ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Zoo Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

John Ball Zoo

Seasonal Zoo Educator

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$14/hr

Schedules vary, but the majority of programming falls between 8:30am-4pm. Hours vary weekly between 15-35 hours. PAY RATE : Starting at $14.00 / Hour WHATS IN IT FOR YOU? * Zoo Membership - during ...

BWL

Lead Grid Operations Engineer, OT

Lansing, MI

$107K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Starting Salary Range: $107,000.00 - $142,009.00 Lead Grid Operations Engineer, OT in Lansing, MI ... Zoo, professional sports, the arts, and fine dining. THE BOARD OF WATER & LIGHT IS AN EQUAL ...

BWL

Lead Grid Operations Engineer, OT

Lansing, MI · On-site

$107K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Starting Salary Range: $107,000.00 - $142,009.00 Lead Grid Operations Engineer, OT in Lansing, MI ... Zoo, professional sports, the arts, and fine dining. THE BOARD OF WATER & LIGHT IS AN EQUAL ...

FastTek

Programmer Analyst

Lansing, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Programmer Analyst #1062399 Position Description: The position is responsible for providing ongoing ... of Zookeeper and Kafka KRaft concepts using strimzi operator. * Experience with batch processing ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsZoo Engineer JobsZoo Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Zoo Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$51.9K

$78.9K

$133.8K

How much do zoo engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for zoo engineer in Michigan is $78,889.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,700.00 and $91,500.00 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 Michigan?

The most popular types of Zoo Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Zoo Engineer jobs in Michigan?

For Zoo Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Zoo Engineer jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Zoo Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Zoo Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Zoo Engineer job openings:

Zoo Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,889 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

Seasonal Zoo Educator

John Ball Zoo

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

$14/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 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

JOB SUMMARY
Join our dynamic School amp; Youth Education team at John Ball and inspire young explorers to connect with nature, delve into captivating animal habitats, and engage in hands-on activities that ignite curiosity and foster creativity. As a Zoo Educator, you'll facilitate school groups ages K-12 in STEM lessons including Penguineering, Exhibit Design, and provide behind the scenes tours of areas like our Commissary and Aquarium. You'll join our diverse team who collaborate to ensure we're continuously improving programs and aligning with our state science standards.
Zoo Educators typically work Monday-Friday, with some evenings and weekends. Schedules vary, but the majority of programming falls between 8:30am-4pm. Hours vary weekly between 15-35 hours.
PAY RATE: Starting at $14.00 / Hour
WHATS IN IT FOR YOU?
  • Zoo Membership – during employment ($135 Value) 
  • Free Bus Passes  
  • Free Lunches
  • Incentive Opportunities for Close Encounters and Behind-The-Scenes Tours
  • Tickets to Special Events  
  • Reward-Based Incentives  
  • Flexible Scheduling (Student amp; Retiree Friendly) 
  • Personal amp; Professional Development Opportunities  
  • Easy Application!
WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • Will work in various environments both inside and outside and may occasionally be exposed to inclement weather, temperature and air quality variations.
  • Must be able to work in relative proximity to exotic and domestic animals and tolerate exposure to animal dander, animal wastes and other zoonotic contaminants as well as dust, dirt, pollen and other airborne contaminants.
  • While performing the essential functions of this position the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical hazards; noxious fumes; blood borne pathogens; cleaning compounds; solvents; detergents; noise; and other hazards.

WHAT WE REQUIRE
  • Must be 18+ to apply
  • Prior experience in education preferred
  • Must pass background check and Central Registry Check
  • Must be available to work weekends and evenings when needed
John Ball Zoo is a drug-free workplace under federal regulations. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

What John Ball Zoo employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply