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Zoo Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

The addition of Exotics has added exciting and interesting patient interactions for the whole team and tapped into the exotics/zoo med interest of many of our support staff members. The ER team has ...

The addition of Exotics has added exciting and interesting patient interactions for the whole team and tapped into the exotics/zoo med interest of many of our support staff members. The ER team has ...

Showing results 21-22

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 are the most commonly searched types of Zoo jobs in Springfield, MA?

The most popular types of Zoo jobs in Springfield, MA are:

What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Zoo jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Zoo job openings:

Infographic showing various Zoo job openings in Springfield, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Emergency Veterinarian Lead

AAVMP

Springfield, MA • On-site

$150 - $230/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Description

Are you an experienced leader who is passionate about Emergency Veterinary Medicine and looking for a new challenge? Does helping build out a new team in a brand-new hospital sound exciting? Then we may have the perfect fit!

Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital (VESH) is excited to announce the recent opening (October 2023) of our brand-new Hospital in West Springfield, MA-- and business is booming! We are thrilled to provide these much-needed services to an even larger community now, and we want you to join us!

Our ER team collaborates closely with our Internal Medicine, Surgery, Exotics, and Urgent Care departments. We are looking for an Emergency Veterinarian Lead who wants to help us create and nurture a world class practice in our state-of-the-art facility.

About the role

The Emergency Veterinarian Lead is responsible for day-to-day workflow including, but not limited to: ER doctor scheduling, recruiting, hiring, onboarding and training; facilitating regular department meetings; and providing mentorship and oversight to both doctors and support staff. In collaboration with the Medical Director and Hospital Director, the ER DVM Lead strives to maintain a positive attitude, positive work habits and strong collaborative relationships within the department and with external services and rDVMs.

About the new hospital

Our brand-new, 12,000 sq ft facility will feature a brand new helical CT, fluoroscopy, endoscopy, ultrasound, digital radiography, ICU, in-house lab, full blood services, and much more!

Our team is thrilled to be expanding our current footprint as we grow our team to support the greater West Springfield area, in addition to our first location in South Deerfield, MA. Associate and Leadership positions are available!

This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to practice high quality medicine in an ideal location featuring a great team, top of the line equipment, and strong financial incentives. Join now and help us create the hospital of your dreams!

New Exotics Department at VESH

We are thrilled to announce the recent addition of Dr. Jordan Adair, DABVP (Avian) to the VESH team-and with him, a brand-new Exotics department! While his board certification is in Avian Medicine, Dr. Adair is experienced in treating a wide range of exotic animals, including reptiles, rabbits, ferrets, pocket pets, and more. We have seen a wide variety of these pets already at VESH! Dr. Adair is also eager to develop a wildlife program at VESH and has been partnering with local wildlife rescue and rehabilitation groups.

The addition of Exotics has added exciting and interesting patient interactions for the whole team and tapped into the exotics/zoo med interest of many of our support staff members. The ER team has also seen an uptick in exotic and avian cases presenting to ER-offering an even more interesting caseload for our ER doctors who enjoy working with them. Dr. Adair loves to teach and train, so if this is an area of interest, we'd love to discuss it! If you'd prefer to stick solely with canine/feline medicine however, we can 100% support this as well!

Benefits to fit your lifestyle

We want to invest in you! In addition to our generous signing bonus, comprehensive benefits plan, relocation and retention bonuses, we are also offering a Quality of Life package with perks as unique as you! Choose from:

  • A home gym upgrade with a Peloton, Mirror or Tonal
  • A family vacation stipend with extended PTO
  • A home renovation budget to fund your DIY dreams
  • A tuition reimbursement bonus to tackle student debt

Comprehensive Benefits include an annual uniform allowance, annual shoe allowance, comprehensive health, dental, disability, life insurance, FSA, partially funded HRA, 401(k) with employer match, referral and incentive bonuses, annual CE allowance and time off, generous vacation time, and sick time benefits.

About West Springfield

Come live in beautiful Western Massachusetts, which offers world-class recreational, dining, and cultural opportunities, with easy access to Boston and NYC-at a much lower cost of living.

Something for everyone! Foodies will appreciate the wide variety of locally-owned and often locally-sourced restaurants, and adventure seekers are sure to enjoy the close proximity to Six Flags. There are hiking trails for outdoors enthusiasts, and a plethora of museums for history buffs. Not to mention the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame! And parents will cherish family-friendly outings at the Seuss Museum, The Carle Museum, or Children's Museum at Holyoke-- while enjoying some of the best public schools in America!

Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class medicine, and help shape what veterinary care becomes next.

Across our network of 140 specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You'll work alongside respected veterinary leaders in academic-caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery.

Here, mentorship is a two-way street. You'll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow, clinically, professionally, and personally.

At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and pursue veterinary medicine at its highest level, together.

Benefits for this role may include health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement benefits, paid time off (including sick leave and vacation), short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance.

Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.

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