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Zoo Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Zoo information

See Delaware salary details

$5

$14

$27

How much do zoo jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for zoo in Delaware is $14.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.48 and $15.58 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo jobs in Delaware? The most popular types of Zoo jobs in Delaware are:
What are popular job titles related to Zoo jobs in Delaware? For Zoo jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Zoo jobs in Delaware look for? The top searched job categories for Zoo jobs in Delaware are:
What cities in Delaware are hiring for Zoo jobs? Cities in Delaware with the most Zoo job openings:
Infographic showing various Zoo job openings in Delaware as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,341 per year, or $14.1 per hour.

Brandywine Zoo Animal Keeper

State of Delaware

Wilmington, DE • On-site

$19.28/hr

Other

Posted 17 days ago


State Of Delaware rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 50 rated states


Job description

Introduction
The Brandywine Zoo is managed by Delaware State Parks with the support of the Delaware Zoological Society. This quaint facility is home to a variety of species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.
Click here to learn more about the Brandywine Zoo!
Summary Statement
The duties for this year-round position will include but are not limited to the following: daily cleaning, feeding and observation of animals in a specified area, basic maintenance duties, public speaking through keeper talks and guest interactions, operant conditioning training, exhibit maintenance, basic grounds keeping, record keeping, and other duties required for daily operations. Work is performed indoors and outdoors under various weather conditions. Applicants must be available to work weekends and holidays as scheduled.
Essential Functions
Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.
• Supports the Brandywine Zoo's mission of promoting environmental conservation by providing engaging educational experiences between visitors and wildlife.
• Supports the overall mission of the association of Zoos and Aquariums to be a leader in animal welfare, public engagement, and the conservation of species.
• Works with zookeeper, veterinary, behavioral management, and curator teams to provide exceptional levels of animal care and welfare for animal collection.
• Observes the medical and behavioral condition of animals and reports conditions.
• Ensures clean, safe, and maintained animal exhibits and facilities.
• Ensures appropriate grounds and equipment maintenance.
• Responds to visitor questions and educates visitors about the care and handling of animals.
• Maintains and compiles records and reports using various online programs including Zoological Information Systems (ZIMS).
• Must be able to demonstrate responsibility, dependability, and good communication skills.
• Maintain a positive attitude.
• Other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements
JOB REQUIREMENTS for Animal Keeper Please attach a resume with your online application or use the resume tab in DEL to provide a detailed description of how your education, training and/or experience meets each job requirement including employer, experience/responsibilities, and dates (month/year) of employment/training.
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
1. Six months experience in feeding, monitoring diet, and caring for animals in an animal care facility such as a zoo, animal hospital/clinic or animal shelter.
2. Six months experience in recording, interpreting, and communicating observations concerning animal health and behaviors.
3. Knowledge of biology, natural resources, wildlife management or environmental studies.
4. Possession of a valid driver's license (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).
Additional Posting Information
This posting may be closed on or before the listed closing date upon filling the vacant position(s).
This is a Casual/Seasonal position which is a non-pension eligible position without healthcare and/or other benefits.
Conditions of Hire
DNREC does not provide sponsorship for holders of H-1 B Visas.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.
Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.
Upon a conditional offer, the applicant must undergo a pre-employment base line two step tuberculin skin test (TST) as part of the hiring process.
Selection Process
The application and resume are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training, and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the resume to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education, and training history as it relates to the job requirements.
Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the "My Applications" tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.
Accommodations
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.
Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com.
If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call (302) 739-5458 or email jobs@delaware.gov.
The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

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