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Zoo Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Maryland Zoo

Business Administrator

Baltimore, MD · On-site

Maryland Zoo is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status General Summary: The Business Administratorwill provide customer service and hospitality, coordinate and manage ...

Maryland Zoo

Business Administrator

Baltimore, MD

Knowledgeof Zoo's website to assist with email or phone inquiries about Zoo events,programs or campus. * Provideguests with informat i on on all aspects of the Zoo experience, exhibits,on-ground ...

Maryland Zoo

Area Manager (Penguin Coast)

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$50K - $53K/yr

Maryland Zoo is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status General Summary : Provides day-to-dayleadership and management of specific animal areas which supports the missionand core ...

Maryland Zoo

Security Officer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$17/hr

Maryland Zoo is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status GeneralSummary : The Security Officer is asignificant position responsible for representing the organization and providinga ...

Maryland Zoo

Commissary Keeper

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$19.20/hr

Maryland Zoo is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status General Summary : The Commissary Keeper will prepare, deliver, store,and stock food, hay, supplies, purchased orders, and ...

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Zoo information

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How much do zoo jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for zoo in Silver Spring, MD is $15.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.32 and $16.96 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 are zoo workers and what do they do?

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 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 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 Silver Spring, MD? The most popular types of Zoo jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What are popular job titles related to Zoo jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Zoo jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Zoo jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Zoo job openings:
Zoo jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,950 per year, or $15.4 per hour.
Business Administrator

Business Administrator

Maryland Zoo

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Maryland Zoo is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status
General Summary: The Business Administratorwill provide customer service and hospitality, coordinate and manage officeactivities, and provide administrative and organizational support.Responsibilities include intercepting incoming communications into the Zoo anddirecting individuals to the appropriate department or employee. The BusinessAdministrator is responsible for exciting, engaging and entertaining guests ina manner that promotes a positive Zoo experience. This position reports to the AssistantDirector of Guest Services - Sales & Revenue. Additionally, the BusinessAdministrator will support the Zoo's mission to save wildlife and protect wildplaces and contribute to its environmental, social, governance sustainability,conservation, education, and DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, andInclusion) goals.
To meet current businessdemands of the Maryland Zoo, the Business Administrator schedule covers a seven-dayschedule that includes mandatory weekend coverage. The Business Administratorworks five consecutive days each week at the Zoo's Mansion House and serves asthe first person that guests encounter upon their entry into the building.
Essential Functions:
Information,Sales and Customer Service
  • Greetvisitors, vendors, and other guests entering the Mansion House and contact appropriatestaff or departments to direct them accordingly.
  • Informdepartment contacts when vendors arrive and need escorts.
  • Knowledgeof all Zoo products and the ability to sell Zoo products or services
  • Knowledgeof Zoo's website to assist with email or phone inquiries about Zoo events,programs or campus.
  • Provideguests with information on all aspects of the Zoo experience, exhibits,on-ground activities (including times and locations), routes through the Zoo,construction, shuttles, rides, attractions and membership information.
  • Responsiblefor answering and directing incoming telephone calls, screening inquiries,taking messages, and providing information in a timely, courteous andprofessional manner.
  • Interactin a consistently pleasant and helpful manner to fellow employees, volunteers,guests, vendors, and other visitors of the Zoo and demonstrate the higheststandards of internal and external customer service.
  • Respondappropriately to guest questions, comments and concerns internally andexternally.
  • Triageand respond to online guest inquiries and feedback.
  • Troubleshootand resolve guest order issues in a timely manner.
  • Developand maintain comprehensive knowledge of Zoo products and services that includeaccurate pricing as well as knowledge of animal collection and exhibits.
  • Obtainaccurate and detailed information from customers in order to complete andconfirm reservations.
  • Promotethe mission of the Zoo.
  • Communicatewith all personnel, volunteers, visitors, vendors and contractors in aprofessional manner.
  • DistributeZoo literature, including but not limited to maps, event flyers, Zoograms andother Zoo literature, and maintain appropriate par levels.

