ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Zoo Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sedgwick County

PT Zookeeper - Mammals - ZOO

Wichita, KS · On-site

$20.72/hr

Animal Care and Management * Ensure animals are housed and cared for in ways that meet all Zoo-defined goals. * Demonstrate and maintain knowledge of basic mammalian natural history, behavior, and ...

Sedgwick County

PT Zookeeper - Mammals - ZOO

Wichita, KS · On-site

$20.72/hr

Animal Care and Management * Ensure animals are housed and cared for in ways that meet all Zoo-defined goals. * Demonstrate and maintain knowledge of basic mammalian natural history, behavior, and ...

SeaWorld

Zoological Supervisor

Busch, AR · On-site

The supervisor will also work alongside other members of the management team to support Zoo needs, evolve guest interactions for increased guest satisfaction, and promote conservation through ...

Dallas Zoo

Senior Zoologist - Birds

Dallas, TX · On-site

Eligible to serve in Chair positions on Dallas Zoo Management internal committees Perform other duties as assigned. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Associate's degree in an animal science, biology, or ...

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper II, Wildlife Connections

Houston, TX · On-site

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. Job Duties and ... Understands and applies the basic principles of animal enrichment as part of the daily management ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsZoo Manager Jobs

Zoo Manager information

See salary details

$211

$7.7K

How much do zoo manager jobs pay per week?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average weekly pay for zoo manager in the United States is $826.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $413.46 and $961.54 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Zoo Manager, you need expertise in animal care, facility operations, and staff management, typically supported by a degree in zoology, biology, or a related field. Familiarity with animal management software, regulatory compliance systems, and budgeting tools is also important. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help in managing teams and addressing the diverse challenges of running a zoo. These skills ensure animal welfare, regulatory adherence, and a positive experience for both staff and visitors.

What are some common challenges a Zoo Manager faces in balancing animal welfare with operational responsibilities?

Zoo Managers often navigate the complex balance between ensuring top-tier animal care and managing operational tasks such as budgeting, staffing, and guest services. Prioritizing animal welfare requires coordinating with veterinarians, curators, and keepers to maintain proper habitats and enrichment, while also handling logistical duties and regulatory compliance. A key challenge is making decisions that support both animal health and the zoo's financial sustainability, often requiring creative problem-solving and strong leadership. Collaboration with diverse teams is essential to address unforeseen issues quickly and maintain high standards across all areas.

What does a Zoo Manager do?

A Zoo Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a zoo, ensuring the welfare of animals, and managing staff such as keepers, educators, and veterinarians. They coordinate animal care, develop and implement policies, manage budgets, and work to ensure the zoo meets all regulatory and safety standards. Zoo Managers may also be involved in conservation programs, public education initiatives, and community outreach. Their role requires strong leadership skills, knowledge of animal husbandry, and effective communication with various stakeholders.
More about Zoo Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Zoo Manager jobs? Cities with the most Zoo Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo jobs? The most popular types of Zoo jobs are:
What states have the most Zoo Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Zoo Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Zoo Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Zoo Manager jobs are:
Zoo Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,966 per year, or $20.7 per hour.
Animal Keeper 1 (African Watering Hole)

Animal Keeper 1 (African Watering Hole)

