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Zoo Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Santa Barbara Zoo

Volunteer Supervisor

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$27.98 - $29.33/hr

Develops ongoing programming to fit Zoo needs * Identifies, cultivates, and develops volunteer leaders * Coordinates and schedules assignments, meetings, lunch & learn, and events * Participates in ...

Santa Barbara Zoo

Volunteer Supervisor

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$27.98 - $29.33/hr

Develops ongoing programming to fit Zoo needs * Identifies, cultivates, and develops volunteer leaders * Coordinates and schedules assignments, meetings, lunch & learn, and events * Participates in ...

Zoo

Lead Machinist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

About The Role As a Lead Machinist at Zoo, you will own day-to-day operations of our machine shop and help build the physical hardware systems that power the future of engineering design. You will ...

Apple

Cloud Engineer, Health Software

Bodega Bay, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

... Zookeeper, Spark, and Mesos Collaborate cross-functionally with software engineers, security teams, and product teams to define and implement infrastructure best practices Own and improve build and ...

SHEIN U.S.

Senior Site Reliability Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$60.50 - $80.50/hr

... Etcd, Zookeeper and other large-scale distributed systems. • Design, build, and maintain ... engineering teams to improve infrastructure reliability and performance through better system ...

Raft Company Website

Senior Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $170K/yr

We are seeking a Platform Engineer with an active Top Secret/SCI clearance to play a pivotal role ... Manage a wide array of open-source applications (NiFi, Kafka, Zookeeper, MinIO, Keycloak, Longhorn ...

MDAEdge

Product Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

As a Product Engineer, you will be responsible for architecting low latency, real-time ... or Zookeeper. • 3+ years of experience. Company : The world doesn't have a talent shortage. It ...

Raft Company Website

Senior Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $170K/yr

We are seeking a Platform Engineer with an active Top Secret/SCI clearance to play a pivotal role ... Manage a wide array of open-source applications (NiFi, Kafka, Zookeeper, MinIO, Keycloak, Longhorn ...

Raft

Senior Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $170K/yr

We are seeking a Platform Engineer with an active Top Secret/SCI clearance to play a pivotal role ... Manage a wide array of open-source applications (NiFi, Kafka, Zookeeper, MinIO, Keycloak, Longhorn ...

Raft Company Website

Senior Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $170K/yr

We are seeking a Platform Engineer with an active Top Secret/SCI clearance to play a pivotal role ... Manage a wide array of open-source applications (NiFi, Kafka, Zookeeper, MinIO, Keycloak, Longhorn ...

SHEIN

Senior Site Reliability Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$60.50 - $80.50/hr

Senior Site Reliability Engineer I) with deep experience operating and evolving large-scale ... Etcd, Zookeeper and other large-scale distributed systems. * Design, build, and maintain ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsZoo Engineer JobsZoo Engineer Jobs in California

Zoo Engineer information

See California salary details

$58.7K

$89.3K

$151.5K

How much do zoo engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for zoo engineer in California is $89,326.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,600.00 and $103,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a zoo engineer do?

A zoo engineer designs, maintains, and repairs the infrastructure and exhibits within a zoo, ensuring the safety and well-being of animals and visitors. They often work with systems such as water, electrical, and climate control, and may need knowledge of engineering principles, safety standards, and environmental considerations.

What are some common challenges a zoo engineer faces on the job?

A Zoo Engineer often encounters the challenge of designing habitats that balance animal welfare with visitor experience and safety regulations. You must collaborate extensively with animal care staff, architects, and maintenance crews to ensure that structures meet the unique needs of various species. Adapting existing infrastructure to accommodate new exhibits or changing standards can present both technical and logistical hurdles. Although these challenges can be demanding, they also offer meaningful opportunities to solve unique problems and make a tangible impact on the well-being of animals and the overall operation of the zoo.

What is a zoo engineer?

A Zoo Engineer is a professional who designs, maintains, and improves zoo facilities and animal enclosures to ensure safety, sustainability, and functionality. They work with zookeepers, veterinarians, and architects to create environments that support animal well-being while enhancing visitor experience. Their responsibilities may include designing water filtration systems, climate control, and enrichment structures that mimic natural habitats. Zoo Engineers often have backgrounds in mechanical, civil, or environmental engineering.

Do zoos need zoo engineers?

Zoo engineers are essential for designing, maintaining, and improving zoo habitats, enclosures, and infrastructure to ensure animal welfare and visitor safety. They often work with architects, biologists, and maintenance teams, using skills in engineering, project management, and safety standards. Their role helps zoos operate efficiently and meet regulatory requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the zoo engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Zoo Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering (such as civil, mechanical, or environmental engineering), along with knowledge of animal habitat requirements and safety standards. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, project management tools, and relevant certifications (e.g., Professional Engineer license) are often needed. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and collaborative teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for designing, building, and maintaining safe, innovative, and enriching environments that support animal welfare and public engagement.

