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Zoo Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

The Phoenix Zoo

Guest Services Ambassador

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$18.50/hr

Provide excellent guest service to zoo guests and employees by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude, appearance, and assist in creating value for each ...

The Phoenix Zoo

Guest Services Ambassador

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

Provide excellent guest service to zoo guests and employees by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude, appearance, and assist in creating value for each ...

Reid Park Zoo

Guest Services Associate On Call

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$17.65/hr

Reid Park Zoo cares for over 200 exotic animal species from around the world, maintains a state-of-the-art elephant program, a cutting-edge veterinary clinic that serves as a teaching hospital for ...

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The Phoenix Zoo

EXHIBIT GUIDE

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$18.50/hr

Exhibit Guides serve as ambassadors of the Phoenix Zoo, delivering exceptional guest experiences through meaningful engagement and conservation storytelling. This role combines guest service, public ...

The Phoenix Zoo

EVENT HOST

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$19.50/hr

Work collaboratively with other Phoenix Zoo Staff, 3rd party vendors and outside vendors when applicable. This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements ...

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Zoo information

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How much do zoo jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for zoo in Arizona is $14.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.80 and $16.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Zookeeper, you need a background in animal science or biology, experience with animal care, and often a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with animal husbandry tools, record-keeping software, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong observation skills, patience, and effective communication help zookeepers manage animals and interact with the public and colleagues. These skills ensure the health and welfare of animals while promoting education and safety within the zoo environment.

What is a zoo worker?

Zoo workers are professionals who care for animals in zoos and ensure their well-being. Their duties can include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and providing enrichment activities. Some zoo workers, like zookeepers, may specialize in certain species, while others assist with education programs or maintenance. They also help educate the public about wildlife conservation and animal behavior. Working at a zoo requires a passion for animals, attention to detail, and strong communication skills.

What jobs are there in a zoo?

Zoo jobs include animal keepers, zookeepers, curators, educators, veterinarians, and maintenance staff. These roles require knowledge of animal care, safety procedures, and often specific certifications or training. Staff work in various environments such as animal enclosures, educational programs, and administrative offices.

What is the difference between Zoo vs Zookeeper?

AspectZooZookeeper
CredentialsTypically none required, but education in biology or animal science helpsOften requires a degree in biology, zoology, or related field
Work EnvironmentPublic, educational, and conservation-focused settingsHands-on animal care in zoo habitats
Employer & IndustryZoos, wildlife parks, conservation organizationsZoos, aquariums, wildlife reserves

While 'Zoo' refers to the facility or organization, a 'Zookeeper' is the professional responsible for animal care within a zoo. Zookeepers work directly with animals, ensuring their health and well-being, whereas 'Zoo' describes the environment or institution where these activities occur.

What type of jobs are at a zoo?

Zoo jobs include animal care positions such as zookeepers and veterinarians, as well as roles in education, visitor services, maintenance, security, and administration. These jobs often require specific skills, certifications, or training related to animal handling, safety, and public engagement.

What are the qualifications to work in a zoo?

The qualifications to work in a zoo vary greatly. As a zoologist, you need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, or a closely related degree. Some zookeepers have zoology degrees as well, but that is not always a strict requirement for becoming a zookeeper. To work on the administrative side, you need a strong grasp of business administration, animal science, and community planning and engagement. Tour guides may be volunteers that lead tours or full-time employees with a high school diploma or GED certificate. Strong research skills and good interpersonal communication skills are essential.

What are some of the common challenges faced by zookeepers in their daily work?

Zookeepers often encounter challenges such as ensuring animal welfare while managing a variety of species with different needs, maintaining strict safety protocols, and handling physically demanding tasks in all weather conditions. They also need to adapt to rapidly changing situations, such as animal health emergencies or behavioral issues, and frequently collaborate closely with veterinarians, educators, and maintenance staff. Building trust with the animals and staying updated on best practices in animal care are ongoing aspects of the role.
More about Zoo jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Zoo jobs in Arizona are:
What are popular job titles related to Zoo jobs in Arizona? For Zoo jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Zoo jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Zoo jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Zoo jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Zoo job openings:
Zoo jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,332 per year, or $14.6 per hour.