Maryland Zoo

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$19.20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Maryland Zoo is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status
General Summary: The Animal Keeper 1 (African Watering Hole) will provide care and maintenance of the animals and their associated exhibits and holding areas. The Animal Keeper is responsible for working collaboratively with other keepers and coworkers to achieve departmental and Zoo-wide initiatives. The Animal Keeper will report to their assigned Area Manager and the General Curator. Additionally, the Animal Keeper will support the Zoo's mission to save wildlife and protect wild places and contribute to its environmental, social, governance sustianability, conservation, education, and DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion) goals.
Essential Functions:
Primary Function:
  • Provides basic daily husbandry, food and water for animals in assigned area in accordance with department and area standards
  • Observes behavior and physical condition of animals, and reports concerns to area supervisor
  • Transfers animals between enclosures in accordance with department and area standards, and follows established safety guidelines
  • Provides approved enrichment to animals in compliance with behavior team requirements
  • Participates in approved training programs in compliance with behavior team requirements
  • Maintains daily electronic records to track animal behavior and well-being over time
  • Attends annual welfare assessments and submits regular welfare evaluations
  • Participates in data collection for approved behavior and research projects
  • Participates in animal medical procedures as directed by the area supervisor
  • Participates in animal escape drills and incidents as directed by the recapture coordinator
  • Conducts daily inspections of animal facilities, animal equipment and area buildings for structural defects and potential safety issues, and reports concerns to area supervisor
  • Performs minor repairs and maintenance of animal facilities, animal equipment and area buildings as needed
  • Maintains cleanliness of animal facilities, area buildings, public spaces and back of house areas
  • Implements pest control measures as needed, and in accordance with the Zoo's pest control program
  • Complies with all AZA standards and USDA regulations
  • Adheres to all policies and procedures of the department and the Zoo
  • May train new staff on daily area routines with oversight from higher level keepers or manager.

Communication (Internal and External):
  • Completes daily records for tracking animal health, animal behavior, enrichment and training
  • Reviews area records and updates in order to stay informed of new developments and changes in assigned area
  • Checks Zoo email regularly for updates from department and Zoo management
  • Provides area supervisor with timely updates on animal concerns
  • Actively participates in team meetings, discussions and debriefings
  • Adheres to the Zoo's communication policy regarding social media posts and confidentiality
  • Enhances the guest experience by actively engaging with visitors
  • Supports the Zoo's mission by sharing the organization's conservation messages with visitors and the general public

Management of Resources (financial, human resources, facilities):
  • Proper storage and use of animal food items and animal medications
  • Proper use and care of Zoo radios and cell phones, and timely reporting of issues
  • Safe use of Zoo vehicles and timely reporting of issues, including any accidents
  • Maintenance and safe use of tools and minor equipment, including kitchen knives

Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in zoology, biology, or a related field of study strongly preferred.

Experience/Training:
  • At least one year of animal care experience with applicable species preferred
  • Zoo experience preferred (paid or unpaid)
  • Understanding of current trends in animal training and behavior management
  • Able to collect and collate data for studying animal behavior
  • Familiarity with electronic communication and record-keeping
  • Must possess a valid driver's license

Traits Desirable:
  • Ability to work with a wide variety of individuals from ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds;
  • Ability to operate both independently and as part of a team in a productive, respectful, and efficient manner with proper time management skills;
  • Extremely well organized, self-directed, collaborative, and detail oriented; and,
  • Possess a positive attitude and a general philosophy/outlook in line with the Zoo's mission.

Equipment:
  • Must be able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including computer, telephone, radio, and vehicles, hand tools, animal restraint and capture devices, incubators, gardening/carpentry tools and machinery, scales, etc.

Working Conditions:
  • Must be able to lift 75 pounds with assistance and 50 pounds unassisted as needed;
  • Must be able to climb a ladder carrying up to 15 pounds;
  • Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 25 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
  • Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work; Must be able to stand and remain active for an eight-hour shift; must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, push, pull, climb, balance;
  • Must be able to travel large areas of the Zoo on foot as needed;
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, holidays, and special events;
  • Must be able to work in an outdoor weather environment in all seasons and weather, including heat/humidity, cold temperatures, and/or wet conditions;
  • Exposure to zoonotic diseases and risk of animal attack;
  • Exposure to potential environmental hazards such as poison oak/ivy, uneven terrain, insect bites/stings, and Hepatitis B depending on the position; and,
  • Initial tuberculosis (TB) test and physical required.

Benefits:
  • We offer an excellent benefits package including 24 days of Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick and Safe Leave, and 2 paid holidays.
  • Eligible for medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability and life insurance.
  • 401(k) with employer match.

Disclaimer:
The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified. Therefore, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change.
Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.

Apply