ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Zoo Exhibit Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Denver Zoo

Animal Care Specialist-Birds

Denver, CO · On-site

$24.20 - $28.90/hr

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and ... exhibit maintenance, design, and renovation; good record-keeping skills; and the ability to work ...

Denver Zoo

Animal Care Specialist-Birds

Denver, CO

$24.20 - $28.90/hr

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and ... exhibit maintenance, design, and renovation; good record-keeping skills; and the ability to work ...

Ideum

Producer

Corrales, NM · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

We produce projects for museums, zoos & aquariums, visitor centers, and tradeshows. A Producer will ... design and exhibit development approaches for different types of clients, design and production ...

Houston Zoo

Dive Safety Officer

Houston, TX · On-site

Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. Job Duties and ... Design and implement a Dive Operation following industry best practices. . * Schedules staff divers ...

houstonzoo

Dive Safety Officer

Houston, TX

Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. Job Duties and ... Design and implement a Dive Operation following industry best practices. . * Schedules staff divers ...

houstonzoo

Dive Safety Officer

Houston, TX

Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. Job Duties and ... Design and implement a Dive Operation following industry best practices. . * Schedules staff divers ...

Adventure Aquarium

Biologist I F&I

Camden, NJ · On-site

$48K/yr

Help design and construct new exhibit life support systems. * Cross-train with other staff within ... a zoo or aquarium institution, with an emphasis on animal care and maintenance of exhibit and ...

New Jersey Aquarium LLC

Biologist I F&I

Camden, NJ

$48K/yr

Help design and construct new exhibit life support systems. * Cross-train with other staff within ... a zoo or aquarium institution, with an emphasis on animal care and maintenance of exhibit and ...

Zoological Society

Gardener

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$23.85/hr

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium POSITION POSTING Position Title : Gardener Department: Horticulture ... Maintains indoor and outdoor exhibit area in accordance with departmental policy, disseminates ...

Laborup

Director of Grounds & Horticulture

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Event & Exhibit Support: Lead setup, takedown, and design of special exhibits or event-related ... Experience in museums, parks, theme parks, zoos, or other public attractions highly preferred.

ODYSEA AQUARIUM LLC

Animal Care Specialist I

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

Develop skills with design, development, and construction of new exhibits and/or life support ... zoo, aquarium, or similar facility. Emphasis should be on animal care and maintenance of exhibit ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsZoo Exhibit Design Jobs

Zoo Exhibit Design information

See salary details

$14

$27

$44

How much do zoo exhibit design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for zoo exhibit design in the United States is $27.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $31.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Zoo Exhibit Design job?

A Zoo Exhibit Design job involves creating engaging, safe, and naturalistic habitats for animals in zoos and wildlife parks. Designers must balance animal welfare, visitor experience, and educational goals while considering environmental and sustainability factors. This role requires collaboration with zoologists, architects, and engineers to ensure the habitat meets the physical and behavioral needs of the animals. Tasks may include research, sketching concepts, overseeing construction, and ensuring regulatory compliance. The goal is to design exhibits that foster conservation awareness while providing enriching environments for both animals and visitors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Zoo Exhibit Design position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Zoo Exhibit Design, you need a background in architecture, landscape design, or a related field, along with knowledge of animal welfare and habitat requirements. Proficiency with CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and an understanding of industry standards like AZA accreditation guidelines are typically required. Creativity, collaboration, and strong problem-solving skills are vital for balancing animal needs with visitor experience and operational constraints. These skills ensure that exhibits are safe, engaging, sustainable, and compliant with professional standards.

What are some of the main challenges faced by professionals in zoo exhibit design?

Zoo exhibit designers commonly face the challenge of creating environments that meet the complex physical and psychological needs of diverse animal species while also engaging and educating the public. Balancing budget constraints, regulatory requirements, and the integration of evolving animal welfare standards into the design process can be demanding. Designers often collaborate with veterinarians, animal keepers, engineers, and educators to ensure the exhibits are functional, safe, and enriching for both animals and visitors. This multidisciplinary nature requires adaptability and continuous learning to keep up with best practices in both design and animal care.

