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Zoo Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Folsom Zoo Sanctuary Schedule Duration: position is ongoing as long as needed and supported by the budget. Hours are within 12:00pm - 4:30pm (11:00am - 3:30pm during the summer) This position ...

About Us Zoo is building the next generation of hardware design tools redefining how hardware products are designed, developed, and built. Our platform combines a modern, cloud-native CAD environment ...

Interested in opportunities with Zoo, but don't see your ideal position posted? Please submit your resume and tell us about yourself as well as your ideal role. We will be sure to keep you in mind ...

About Us Zoo is building the next generation of hardware design tools redefining how hardware products are designed, developed, and built. Our platform combines a modern, cloud-native CAD environment ...

About Us Zoo is building the next generation of hardware design tools redefining how hardware products are designed, developed, and built. Our platform combines a modern, cloud-native CAD environment ...

Showing results 21-40

Zoo information

See California salary details

$5

$14

$28

How much do zoo jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for zoo in California is $14.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.89 and $16.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

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 are different jobs at a zoo?

Zoo jobs include zookeepers, who care for animals and maintain enclosures; educators, who provide public programs and interpretive services; veterinarians, who diagnose and treat animal health; and administrative staff, who handle management and operations. Other roles include security personnel, maintenance workers, and research scientists, often requiring specific skills, certifications, or training related to animal care and facility management.

What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo jobs in California?

The most popular types of Zoo jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Zoo jobs in California?

For Zoo jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Zoo jobs?

Cities in California with the most Zoo job openings:

Infographic showing various Zoo job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,593 per year, or $14.7 per hour.

Part-Time Zoo Commissary Aide

City of Folsom

Folsom, CA • On-site

$16.90/hr

Full-time, Part-time

This job post has expired 4 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Definition Applications must be filled out completely and thoroughly. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of an application, but must be additionally attached. Cover Letters are required.

Selected applicants will be contacted via email to schedule an interview. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Under the general direction of the Zoo Supervisor, the Part-Time Zoo Commissary Aide will prepare animal diets for animals housed at the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary. This position does not work directly with zoo sanctuary animals.

Location: Folsom Zoo Sanctuary Schedule Duration: position is ongoing as long as needed and supported by the budget. Hours are within 12:00pm - 4:30pm (11:00am - 3:30pm during the summer) This position requires regular availability a minimum of two (2) days a week including a Saturday or Sunday for a minimum of six (6) months. Pay & Benefits Non-exempt Part-time positions are hourly and not eligible for benefits, and are limited to working 999 hours in a fiscal year (July 1 - June 30).

No full-time regular appointment will be made from this class. Note: Unfortunately current active CalPERS members are ineligible for employment with part-time positions. For questions about the position please contact Zoo Supervisor Nichole Lemcke at: (916) 461-6625 or nlemcke@folsom.ca.us We recommend taking the time to learn more about our facility at: https://www.folsom.ca.us/government/parks-recreation/facilities/zoo-sanctuary Examples of Essential Duties NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification

However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all the duties listed. Preparation of animal diets including reading and following specific diets, weighing out food, and preparing as directed and with attention to detail.

Zoo commissary aides must be comfortable using knives and handling raw meat, frozen/defrosted prey items, and feeder insects. Washing and sanitizing dishes and animal enrichment items. Maintaining the animal commissary according to USDA standards including cleaning floors, countertops, sinks, and fixtures.

Overseeing and training animal commissary aide volunteers. Accepting deliveries of produce, meat, prey items, and other packages. Compliance with Zoo Safety Standards and Animal Welfare Standards.

Other related duties as assigned. Employment Standards NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the "Examples of Essential Duties" section of this specification. Knowledge of: Animal care and safety procedures.

Basic use of kitchen tools and utensils. Sanitation and disinfection techniques. Ability to: Work safely around a kitchen setting.

Read and follow diet instructions. Learn to use power tools. Maintain USDA standards.

Communicate well orally and in writing. Organize, prioritize and pace duties and tasks. Follow oral and written directions.

Establish and maintain effective, cooperative working relationships with coworkers and the public. Demonstrate enthusiasm, positive energy, and maturity. Minimum Qualifications Education: High school diploma, G.E.D., or equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade

Must be at least 18 years of age by time of hire. Experience: Previous animal care or commissary experience (paid or volunteer) in a zoo, sanctuary, stable, farm, or wildlife care setting and/or experience with food handling is highly desired. Licenses, Certificates, Registration Requirements: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by date of hire.

Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Physical Requirements: Work is performed in a typical outdoor and indoor environment on a year-round basis. (1) climbing, reaching, bending, stooping, crawling, and squatting.

(2) Lifting: frequent lifting up to 50 pounds; occasional lifting up to 100 pounds. (3) Vision: constant use of overall vision. (4) Dexterity: frequent grasping, holding, reaching, hand/shoulder/elbow movements.

(5) Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking in person. (6) Emotional/Psychological: frequent coworker and public contact; frequent working alone and independent. (7) Environment: primarily indoors in kitchen environment; possible outside exposure to (rain, wind, sun).

This position requires the passing of DOJ Fingerprinting, and a pre-employment physical with a rapid drug test.