Organizationaland Business Support:
  • AssistMansion House administrative staff including the Zoo's president
  • Assisteducation, group sales, development, events, marketing and communicationdepartments as needed for cross utilization of skills and manpower.
  • Performother duties as assigned by all departments.
  • AssistGuest Services department with administrative responsibilities and paperwork.
  • Assistthe Education team in making reservations with educators who need information.or would like to book a field trip at the Zoo via the State of Maryland's freefield trip program.
  • Completeand mail all confirmation materials in accordance with educational grantstandards, as needed.
  • Maintaina filing system for tracking pertinent information in regards to each bookingfor education programs.
  • Utilizethe Zoo email system to communicate effectively for all business needs.
  • Providea variety of clerical duties; perform other duties as assigned.
  • Accuratelyprocess and distribute incoming mail and act as point person for allreceivables including but not limited to FedEx, UPS and courier services.
  • Providefield support in other Guest Services work areas as needed.
  • Assistin maintaining group calendar for scheduling Mansion House conference rooms,administration golf carts, and on-grounds Penguin Encounters.

DatabaseManagement, Communications and Safety Support:
  • Proficientwith the use of Zoo's software system and databases to sell Zoo productsand make guest reservations for events and programs via phone or internet.
  • Responsiblefor point-of-sale data input, data ownership and accuracy of all constituentrecords.
  • Knowledgeof database functions and reporting.
  • Assistwith database management.
  • Respondand resolve any issues in the point of sale system.
  • Knowledgeand use of campus-wide radio system to communicate or assist with informationin regards to safety protocol or procedures.
  • Serveas communication dispatcher during emergency situations and assist the SecurityDepartment to serve as their dispatcher when needed.
  • Knowledgeof code alpha and code beta procedures.
  • Monitorguest behavior to ensure their safety at the Zoo; ensure guest safety at alltimes.
  • Performduties in coordination with administration staff; report any issues, supplyneeds, and necessary ground floor repairs, etc. to administrative personnel.
  • Monitorall staff radio communication and respond to calls at Base as needed.
  • Ensureguest safety at all times.
  • Adhereto all policies and procedures at the Zoo.
  • Maintaincleanliness at work location.
  • Compileand distribute verbally the Zoo's daily report for personnel.
  • Communicatewith fellow employees by radio contact as needed following Zoo radio etiquetteand protocol at all times.
  • Contactappropriate staff to resolve guest issues.
  • Interactin a professional, polite and informed manner with all personnel, volunteers,visitors, vendors and contractors.

Minimum Qualifications:
Hospitality:
  • Friendly, outgoing, andapproachable;
  • Possess a positive andpatient attitude; and,
  • Possess excellent verbal andwritten communication skills.

Education:
  • High school diploma or GEDequivalent required; and,
  • Bachelor's Degree preferred.

Experience/Training:
  • Customer service experiencerequired;
  • Six months of administrativesupport or related experience strongly preferred;
  • Basic knowledge of MicrosoftOffice, Google Workspace, and web-based applications required; and,
  • Familiarity withPoint-Of-Sale systems strongly preferred.

Working Conditions:
  • Ability to work a flexibleschedule to include weekends, holidays, and special events;
  • Must be able to exert up to35 pounds of force to lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move objects;
  • Exposure to potentialenvironmental hazards such as poison oak/ivy, uneven terrain, insectbites/stings, and Hepatitis B depending on the position.

Equipment:
  • Must be able to operate acomputer, two-way radio, multi-line telephone, copier/ scanner, etc.

Traits Desirable:
  • Ability to work withindividuals from a wide variety of ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
  • Reliable and punctual workethic.

Benefits:
  • We offer an excellent benefits package including 24days of Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick and Safe Leave, and 2 paid holidays.
  • Eligible for medical, dental, vision, short- andlong-term disability and life insurance.
  • 401(k) with employer match.
  • Zoo membership plus 16 guest passes.

Disclaimer: Thestatements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of workbeing performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are notintended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, dutiesand/or skills required of all personnel so classified. Therefore, managementreserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or differenttasks be performed when circumstances change.
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