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Zoo No Experience Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Qualifying experience may include work in a: Zoo or aquarium. Wildlife rehabilitation center. Animal sanctuary. Veterinary hospital or clinic. Animal shelter or rescue organization. Stable, ranch ...

Security Officer

Brea, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $20/hr

No experience necessary! If you have retail, food service or hospitality industry background you are a great fit for this role; if not, we will provide you with the training and everything you need ...

No experience necessary! If you have retail, food service or hospitality industry background you are a great fit for this role; if not, we will provide you with the training and everything you need ...

Warehouse Security Officer

Fontana, CA

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

No experience necessary! If you have retail, food service or hospitality industry background you are a great fit for this role; if not, we will provide you with the training and everything you need ...

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Zoo No Experience information

Can I get a job at the zoo with no experience?

Zoo entry-level positions such as animal care or visitor services often do not require prior experience and may provide on-the-job training. Having a passion for animals, good communication skills, and a willingness to learn can improve your chances of securing such roles.

What is a zoo no experience job?

'Zoo No Experience' jobs are entry-level positions at zoos that do not require prior experience working with animals or in a zoo environment. These roles are ideal for individuals who are passionate about animals and conservation but are new to the field. Common positions may include guest services, ticketing, maintenance, or educational assistants. While you may not work directly with animals at first, these jobs provide valuable exposure to zoo operations and can be a stepping stone to more specialized roles. Many zoos offer on-the-job training to help new employees build the necessary skills and knowledge.

What entry-level tasks can I expect to perform when starting at a zoo with no prior experience?

If you’re beginning your career at a zoo without previous experience, you’ll likely start with foundational tasks that support animal care and guest services. Common responsibilities include preparing animal diets, cleaning enclosures, assisting with educational programs, and providing information to visitors. You may also help with maintenance and record-keeping under the supervision of more experienced staff. These duties provide valuable exposure to animal care routines and zoo operations, laying the groundwork for future advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a zoo employee with no experience?

To thrive as a zoo employee with no experience, you generally need a high school diploma, a strong interest in animal care, and a willingness to learn on the job. Basic familiarity with safety protocols and the ability to follow instructions are important, and some positions may require training in first aid or animal handling provided by the employer. Soft skills such as reliability, teamwork, communication, and a positive attitude help you stand out and adapt to varied daily tasks. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring animal welfare, visitor safety, and a smooth operation within the zoo environment.

What is the difference between Zoo No Experience vs Zoo Keeper?

AspectZoo No ExperienceZoo Keeper
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; no formal experience neededHigh school diploma; relevant certifications or animal care courses often preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, often supervised, basic animal handlingHands-on animal care, maintenance, and habitat management
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level roles for those interested in zoo workProfessional animal care roles in zoos and aquariums

Zoo No Experience positions are ideal for individuals starting in the industry with minimal qualifications, focusing on basic tasks. Zoo Keeper roles require some credentials and involve direct animal care, habitat maintenance, and more responsibility. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right entry point or advancement in zoo careers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Zoo jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Zoo No Experience jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Zoo No Experience jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Zoo No Experience jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Zoo No Experience jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Zoo No Experience jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Zoo No Experience job openings:

Infographic showing various Zoo No Experience job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

$19.41 - $28.18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


San Bernardino County rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

483rd of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The Job -THIS IS A SPECIAL DISTRICTS POSITION- The San Bernardino County Special Districts - Big Bear Park and Recreation is recruiting for an Animal Keeper I to perform general and routine animal care tasks under supervision at the District's Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Primary duties include feeding exotic animals, observing and documenting animal behavior, answering questions from the public, assisting with presentations, animal training, performing maintenance in and around animal enclosures, and maintaining a high level of Animal Care Standards. This position is located in the mountain area of Big Bear, CA (approximately 1 hour/45 miles from downtown San Bernardino, CA).