Grounds Keeper - On Call (Reid Park Zoo)

REID PARK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$17.65/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Reid Park Zoological Society is seeking a groundskeeper. One year of commercial grounds experience required. This is an on-call position with variable hours. Basic to intermediate knowledge and experience in plant identification, plant and lawn care are required.
Reid Park Zoo's mission is to connect people with animals, inspiring the protection of wild animals and wild places. Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as Reid Park Zoo continues to support local and global conservation and the highest standards in animal care while providing educational opportunities and family fun.
No phone calls or visits, please. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment.
Pay Range: $17.65 / Flat Rate / FLSA Non-Exempt
Benefits: This position is not eligible for health and welfare, vacation or holiday pay. Benefits of this position include paid sick time; retirement plan; zoo membership; employee assistance program, and discounts on concession and gift shop purchases.
Overview:
This position is responsible for performing specialized and general grounds duties to maintain zoo grounds and keep them clean and attractive to the Zoo's high standards by performing a variety of landscaping, plant care, irrigation, and other general duties, to include light custodial cleaning, restocking, and restroom cleaning support as needed during Zoo operations. This is a hands-on position in a fast-paced environment of a growing organization.
Reports To: Grounds Supervisor
Responsibilities:
General duties:
  • Demonstrates and models the core values of the Reid Park Zoological Society (RPZS or the Zoo)
  • Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies and procedures
  • Provide excellent customer service as a component of all job duties
  • Follows Zoo safety protocols and procedures
  • Safely uses and maintains hand tools & various gas-powered equipment such as mowers, blowers, power-washers, trimmers, loppers, weed-eaters, rakes, shovels, sod cutters and chainsaws.
  • May be required to perform tree trimming and safely operate power equipment from ladders.
  • De-litters and weeds zoo grounds and around buildings, removes trash, leaf litter and brush, paying special attention to detail and results that meet the Zoo's high standards.
  • Safely operates golf carts, dumping utility vehicles, riding mowers, skid steers, forklifts, tractors, and transports equipment by pulling trailers.
  • Conducts preventative maintenance, equipment inspections, and ensures safety.
  • Conducts irrigation head replacement, minor irrigation repairs and adjusts controller programs for turf conditions and over seeding.
  • Plants and maintains landscape with an emphasis on edible browse for the animal collection.
  • Cleaning and restocking bathrooms as required; addressing protein spills as required.
  • Completes all trainings as required, including but not limited to job specific training, OSHA 10-hour training, general safety, active shooter, DEAI, radio protocol, other safety and weather drills, CPR/ First Aid, hand and power tool usage and heavy equipment operation such as skid steer/ fork lift truck.

Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:
  • High school diploma, equivalent, or relevant trades certificate
  • One year of commercial grounds experience
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
  • Valid and unrestricted driver's license
  • Pre-employment drug screen (we do not test for THC)
  • Pre-employment criminal history background check
  • Proof of negative TB test within the immediate past 12 months OR complete pre-employment (company paid) TB test and renew annually
  • Proof of current (2025 or newer) COVID-19 Booster
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to foster and maintain positive, constructive relationships with all levels of the organization
  • Ability to take direction and be quick to act or change direction as needed
  • Reliable and able to work to a schedule, including weekends, holidays and evenings (for special events)
  • Regular physical attendance at work

Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:
  • Additional years of experience strongly preferred
  • Knowledge of botany, horticulture, or certified arborist preferred
  • Ability to identify plants that are suitable for animal browse
  • Pruning experience
  • Botany or horticulture experience strongly preferred
  • Experience working in a zoo, park, or public attraction environment
  • Experience working in an AZA accredited zoo strongly preferred
  • Bilingual (Spanish / ASL)

Physical requirements:
  • Job requires working outside in either cold or hot weather conditions the majority of the time
  • Able to lift and carry heavy objects (up to 50+ lbs. on occasion)
  • Comfortable walking and standing for long periods of time
  • Ability to comfortably stand, squat, kneel, bend, stoop, and reach often
  • Use hands to operate power tools and machinery often
  • Ability to work at heights and safely use ladders

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Dept.

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