More about Zoo Exhibit Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Zoo Exhibit Design jobs? Cities with the most Zoo Exhibit Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo Exhibit Design jobs? The most popular types of Zoo Exhibit Design jobs are:
What states have the most Zoo Exhibit Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Zoo Exhibit Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Zoo Exhibit Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Zoo Exhibit Design jobs are:
Zoo Exhibit Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Exhibit Design job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,220 per year, or $28 per hour.

Animal Care Specialist-Birds

Denver Zoo

Denver, CO • On-site

$24.20 - $28.90/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission of Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.
DZCA honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect, and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.
The Animal Care Specialist (Birds) will support Denver Zoo's mission by providing safe exhibition, handling, feeding, and husbandry to the Zoo's bird collection. The bird division comprises a diverse bird collection of ratites, water birds, cranes, raptors, hornbills, and a large variety of soft-bill species. In addition, the institution has significantly supported bird programs, including an avian propagation center, an interactive Lorikeet feeding experience, and new bird exhibits for African penguins and two species of flamingos.
We are looking for a candidate with a solid understanding of Operant Conditioning training techniques who will help guide and lead a growing department training program with a high emphasis on guest interactions. The candidate should also have some experience in the capture and restraint of varied bird species; exhibit maintenance, design, and renovation; good record-keeping skills; and the ability to work well as part of a team. In addition, avian artificial incubation and hand-rearing experience is desirable but not required.
Our team is made up of passionate and diverse professionals dedicated to providing excellent care for our animals while creating meaningful experiences for our guests. If you're excited to contribute your skills in a collaborative and innovative environment, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is the place for you!
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Animal Care
  • Help drive a growing animal training program for guest engagement and interactions.
  • Provide innovative animal husbandry that follows AZA and USDA standards.
  • Maintain proper animal enclosures/props/exhibits and Life Support Systems where appropriate.
  • Capture, handle, and move animals using accepted DZCA practices to facilitate internal movement, external shipping, medical procedures, or normal routines.
  • Monitoring of physical and behavioral aspects of the animals under assigned care.
  • Record data and prepare assigned reports/records (i.e., daily reports, enclosure logs, facility logs, water quality logs, etc.) and other pertinent data on the collection and facilities as required.

Collaboration
  • Work closely with other team members to achieve area goals and expectations.
  • Train fellow keepers, interns, and volunteers in standard section routines.
  • Cooperate and coordinate with other departments (e.g., education, maintenance, horticulture) and outside contractors.
  • Maintain professional working relationships with zoo team members.
  • Actively participate in conservation and research projects as assigned.
  • Participate in and support zoo-wide initiatives, committees, and workgroups.

Guest Experience
  • Interact with DZCA guests in both formal and informal settings, providing insight into the animals and their care.
  • Provide area behind-the-scenes tours, daily guest interactions, keeper talks, and special events in areas of responsibility as needed.
  • Participate in educational programs as assigned.
  • Maintain a professional appearance, following uniform guidelines.

Facilities and Operations
  • Respond to zoo-wide animal-related emergencies.
  • Coordinate the efforts of contractors and maintenance staff when they are working in animal areas.
  • Follow DZCA safety protocols.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to DZCA Occupational Health, Safety, Environmental & Sustainability Policies by adhering to all environmental, safety, & health regulations, procedures, and goals.

Technical/Professional Requirements & Qualifications
A total of 6 years combined experience between education AND zookeeper experience in the care, feeding, and handling of a variety of exotic animals in an AZA-accredited institution
  • Degree in Zoo Animal Technology, Biology, or a science-based field, or animal behavior/psychology required, or in a related field
  • Zookeeper experience in the care, feeding, and handling of a variety of exotic animals in an AZA-accredited institution.
  • Ability, with proper training, to work in all aspects of animal care, husbandry, and training within the department in which the individual is assigned.
  • Work on weekends and holidays is required.
  • Operate a variety of light and medium equipment.

Position Conditions
  • Ability to pass a physical examination, background check, and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
  • Clear driving record.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Compensation
The range for this position is $24.20 - $28.90 (hourly).
A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits
Join our team and enjoy a wide variety of great benefits, including:
  • Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
  • 403(b) Retirement Account with employer match
  • Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
  • A Family DZCA Membership with discounted tickets to special events
  • Concession and retail discounts, plus free parking
  • And so much more!

Application Process & Timelines
Resumes / Completed applications must be submitted by June 15, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately. DZCA reserves the right to close the position before this date.
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
www.denverzoo.org
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply