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Zoo Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Sedgwick County

PT Horticulturist - ZOO

Wichita, KS · On-site

$17.89/hr

Zoo Job ID: 13091 Pay: $17.89 per hour Work Schedule: Sedgwick County offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes health coverages, paid leave, regular compensation ...

Sedgwick County

PT Horticulturist - ZOO

Wichita, KS · On-site

$17.89/hr

Zoo Job ID: 13091 Pay: $17.89 per hour Work Schedule: Sedgwick County offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes health coverages, paid leave, regular compensation ...

Britt Medical Search

Radiology Physician

Hutchinson, KS · On-site

$277K - $347K/yr

Family activities include a water park, skateboard park, zoo, museum, local theater, and the unique and nationally recognized Kansas Cosmosphere & Space Center and Kansas Underground Salt Museum.

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Zoo information

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 Kansas?

The most popular types of Zoo jobs in Kansas are:

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

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

What job categories do people searching Zoo jobs in Kansas look for?

The top searched job categories for Zoo jobs in Kansas are:

What cities in Kansas are hiring for Zoo jobs?

Cities in Kansas with the most Zoo job openings:

Zoo jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Locum Tenens, 73% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

PT Horticulturist - ZOO

Sedgwick County

Wichita, KS • On-site

$17.89/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Sedgwick County rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

665th of 845 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Department:  Zoo 

Job ID: 13091

Pay:  $17.89 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, completes horticulture-related maintenance and projects. This position is responsible for caring for plant life in the zoo as well as creating and implementing landscape and hardscape projects for zoo improvement.  Interacts and provides customer service to all Zoo defined customers.  This position participates in a mandatory winter snow removal on-call rotation.

Plant Care

  • Perform a wide range of landscape/maintenance tasks related to cultivation, preservation, protection, and transplant of plants.
  • Plan and execute maintenance of landscapes and hardscapes while adhering to safety requirements for specific animals.
  • Examine health of botanical collection; resolve and/or report issues and concerns to supervisor.
  • Perform greenhouse management tasks, including production of consumable plants, structure maintenance, and plant rehabilitation.
  • Plant and/or transplant herbaceous and woody plants according to needs of exhibits, animal health, and human health.
  • Complete regular tree care in animal enclosures and the surrounding property to maintain safety for animals and guests.
  • Design, implement, and maintain plant protection measures including hot wire/grass, physical barriers, and other measures.
  • Personalize plant protection measures to meet individual animals' needs.
  • Maintain knowledge of browse and toxic plant materials and be able to identify species.
  • Monitor browse plants and inform zookeepers on plant harvest restrictions in the case of any diseases or chemical uses.
  • Perform regular tree care including use of chainsaws.

Hardscape

  • Plan and operate equipment and tools necessary for landscape projects.
  • Maintain hardscapes, including stone paths and walls, edging, fencing, and safety features.
  • Create and maintain ponds and water features, including regular inspections for safety and cleanliness.
  • Drive Zoological Society owned vehicle, as needed for transportation of horticulture products.
  • Locate and mark underground utilities prior to starting projects.
  • Participate in the installation of turf areas.
  • Prepare cost estimates for projects and present to supervisors for approval.
  • Design, implement, and maintain irrigation systems throughout the zoo and surrounding property.
  • Create, read, and execute landscape projects from construction documents or landscape designs.
  • Direct plant and hardscape choices, obtain all materials and equipment, and complete projects to zookeeper and horticulturists' standards.
  • Assist maintenance with large construction projects, including concrete stamping, constructing horticulture-related structures, and other needs.
  • Maintain knowledge of greenhouse controls and maintenance.
  • Actively look for and create project plans for improvements within areas of expertise.
  • Participate in an on-call rotation during events, inclement weather, and high volume periods as assigned.
  • Assist with snow and ice removal.

Minimum Qualifications: High School Diploma or equivalent. One year of relevant experience in landscaping, groundskeeping, or a related field, including work with hand tools or large equipment. 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. Must have or obtain Kansas Pesticide Applicator License within one year of hire.

Preferred Qualifications: Two years of experience in Horticulture related field. Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Botany, or related field. Current Kansas Pesticide Applicator License.

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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