest Experience ... QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION AND RELEVANT EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS REQUIRED: * Sales experience * Strong ...

Zoo New England

Full- Time Zookeeper

Boston, MA

Interacts with and answers questions of zoo guests by providing information about zoo animals and policies, conducts tours and interviews as needed to meet the education and guest relations needs of ...

Zoo New England

Full- Time Zookeeper

Dorchester, MA · On-site

Interacts with and answers questions of zoo guests by providing information about zoo animals and policies, conducts tours and interviews as needed to meet the education and guest relations needs of ...

Zoo New England

Full- Time Zookeeper

Boston, MA · On-site

$19.52/hr

Interacts with and answers questions of zoo guests by providing information about zoo animals and policies, conducts tours and interviews as needed to meet the education and guest relations needs of ...

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Zoo Education information

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$13K

$44K

$106.5K

How much do zoo education jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for zoo education in the United States is $43,962.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25,000.00 and $52,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a zoo education specialist?

To thrive as a Zoo Education Specialist, you need a background in biology, environmental science, or education, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in teaching or wildlife interpretation. Familiarity with educational program development, animal handling protocols, and presentation tools like audiovisual equipment is typically required. Strong communication, creativity, and public speaking skills help engage diverse audiences and foster a deeper understanding of conservation. These skills are crucial for effectively educating the public and inspiring conservation action.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in zoo education, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Zoo Education often face the challenge of engaging diverse audiences, such as school groups, families, and visitors of varying ages and backgrounds. Another challenge is balancing educational messaging with the entertaining aspects expected at a zoo. To address these, educators frequently update their teaching methods, utilize interactive activities, and collaborate with animal care staff to provide accurate, compelling information. Staying adaptable and seeking feedback from both visitors and colleagues helps create meaningful and memorable learning experiences.

What is zoo education?

Zoo education refers to programs and activities provided by zoos to teach visitors about animals, conservation, and the environment. These programs may include guided tours, interactive exhibits, workshops, and special events designed for people of all ages. Zoo educators work to inspire curiosity and promote respect for wildlife, often connecting lessons to broader environmental and conservation issues. By participating in zoo education, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of animal behavior, habitats, and the importance of preserving biodiversity.

What is the difference between Zoo Education vs Zookeeper?

AspectZoo EducationZookeeper
Required CredentialsDegree in Education, Biology, or related field; certifications in animal handling often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; specialized training or certifications in animal care
Work EnvironmentClassrooms, visitor centers, outdoor educational spaces within zoosAnimal enclosures, zoo grounds, animal habitats
Primary ResponsibilitiesDeveloping and delivering educational programs, engaging visitors, creating educational materialsAnimal feeding, habitat maintenance, health monitoring, enclosure cleaning

Zoo Education focuses on creating educational experiences for visitors, emphasizing teaching and outreach. Zookeepers primarily care for animals and maintain habitats. While both roles work within zoos, their daily tasks and required skills differ significantly, with Zoo Education centered on education and visitor engagement, and Zookeepers on animal care and husbandry.

More about Zoo Education jobs
What cities are hiring for Zoo Education jobs? Cities with the most Zoo Education job openings:
What states have the most Zoo Education jobs? States with the most job openings for Zoo Education jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Zoo Education jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Zoo Education jobs are:
Zoo Education jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Education job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,962 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Zookeeper III, Elephants

Houston Zoo

Houston, TX • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago

Houston Zoo rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

Under the direction of a Zoo Supervisor, the Zookeeper is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations associated with the husbandry of the animals and the maintenance of animal enclosures within a specified Houston Zoo animal program. This position will coordinate all program objectives in addition to day-to-day husbandry and enclosure maintenance. Members of the Aquarium and Sea Lion/Penguin team will need to be active members on the dive team to do routine maintenance and cleaning of the aquatic environments, following all dive protocols.
Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.
Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
  • Carries out all aspects of the daily care of assigned animals including cleaning, feeding, exhibit maintenance, general upkeep of support facilities.
  • Maintains clean and organized exhibits, holding areas, service areas and equipment.
  • Prepares and feeds appropriate diets as per established feeding practices and diet sheets.
  • Administers prescribed medications, supplements, or treatments under the guidance of the veterinary and supervisory staff.
  • Records and reports any abnormal animal health or behavioral issues to the Zoo Supervisor.
  • Maintains daily reports, logs, training and enrichment records, research, or veterinary records, as appropriate and according to established guidelines; requires basic skills with TRACKS and Microsoft Office software applications.
  • Understands and applies a practical understanding of operant conditioning as it relates to the daily management of species under his/her care.
  • Understands and applies the basic principles of animal enrichment as part of the daily management of species under his/her care.
  • Maintains clean and organized exhibits, equipment, and keeper areas.
  • As appropriate, maintains water quality through filtration, balance of chemical elements, and sanitation methods for aquatic or semi-aquatic animal species.
  • As appropriate, maintains live exhibit plantings to enhance exhibit aesthetics; eliminates weeds and toxic plants from animal enclosures.
  • In conjunction with the Zoo's pest control officer, may assist in pest control using exclusion or traps.
  • Identifies potential maintenance or safety issues and reports them to the Zoo Supervisor.
  • Participates in keeper chats, tours, animal presentations or demonstrations, and/or other public interactions as requested by the Zoo Supervisor.
  • 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 good teamwork and communication skills both within the home team and when working with other teams or departments.
  • May be required to safely operate a motor vehicle.
  • Demonstrates proficiency in all duties and all assigned work areas within a specified timeframe.
  • Serves as a point of contact for area staff, veterinarians, Facilities staff, and/or other departments in the absence of a Zoo Supervisor.
  • Assists with training, mentoring, and may oversee and direct activities of interns, volunteers, and other area Keepers.
  • Assists Zoo Supervisors in the oversight of team projects.
  • Assists in the development and implementation of area standard operating guidelines.
  • Assumes select supervisory duties in the absence of Zoo Supervisors.
  • Serves as a positive role model for interns, volunteers, and other keepers and staff.
  • Demonstrates a clear understanding of the roles AZA zoos play in conservation and saving animals in the wild.
  • Actively pursues feedback and other resources to improve leadership skills and helps to improve such skills in other team members.
  • Contributes to saving animals in the wild through: reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from four-year college or university in zoology, biology, animal husbandry or a related field.
  • Experience and education may be considered equivalent at the rate of six months of experience per 15 hours of college level credit, up to 60 hours.
  • A certificate of completion from an acceptable animal care program may be substituted for a Bachelor's degree.
  • Six years of experience in animal care at an AZA or equivalent facility, gained through employment or internships.
  • Experience with basic carpentry and mechanical skills.
  • Must have or be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license.

ABOUT HOUSTON ZOO
The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Disclaimer
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.
Benefits
Full-time, regular positions are offered the following benefits.
  • Medical and Prescription Drug
  • Vision
  • Dental
  • Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid)
  • Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
  • Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
  • Supplemental Life
  • Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account
  • 401k, with employer match

Full-time and Part-Time, regular positions are offered the following additional benefits.
  • Free Zoo Membership
  • Free Guest Passes
  • Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs
  • Free parking

Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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