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Zoo Keeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of El Paso

Zoo Keeper

El Paso, TX · On-site

$37K - $54K/yr

Answer questions from other staff and the public regarding zoo animals, exhibits and related. Interact with the public in keeper chats/encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, media interviews, or other ...

City of El Paso, TX

Zoo Keeper

El Paso, TX · On-site

$37K - $54K/yr

Answer questions from other staff and the public regarding zoo animals, exhibits and related. Interact with the public in keeper chats/encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, media interviews, or other ...

Sarasota Jungle Gardens

Zoo Keeper

Sarasota, FL · On-site

Keeper Intro Department: Animal Custodial Reporting Relationship: Lead/Supervisor Work Schedule: Minimum 30-40 Hour Week Status: Hourly Salary Range: Summary of Duties: Responsible for performing day ...

Audubon Institute

Zoo Keeper (Primates)

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$18 - $24.25/hr

Zookeeper-Primates Department: Animal Reports To: Assistant Curator of Section working Location ... Keeper position. Additional benchmarks would need to be met and/or a timeline created to achieve ...

City of Alexandria, LA

Zoo Keeper I

Alexandria, LA · On-site

$27K - $32K/yr

... other zoos. Handles, prepares, and/or maintains the appropriate paperwork necessary to the functions of this position: records and files keeper daily reports, animal medical records, animal ...

City of Alexandria, LA

Zoo Keeper I

Alexandria, LA

$27K - $32K/yr

... other zoos. Handles, prepares, and/or maintains the appropriate paperwork necessary to the functions of this position: records and files keeper daily reports, animal medical records, animal ...

Audubon Institute

Zoo Keeper (Asian Domain)

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$18 - $24.25/hr

Facility Zoo Position Title: Keeper Reports to: Assistant Curator Position Type: Full-time Department: Asian Domain Who We Are Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon ...

The CALDWELL ZOO

Night Keeper 2ndShift

Tyler, TX · On-site

2nd Shift Night Zoo Keeper needed at the Caldwell Zoo. Must be able to work from 3:15 pm to 11:45 pm. Job Summary : Provides daily care and maintenance of assigned animals and their exhibits by ...

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How much do zoo keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for zoo keeper in the United States is $19.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by zoo keepers in their daily routines?

Zoo keepers often encounter a variety of challenges, including managing the diverse needs of different animal species, maintaining strict safety protocols, and balancing routine care with unexpected situations like animal illnesses or enclosure repairs. The role requires physical stamina, adaptability, and strong observational skills to notice subtle changes in animal behavior. Additionally, zoo keepers frequently work in all weather conditions and collaborate closely with veterinarians, educators, and maintenance staff to ensure the well-being of the animals and the smooth operation of the zoo.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Zoo Keeper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Zoo Keeper, you typically need a background in animal science, biology, or a related field, along with hands-on experience working with animals. Familiarity with animal management software, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications such as Certified Zoo Professional can be important. Strong observation skills, attention to detail, communication, and teamwork set outstanding zoo keepers apart. These skills are vital for ensuring animal welfare, maintaining safe environments, and educating the public effectively.

What does a zoo keeper do?

A zoo keeper is responsible for the daily care and welfare of animals in a zoo. Their duties include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and providing enrichment activities to stimulate natural behaviors. Zoo keepers also educate the public about the animals and their habitats, and may assist with breeding programs and conservation efforts. They work closely with veterinarians and other staff to ensure the animals are healthy and safe.

What is the difference between Zoo Keeper vs Animal Care Technician?

AspectZoo KeeperAnimal Care Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions prefer certifications in animal careHigh school diploma; certifications in animal handling or veterinary assisting beneficial
Work EnvironmentZoos, aquariums, wildlife parks; outdoor and indoor settingsVeterinary clinics, animal shelters, zoos; indoor and outdoor settings
Job DutiesFeeding, cleaning, monitoring animal health, enrichment activitiesFeeding, cleaning, assisting with medical procedures, observing animals

Zoo Keepers and Animal Care Technicians share similar environments and responsibilities related to animal husbandry. However, Zoo Keepers typically work in zoos or aquariums with a focus on daily animal care and enrichment, while Animal Care Technicians often work in veterinary or shelter settings assisting with medical care. Both roles require a passion for animals and relevant certifications, but Zoo Keepers usually have more specialized training related to zoo animals.

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Zoo Keeper jobs near you
Zoo Keeper

Zoo Keeper

City of El Paso

El Paso, TX • On-site

$37K - $54K/yr

Other

Posted 26 days ago

City Of El Paso (Texas) rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

250th of 644 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Requirements MOS Code: None Education and Experience: High School Diploma or GED, or higher, and one (1) year of confined animal care and handling experience, excluding personal pets. Licenses and Certificates: Texas Class "C" Driver's License or equivalent from another state. General Purpose Under immediate supervision, provide proficient and excellent care for the zoo's animals in accordance with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) animal health, welfare and conservation principles, standards and practices.

Typical Duties Feed, water and care for exotic zoo animals and clean and maintain animal enclosures. Involves: Prepare regular and special diets to feed animals. Clean, disinfect and maintain holding areas, enclosures and exhibit areas.

Maintain safety of animals, self, coworkers, and public. Monitor animal health and well-being. Report animal illness or injury to appropriate staff.

Assist veterinary staff with administering medications, providing treatment and restraining for medical procedures and/or exams. Assist with behavioral conditioning and enrichment programs for animals. Involves: Utilize system of positive reinforcement techniques to achieve desired behaviors to meet health and/or husbandry needs.

Provide animals with interactive items and activities to relieve stress and encourage natural behaviors. Assist other zoo staff and the public. Involves: Identify maintenance problems and resolve or report as necessary.

Assist with grounds and landscaping maintenance and construction. Test water quality in aquatic exhibits. Answer questions from other staff and the public regarding zoo animals, exhibits and related.

Interact with the public in keeper chats/encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, media interviews, or other public educational presentations and event interactions. General Information For the complete job specification, click here. Note: This eligible list will be used to fill full-time and part-time positions.

Note: Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. This position will close when a preset number of qualified applications have been received. Important Note: The required Supplemental Questions and answers are considered an examination component and will generate a score.

Applicants are being tested on a conditional basis pending a review of minimum qualifications. Applications will be reviewed for applicants who pass the Supplemental Questions exam. Per CSC Rules & Regulations, after review of the minimum qualifications for applicants that pass the Supplemental Questions exam, a passing score, combined with applicable seniority points and veteran points, will be used to create a list of candidates.

Please note: Applicants with foreign diplomas, transcripts, and degrees must have all documents translated and evaluated by an agency of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) prior to submitting them to the Human Resources Department. Please visit www.naces.org/members for more information. A resume and/or other documents will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application

Comments such as "See resume" are not acceptable and will result in the application being considered incomplete. To qualify for this position, the required education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be clearly stated on your application's employment history. We do not use any information on your resume to review if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

Failure to fully detail all experience and job duties in the application, or copying/pasting directly from the job specification, or responses referring to your resume will eliminate you from consideration for the position.

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