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Zoo Jobs in Oregon, WI (NOW HIRING)

Zoo information

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 cities near Oregon, WI are hiring for Zoo jobs?

Cities near Oregon, WI with the most Zoo job openings:

Infographic showing various Zoo job openings in Oregon, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Food Service - Sous Chef - Henry Vilas Zoo

SSA Group

Madison, WI • On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


SSA Group rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

376th of 740 rated retailers


Job description

Who are we:
At SSA, we believe our work matters because the people do. For more than 50 years, we've helped create experiences that leave people feeling connected, inspired, and reminded that fun still matters.
Whether you're looking for your first job, building your career, or bringing years of experience to a new role, you'll be part of a team that values your ideas, supports your growth, and encourages you to make an impact. More than 54% of our leaders are promoted from within, reflecting our commitment to investing in people and creating opportunities to succeed.
Position Title: Sous Chef
Reports to: Executive Chef
Who are we:
For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused.
We bring together admissions, culinary, and retail with innovation and human connection to shape a seamless guest journey.
Our focus is on people, innovation, and operational intelligence as a means to create special moments with lasting impact. We call it 452 Hospitality, the foundation of how we serve our partners and their communities.
Responsibilities
  • Live out 452 Hospitality by delivering warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences for every guest and client.
  • Create Competitive quality products.
  • Supervise and participate in creating high-quality products for events and food service locations.
  • Assist in menu pricing and preparation.
  • Estimate food consumption for events and request necessary products.
  • Demonstrate new cooking techniques.
  • Train, coach, counsel, and resolve problems.
  • Comply with all food safety regulations and practices.
  • Implement and enforce sanitary practices for food handling, general cleanliness, and maintenance of kitchen and/or dining areas.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations.
  • Monitor and track proper cooking and holding temperatures.
  • Support the management of payroll and controllable profit within established guidelines.
  • Oversee quality, product levels, and inventory of products.
  • Manage employees in accordance with state and federal laws.
  • Incorporate sustainable resources into the culinary selections.
  • Perform specialty projects as assigned by the Executive Chef.
  • Respond to guest requests and take action to ensure client satisfaction.
  • Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
  • Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.

Job Requirements
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to articulate to our client, General Manager and HQ personnel.
  • Proven leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building/development, while fostering partnerships.
  • Exceptional problem-solving/decision-making skills combined with the ability to be organized.
  • Demonstrates financial management, merchandising, analytical, planning, and leadership skills.
  • Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
  • Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions.
  • Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (35lbs) as necessary to operate, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above.
  • Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

IDEA + Belonging
  • Promote an inclusive & supportive approach within the Brand team, with networking continuing at all units.
  • Focuses on removing barriers and empowering growth and opportunity for team members at all levels.
  • Leads by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary.
  • Engages with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus. On opportunities of giving back.

Previous Experience
  • Three years of food preparation experience.
  • ServSafe or Food Handling Certified.
  • Knowledge of HAACP
  • Culinary training, must be 18 or older.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description. SSA Group reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments)
Compensation and Benefits
      • Pay Rate: $22.00-$24.00 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.
      • Full-Time, non-exempt, eligible for overtime pay.
      • Primarily daytime/early shifts, with occasional evenings and a schedule that generally does not require working both weekend days.
      • Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.
      • Paid Time Off plan: up to 144 hours based on tenure.
      • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and other voluntary benefits for you and your family; employee premiums applicable.
      • Participation in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match (must be 21 years or older, eligible after one year of employment with 1,000 hours worked, available to enroll during Open Enrollment Periods).
      • SSA Paid Benefit: Up to 120 hours of Paid Leave for qualifying reasons, including Parental Leave and your or your family's serious medical conditions.
      • Up to 40 hours Paid Bereavement.
      • On-Demand Pay Program: Get access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
      • Meal Plan & Employee Discounts where applicable
      • Tuition Discount through Partnership College
      • Paid sick leave is provided in accordance with applicable state and local laws. Accrual rates, caps, and usage rules vary by location.

      Locations include: Arizona, California, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C.. Colorado: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year, under the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA). Maryland: Employees accrue at least 1 hour of paid sick and safe leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year, as required under the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act. Washington: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, in accordance with the Seattle Paid Sick and Safe Time.

SSA Holdings and its affiliated companies, including SSA Group, A&F Souvenir, Cinchio Solutions, and Behavioral Essentials, are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. A diverse team strengthens our collective impact.
All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice ("Notice").
San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document for more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document.
We accept applications for this position on a rolling basis. Apply anytime at thessagroup.com. Applications are reviewed as received, and the position remains open until filled.
SSA Holdings and its affiliated companies, including SSA Group, A&F Souvenir, Cinchio Solutions, and Behavioral Essentials, are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. A diverse team strengthens our collective impact.
All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice ("Notice").
San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document for more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document.

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