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Zoo Engineer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

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Zoo Engineer information

See Ohio salary details

$56.6K

$86K

$145.9K

How much do zoo engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for zoo engineer in Ohio is $86,048.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,100.00 and $99,800.00 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 Ohio? The most popular types of Zoo Engineer jobs in Ohio are:
What are popular job titles related to Zoo Engineer jobs in Ohio? For Zoo Engineer jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Zoo Engineer jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Zoo Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Zoo Engineer job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,048 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Bug Zoo Program Specialist

The Ohio State University

Wooster, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

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Job Title:
Bug Zoo Program Specialist
Department:
FAES | Entomology
Under the supervision of the Department of Entomology Manager of Community Outreach, manage operations and programming for Department of Entomology's United Titanium Bug Zoo (UTBZ) on the CFAES Wooster campus.
Outreach Programing: Assists with the design of intentional educational outreach activities and curriculum focused on the disciplines of entomology and related fields. Collaborates with the Manager, Community Outreach to plan, deliver, and evaluate the educational outreach programming both at the UTBZ and off site as needed. Utilizes the UTBZ to deliver in-person and virtual educational activities; offers local, in-school, classroom visits; facilitates self-guided tours for the public. Maintains a working knowledge of state educational standards that allows for the design of impactful programming. Coordinates visits to the UTBZ and participation in off-site outreach as needed. Assists with the development and implementation of tools for assessing the impact of outreach for continuous improvement of programming. This position has a strong focus on K-12 outreach that aligns with state science education standards and in providing outreach to the public of all ages that emphasizes the work of the Department of Entomology and CFAES.
Arthropod Care: Follows established standard operating procedures to ensure the proper animal care and culture including handling of arthropods and their waste; designs interpretive displays and enclosures; maintains invertebrate cultures and host plant facility; curates the department's extensive live insect specimen collection.
Engagement: Assists with the recruiting and training of CFAES students, interns and volunteer "Insect Ambassadors" to deliver outreach to the public; develops engaging educational materials and designs artistic interpretive displays. Assists with creation of program promotional materials, including UTBZ digital content for the department's communications via email, web and social media platforms that conform to university and CFAES brand standards. Assists in fundraising activities by developing relationships with community leaders and potential donors; finds and applies for applicable grants.
Provides regular feedback to the Department of Entomology Manager of Community Outreach on activities and impacts and for the Department Chair for annual reporting and planning.
Position located in Wooster Ohio, on the CFAES Wooster Campus in the Wooster Science Building.
Required Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in relevant field or 2 years of experience providing arthropod educational outreach programming focused on the disciplines of STEAM, including the development, planning, coordinating, delivering, and evaluation of outreach activities; working with schools, cooperating with Ohio State Extension and other relevant state and federal agencies; fundraising experience required; excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with diverse clientele; 2 years of experience working with live arthropods; possesses a general knowledge of horticulture.
Desired Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in relevant field and 2-4 years of experience years of experience providing arthropod educational outreach programming focused on the disciplines of STEAM, including the development, planning, coordinating, delivering, and evaluation of outreach activities; working with schools, cooperating with Ohio State Extension and other relevant state and federal agencies; 5+ years of experience working with live arthropods. Possesses knowledge of specific woody and herbaceous host plant identification and propagation necessary for insect feeding and care.
Additional Information:
This job profile is a Community Outreach Analyst 2 (S2 level) on the career roadmap.
The offer for this position will fall within the positions pay range based on internal equity, unit's available budget, and the candidate's qualifications
Location:
Thorne Hall (0412)
Position Type:
Regular
Scheduled Hours:
40
Shift:
First Shift
Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.
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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.