What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Zoo Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Zoo Engineer jobs in California? For Zoo Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Zoo Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Zoo Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Zoo Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Zoo Engineer job openings:
Zoo Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,326 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Education Coordinator-Products and Program Support

Santa Barbara Zoo

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

$22.50 - $25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Santa Barbara Zoo rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the Education Manager, the Education Coordinator – Products and Program Support promotes the Zoo and its mission through planning, developing, coordinating, and evaluating the Zoo’s Educational Products and providing critical support to deliver high-quality, meaningful Education programming.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Education Product Coordination:

  • Creates, tracks, responds to, and evaluates all aspects of Education products, curriculum sales and subscriptions
  • Maintains consistent posting on TPT
  • Stays current on Educational Product trends within AZA and Cultural Institutions locally and nationally
  • Maintains required records and reports such as product sales records and customer
    demographics
  • Maintains and submits monthly and annual budget records for assigned programs to the Education
    Manager
Special Event & Parents' Night Out Coordination
  • Creates and prepares Education activities associated with special Zoo Events and Awareness Days as
    assigned.
  • Maintains required records and reports such as program attendance records and participant
    demographics.
  • Collaborates with Events team regularly to evaluate and grow Education participation and impact for
    all private and special events.
  • Coordinates and all aspects of Parents Night Out;
    • Registration and guest communication
    • Develops, audits and evaluates program activities, curriculum, and operational
      protocols and standards
    • Trains, schedules, and evaluates program staff
General Education Coordination

  • Collaborates with Education team in Operational Plan development for Education Programs
  • Provides critical coordination and leadership to Educators and Educational programming during
    program operations outside of regular Supervisor schedules
  • Occasional coverage of Educational program facilitation
  • Maintains inventory of "all-program" supplies for efficient purchasing across all Education programs
  • Maintains and submits monthly and annual budget records for assigned programs to the Education
    Manager
  • Operates and utilizes various types of equipment and machinery in the performance of duties such as
    projectors, monitors, two-way radios, computer, printer, video cameras, and telephone, as well as
    animal crates as needed
  • May participate in engagements with the community as assigned
  • Schedules, develops, and leads/coordinates special program requests as required
  • Responds to emergencies quickly and follows emergency protocols
  • Remains calm and creates an atmosphere of calm and control for those dealing with the emergency
    situation
  • Attends monthly all-employee meetings
SECONDARY DUTIES:
Other duties as assigned to maintain safe, efficient, and quality Zoo operations
Guest Relations:

  • Greets every guest with a smile
  • Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
  • Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly
  • Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work
    areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
  • Associates with guests to assist and share information
  • Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures
  • Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code
  • Takes responsibility for staying informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee
    communications and attending meetings
  • Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo’s Core Values, and the
    Employee Pledge
  • Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible
Other duties as required
POSITION CRITERIA:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge,
skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may
be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Education & Experience:

  • Minimum 18 years of age
  • Some experience working with children
  • B.S. or B.A. preferably in liberal arts, an education emphasis, conservation, biology, other life
  • sciences, or equivalent experience

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:

  • Successful completion of a Department of Justice background check prior to start date
  • Successful completion of First Aid and CPR certification required complete by end of 90 day
  • introductory program (may be available through employer)
  • Completion of Mandated Reporting for Suspected Child Abuse training (may be available through
  • employer)
  • Yearly TB Test clearance
  • Experience in an informal education facility preferred
  • Experience with special needs children is a plus

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

  • Basic knowledge of Elementary Education and Biology/Zoology
  • Ability to organize and implement daily Camp activities
  • Ability to lead activities in an age-appropriate manner
  • Excellent coordination skills 
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to relate sensitively to young children and their parents/guardians
  • Ability to adapt quickly, be flexible in any scenario, and demonstrate considerable patience while
    leading and supervising program participants
  • Ability to meet deadlines and operate under time pressure, with various interruptions
  • Ability to work in a busy office environment, with a positive outlook
  • Ability to handle large, multifaceted events/programs with composure
  • Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and
    our guests
  • Ability to work and collaborate in a team atmosphere
  • Ability to handle and interpret live Education animals, following ACH protocols
  • Ability to exercise safe work habits
  • Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

  • Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including telephones, printers, two-way radios, and copiers
  • Ability to run, kneel, sit on the ground/floor, squat, and stand for long periods of time
  • Ability to handle live animals safely
  • Ability to negotiate the Zoo work environment including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, hilltop,
    attic storage, and high storage shelves
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds occasionally, and 10-20 or fewer pounds frequently
  • Ability to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly push, pull, or otherwise move
    objects
  • Involves working out-of-doors in all weather conditions
  • Supportive and open employment culture

Tools Used:

  • Personal Computer and software (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Standard office equipment; telephone, copier, printer, facsimile machine, and calculator
  • Two-way radio
  • Dry-erase board
  • Bio Facts and various learning-based materials
  •  Educational animals
  • Sanitation tools, products, and PPE as needed

This job description is representative of the expectations for the position described. Additional duties,
reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief
Executive Officer/President, or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made
without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.
The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute
an employment contract and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job
description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.


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