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Zoo Educator Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Registrar

Garden City, KS · On-site

$20.88 - $25.45/hr

... Zoo or equivalent combination of training, education and experience; Valid Kansas Driver's license required. Supplemental Information Environment: Work is performed primarily indoors under controlled ...

Registrar

Garden City, KS · On-site

$20.88 - $25.45/hr

... Zoo or equivalent combination of training, education and experience; Valid Kansas Driver's license required. Supplemental Information Environment: Work is performed primarily indoors under controlled ...

Animal Keeper

Garden City, KS · On-site

$18.93 - $23.08/hr

Communicate with visitors as needed for educational (delivers public talks/demos) and behavioral/safety purposes. * Disposes of trash and debris in zoo. * Maintains landscaping and grounds for and ...

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Zoo Educator information

See Kansas salary details

$9

$19

$36

How much do zoo educator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for zoo educator in Kansas is $19.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a zoo educator?

A Zoo Educator is responsible for teaching visitors about wildlife, conservation, and animal behavior through presentations, tours, and interactive programs. They develop educational materials, lead school and public programs, and may assist with outreach events. Zoo Educators work closely with animal care staff to ensure accurate information is shared with the public. Their goal is to inspire conservation awareness and foster a deeper appreciation for wildlife.

What does a zoo educator do?

A typical day for a Zoo Educator includes preparing and delivering educational presentations to school groups and the public, developing interactive programs, and collaborating with animal care staff to ensure accurate information is shared. You may spend time creating lesson plans, facilitating hands-on activities, or leading guided tours. The role also often involves answering visitor questions, participating in conservation initiatives, and occasionally assisting with special events or outreach programs. This dynamic environment provides continuous opportunities to learn and make a positive impact on both visitors and wildlife.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a zoo educator?

To thrive as a Zoo Educator, you need in-depth knowledge of animal biology, educational methods, and public speaking, often backed by a degree in biology, zoology, or education. Experience with presentation tools, interactive displays, and sometimes CPR or first aid certification is also beneficial. Exceptional communication, enthusiasm for learning, and the ability to engage diverse audiences are key soft skills. These abilities are essential for effectively conveying information about wildlife conservation, inspiring visitors, and ensuring educational programs run smoothly and safely.

How do you become a zoo educator?

To become a zoo educator, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in biology, education, or a related field, along with experience working with animals or in educational settings. Strong communication skills, knowledge of animal behavior, and sometimes certification in first aid or animal handling are also beneficial. Volunteering or internships at zoos can provide valuable experience and networking opportunities.

How much do zoo educators make?

Zoo educators typically earn between $25,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the zoo. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced educators or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Many zoo educators also receive benefits such as discounts, training, and opportunities for professional development.

What are popular job titles related to Zoo Educator jobs in Kansas?

For Zoo Educator jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Zoo Educator job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,585 per year, or $20 per hour.

Veterinary Technician - ZOO

Sedgwick County

Wichita, KS • On-site

$21.76/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist veterinarians with medical procedures, animal restraint, anesthesia, diagnostic imaging, collection and analysis of lab samples, and medical record keeping.

  • Perform duties related to laboratory work, including collecting samples, conducting in-house tests, preparing samples for outside labs, and maintaining lab records.

  • Maintain and update animal medical records, inspect and maintain hospital equipment, and ensure proper operation of diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical tools.


Sedgwick County rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

663rd of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Department: Zoo
Job ID: 13159
Pay: $21.76 per hour
Work Schedule:
Sedgwick County offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes health coverages, paid leave, regular compensation reviews, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. For more detailed information, please visit our benefits page at SCBenefits.
Performs duties relevant to veterinary technology, including assisting veterinarians with medical procedures, animal restraint, anesthesia, diagnostic imaging, collection of lab samples, analysis of lab samples and/or sending samples to outside labs, filling prescriptions and administering medications to animals, and medical record keeping using ZIMS. Cleans and sterilizes medical instruments, regularly inspects medical equipment for needed repair and maintenance. Performs duties of the quarantine zookeeper as needed. This position participates in a mandatory on-call rotation.
Animal Health
  • Assist veterinarians in providing health care for all taxa, including examinations, treatment, and surgery.
  • Work with the hospital zookeeper to evaluate the status of hospitalized animals on a daily basis, and communicate findings to the veterinarians.
  • Administer prescribed treatments, including injections, gavage feeding, wound treatment, bandage changes, and laser therapy.
  • Restrain animals, and assist veterinarians in administering anesthesia.
  • Monitor animals under anesthesia using available equipment, including pulse oximetry, capnography, blood pressure cuffs, and ECG.
  • Maintain continuing education requirements as required by governing authorities; including attending conferences in-person or online, participating in forums, or other online venues to review online educational materials to keep abreast of new developments in veterinary technology.

Laboratory
  • Regularly review and update fecal exam schedule as needed. Work with zookeepers to ensure collection animals are checked for intestinal parasites regularly.
  • At the direction of the veterinarians, collect blood, urine, swabs, and other samples from all taxa for routine and diagnostic testing.
  • Perform in-house tests, including preparation and staining of slides for cytology and microbiology, manual and automated CBCs, chemistries, and complete urinalysis.
  • Prepare samples for shipping to outside labs and researchers, using proper packaging and labeling.
  • Bank tissue, serum, and biomaterials in the appropriate freezer or storage cabinet, and log the information into ZIMS.

Hospital Operations
  • Maintain and update animal medical records using ZIMS, including prescriptions/treatments, samples, test results, and other modules as directed by the veterinarians.
  • Inspect and maintain all hospital equipment including diagnostic tools, surgical equipment, anesthesia machines, and laboratory analyzers.
  • Ensure anesthesia machines and microscopes are inspected and calibrated regularly, using an outside specialist.
  • Become thoroughly familiar with the care and operation of new diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical equipment, and maintain familiarity with current equipment including ultrasound, radiology, electrosurgical unit, thermography, therapeutic laser and endoscopy.
  • Deliver prescribed oral medications and supplements to the animal areas on a regular basis, ensuring uninterrupted completion of treatments given by zookeeper staff.

Minimum Qualifications: Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology (RVT, CVT, or LVT). One year of full-time employment as a veterinary technician. Must have or obtain a State of Kansas Registered Veterinary Technicians License within six months. Per Sedgwick County policy, this is a driving level position that requires a valid US driver's license without restrictions and current proof of automobile insurance.
Preferred Qualifications: Two years of full-time employment as a veterinary technician with one year in a zoological or aquarium institution. Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Technology (RVT, CVT, or LVT). Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in the field of zoo medicine or eligibility.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. Please find more information under the following link. Apply for a Job | Sedgwick County, Kansas

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