ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Zoo Exhibit Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Controls Engineer

Monterey, CA · On-site

$96K - $123K/yr

Design and install PLC panels, wiring, sensors, transducers, and all other aspects of exhibit ... Experience working with aquarium or zoo life support systems * Experience using AutoCad

Maymont Foundation

Lead Aquarist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20/hr

Participates in exhibit improvement, design and other planning.Must be flexible in schedule ... zoo or related facility utilizing life support systemsAdditionally, the ideal candidate will be ...

Maymont Foundation

Lead Aquarist

Richmond, VA

$43K - $56K/yr

Participates in exhibit improvement, design and other planning. * Must be flexible in schedule ... aquarium, zoo or related facility utilizing life support systems * Additionally, the ideal ...

SEA LIFE

Curator

East Rutherford, NJ · On-site

Leads the site with complete understanding of Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) policies and ... to LSS design and installation, exhibit collection planning, and aquarium theming concepts.

SEA LIFE

Curator

East Rutherford, NJ

Leads the site with complete understanding of Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) policies and ... to LSS design and installation, exhibit collection planning, and aquarium theming concepts.

Maymont Foundation

Lead Aquarist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20/hr

Participates in exhibit improvement, design and other planning. * Must be flexible in schedule ... aquarium, zoo or related facility utilizing life support systems * Additionally, the ideal ...

SEA LIFE

Curator

East Rutherford, NJ · On-site

Leads the site with complete understanding of Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) policies and ... to LSS design and installation, exhibit collection planning, and aquarium theming concepts.

Merlin Entertainments

Curator

East Rutherford, NJ · On-site

Leads the site with complete understanding of Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) policies and ... to LSS design and installation, exhibit collection planning, and aquarium theming concepts.

Smithsonian Institution

Museum Specialist

Chantilly, VA · On-site +1

$70K - $111K/yr

... Zoo. This position is located in the National Air and Space Museum (NASM), Preservation ... Design and construct forms, jigs, cradles, dollies and slings as needed to safely handle the ...

Smithsonian Institution

Museum Specialist

Chantilly, VA · On-site +1

$70K - $111K/yr

... Zoo. This position is located in the National Air and Space Museum (NASM), Preservation ... Design and construct forms, jigs, cradles, dollies and slings as needed to safely handle the ...

The Living Planet Aquarium

Horticulture Manager

Draper, UT · On-site

$58K/yr

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2019, LLPA is in an exciting phase ... This includes overseeing the design, development, and daily care of the living plant collection and ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsArts And Entertainment JobsEntertainment JobsAnimal Show Entertainer 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 Sep 12, 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?

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 zoo exhibit design?

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 are popular job titles for Zoo Exhibit Design?

Popular job titles for Zoo Exhibit Design:

Zoo Exhibit Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Exhibit Design job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Internship, 82% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,220 per year, or $28 per hour.

Life Support Systems Maintainer, New York Aquarium

New York, NY • On-site

New York Aquarium
Scientific Research and Development Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about New York Aquariumexternal

$53K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Installs, operates, monitors, and ensures proper functioning of equipment vital to life support systems and exhibit water features.

  • Performs preventive maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting on life support equipment and related systems.

  • Maintains accurate records of water quality, system operations, and repairs, and communicates with staff regarding water quality and system issues.

Job description

Title: Life Support Systems Maintainer
Reports To: Life Support Manager
Position Managed: M/A
Department: Plant Engineer
Location: New York Aquarium
Employment Type: Union, Non-Exempt, Full-Time
Salary: $53,997
About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS):
WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world's premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean.  We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence.  Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.
Position Summary:  
The Life Support Systems (LSS) Maintainer is a technical, safety-sensitive, and essential position responsible for the safe operation, monitoring, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of NYA's fresh-water and seawater systems and other related work as required.  This position is expected to perform high-quality work in support of NYA's mission to provide uninterrupted and optimal life support conditions for the living collection and excellent water clarity for the visitor experience. 
Principal Responsibilities:

  • Installs, operates, monitors, and ensures proper functioning of all equipment vital to the operation of animal exhibits, quarantine and holding, and life support systems and exhibit water features (e.g., pumps, valves, filters, ozone generators, UV sterilizers, backwashes, generators).

  •  Maintains efficient operation of backwash recovery system and water reclamation in order to reclaim at least 95% on marine systems.

  • Prepares and maintains saltwater batches and water transfers on large systems. Maintains proper water quality using sanitizers, ozone, and other chemicals. 

  • Maintains proper water filtration for turbidity/clarity.

  • Performs PM tasks and affects necessary repairs on all life-support related equipment including, but not limited to: freshwater and seawater pumps, filters, heat exchangers, valves, pressure regulators and automation equipment, low-voltage systems, ozone equipment, UV sterilizers, air prep units, blowers, building hardware, LSS plumbing, generators and other duties as deemed necessary to maintain life support operations.

  • Communicates daily with supervisor, plant engineering staff, co-workers, animal staff, and laboratory staff with regard to LSS and water quality issues as they relate to animal health and exhibit function/appearance.

  • Works closely with co-workers to ensure all scheduled and unscheduled water changes, transfers, and tank-drop procedures are completed safely and efficiently.

  • Assists in the design and installation of new filtration systems. Interprets blueprints and equipment drawings.

  • Responsible for maintaining accurate records; generates work orders and daily log sheets in a neat and orderly fashion; uses a computer, MS Office, and MS Outlook.

  • Performs various troubleshooting techniques related to system problems and/or malfunctions and responds to emergencies.

  • Assures safety of self, animals, co-workers, and visitors by observing safety guidelines around the animals, equipment, and vehicles.

  • Utilizes chemical supply products and follows standardized usage guidelines and safety information as set by the Material Data Sheets and makes recommendations to curator staff on compliance-related issues.

  • Reads, understands, and utilizes technical manuals and data regarding LSS operations, methodology, and equipment.

Apply