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Zoo Workers Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Follow all safety protocols and area SOP's while working with and around delicate, wild and potentially dangerous animals. Complete required training and safely operate all zoo required equipment for ...

New

Follow all safety protocols and area SOP's while working with and around delicate, wild and potentially dangerous animals. Complete required training and safely operate all zoo required equipment for ...

New

Follow all safety protocols and area SOP's while working with and around delicate, wild and potentially dangerous animals. Complete required training and safely operate all zoo required equipment for ...

This role serves as the digital execution hub for the zoo, working closely with Marketing & Communications, Development, Membership, Special Events, Education, and Conservation teams to ensure timely ...

New

This role serves as the digital execution hub for the zoo, working closely with Marketing & Communications, Development, Membership, Special Events, Education, and Conservation teams to ensure timely ...

New

Zookeeper II, Wildlife Connections

Houston, TX · On-site

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

... zoo projects. * Exhibits good teamwork and communication skills both within the home team and when working with other teams or departments. * May be required to safely operate a motor vehicle.

The City of Waco is seeking a reliable Summer Worker - Seasonal to join our team. This role will supervise one age group of Zoo Camp this Summer. If you are looking for a summer job, this is the ...

Zoo Director

El Paso, TX · On-site

$160K - $175K/yr

None The City of El Paso is recruiting for the position of Zoo Director. We are seeking a highly ... Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with businesses, coworkers ...

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Zoo Workers information

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$12

$25

$36

How much do zoo workers jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for zoo workers in the United States is $25.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Zoo Worker, you need a background in animal science or biology, physical stamina, and often a relevant degree or experience in animal care. Familiarity with animal management software, habitat maintenance tools, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong observation skills, teamwork, and clear communication help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure animal well-being, smooth daily operations, and a safe environment for both animals and visitors.

What are some of the common challenges zoo workers face when caring for a diverse range of animal species?

Zoo workers often encounter challenges related to meeting the unique needs of various animal species, from dietary requirements to environmental enrichment. Adapting care routines to accommodate animals with different behaviors or health needs requires ongoing learning and close teamwork with veterinarians and specialists. Additionally, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety, both for the animals and for visitors, can be demanding, especially during busy periods or in extreme weather. Effective communication and collaboration with colleagues are essential for providing the best possible care.

What are zoo workers and what do they do?

Zoo workers are professionals responsible for the care and management of animals housed in zoos. Their duties often include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, assisting with veterinary care, and educating the public about wildlife and conservation. Zoo workers may specialize in areas such as animal husbandry, education, or maintenance. They play a vital role in ensuring the welfare of animals and providing an engaging experience for visitors.
More about Zoo Workers jobs
What cities are hiring for Zoo Workers jobs? Cities with the most Zoo Workers job openings:
What states have the most Zoo Workers jobs? States with the most job openings for Zoo Workers jobs include:
Infographic showing various Zoo Workers job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,333 per year, or $25.2 per hour.
TEMP Zookeeper - ZOO

$20.72/hr

Full-time, Temporary

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Sedgwick County rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

496th of 646 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Department:  Zoo 

Job ID: 12877

Pay:  $20.72 per hour  

Work Schedule:   

Sedgwick County offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes health coverages, paid leave, regular compensation reviews, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.  For more detailed information, please visit our benefits page at SCBenefits.

In a team setting provides daily care for assigned animals including but not limited to: feeding, cleaning, observing, recording, and reporting behavior. Participates in animal well-being assessment practices.   Produces and provides goal-based animal training and enrichment. Inspects facilities for security, safety, repair, and maintenance.  Interacts and provides customer service to all Zoo defined customers. Job duties may extend to all animal taxa. This position participates in a mandatory on-call rotation.

Animal Care and Management

  • Ensure animals are housed and cared for in ways that meet all Zoo-defined goals.
  • Observe and understand the complexities of animal behavior, including individual animals and larger social context, animal general health, and behavior.
  • Recognize abnormalities and potential medical conditions and communicates observations of animal behavior and health condition to veterinary staff, supervisor, curator, and other pertinent staff members.
  • Handle animals for husbandry needs, medical purposes and in preparation for transport.
  • Prepare animal diets. Monitor and report to supervisor the quality of all dietary components, food intake by Zoo animals, and unintended diet consumption by non-collection animal pests.
  • Under the direction of veterinarians and/or supervisors administers medications or treatment as instructed.
  • Drive Zoological Society owned vehicle, as needed, to care for or transfer animals to other zoological facilities. Animal transfer trips may occasionally require overnight travel. 
  • Follow all safety protocols and area SOP’s while working with and around delicate, wild and potentially dangerous animals. Complete required training and safely operate all zoo required equipment for completion of job duties.

Animal Well-being 

  • Through consultation with supervisors and other resources, maintain and develop a skillset of positive well-being and animal training.
  • Conduct and evaluate appropriate enrichment activities as demonstrated by Zoos enrichment program.
  • Use positive reinforcement training to assess medical conditions and to maintain a safe working environment.
  • Maintain through accurate record keeping: animal training, enrichment, behavioral observations and health conditions.

Area Maintenance

  • Clean and maintain service areas, animal habitats and public areas so they are clean, organized and aesthetically pleasing.
  • Complete daily inspections of animal habitats and associated facilities for security and safety concerns.
  • Conduct minor repairs to facilities or promptly submit concerns to supervisor.
  • Communicate any pest control concerns to supervisors or veterinary team.
  • Participate in an on-call rotation during emergency situations.

Minimum Qualifications: Two years of coursework in Biology, Zoology or a related field. Up to two years of experience may be substituted with education that provides applicable knowledge and skills. Per Sedgwick County policy, this is a driving level position that requires a valid US driver’s license without restrictions and current proof of automobile insurance.

Preferred Qualifications: Six months of zoo practicum or internship experience in an AZA facility. Degree in Zoology or Biology from an accredited college or university. Experience with operant conditioning and enrichment techniques, experience with power tools.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. Please find more information under the following link.  Apply for a Job | Sedgwick County, Kansas


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