For more detailed information, refer to the Animal Keeper I job description. EXCELLENT BENEFITS To review job-specific benefits, refer to: Summary of Benefits and the Non-Represented Employee Compensation Plan The County also offers an alternative Modified Benefits Option (MBO) that provides a wage differential. ABOUT BIG BEAR ALPINE ZOO The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a rehabilitation facility offering injured, orphaned and imprinted wild animals a safe haven temporarily while they heal or permanently as they are unable to survive on their own.

We are extremely proud that the vast majority of animals brought to us for rehabilitation are successfully released back into their native environment. Those that remain with us on exhibit are either too injured or have been imprinted by humans and cannot be released back into the wild to care for themselves. The Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District, a Special District of San Bernardino County, owns the zoo, the facilities and the animals.

County employees are hired for animal care, grounds keepers, maintenance, education and administration. The zoo is located within the 3rd District of San Bernardino County. The Park District oversees the operation of the zoo, and the Curator oversees the day to day activities of the zoo.

The zoo is located in the San Bernardino National Forest at an elevation of 7140 feet. For more information visit https://bigbearzoo.org/ CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Pre-Employment Process: Prior to appointment, applicants must undergo a background check, which includes fingerprinting and a medical exam. Availability: Must be able to work in the mountain area of Big Bear, CA and report to work in extreme weather conditions such as ice and snow

Please indicate availability for Big Bear on Agency Wide Question #2. Must be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays. Travel: Travel within the County may be required.

A valid California Driver License and proof of automobile liability insurance must be provided at time of hire and maintained throughout employment. Working Conditions: Applicants must be able to work outdoors in varying mountain weather conditions, drive in all weather conditions, lift and/or carry heavy objects up to fifty (50) pounds, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend over, crawl, and perform other physical activities in the performance of job duties for this position. Sponsorship: San Bernardino County is unable to consider to candidates who require Visa Sponsorship at this time or in the future.

Candidates must be able to present their legal right to work in the United States at the time of employment. Minimum Requirements Applicants must meet ONE (1) of the following options: Option I: Six (6) months of full-time equivalent paid or volunteer experience involving the care, handling, observation, training, or management of animals. Qualifying experience may include work in a: Zoo or aquarium.

Wildlife rehabilitation center. Animal sanctuary. Veterinary hospital or clinic.

Animal shelter or rescue organization. Stable, ranch, farm, kennel, or similar animal-care setting. Professional pet-care, training, or animal-handling position.

Option 2: Thirty (30) semester or forty-five (45) quarter units of completed college coursework from an accredited college or university, in zoology, biology, animal science, wildlife biology, wildlife management, veterinary technology, environmental science, ecology, or a closely related field. Desired Qualifications Animal Keeper experience and training with exotic animals is preferred. Coursework in wildlife rehabilitation/husbandry and a current Veterinary Technician license is highly desirable.

Selection Process Application Procedure: Please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Applications will be accepted until further notice; recruitment may close at any time once sufficient applications are received. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaires.

There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on the information provided in the Application and the Supplemental Questionnaire. You are encouraged to include detailed descriptions of your qualifying experience and skills, as only the most highly qualified applicants will be referred to the Department. To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the posted filing deadline.

Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records.

Please note: if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application, we have not received your application. All communications regarding the selection process will be via email. Applicants are encouraged to check their e-mails frequently to obtain any correspondence associated with this recruitment.

Please be sure the email provided on this application is always current; it is your responsibility to update your personal information. Update your Spam, Junk, Bulk and Firewall settings as needed to ensure that you receive all information pertaining to this recruitment. EEO/ADA: San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants.

ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and need accommodations during the testing process, please submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form within one week of a recruitment filing deadline. Veterans' Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouses or widows/widowers who are not current County employees may receive additional Veterans' Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request these points, please refer to the Veterans' Preference Policy.

For more important details, review the links below: Guide to Completing a County Job Application Applicant Information and the County Employment Process


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