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Zoo Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Zoo Director

Boise, ID

$135K - $157K/yr

The Zoo Director will set strategic direction, elevate and empower a high-performing team, and foster a culture of trust, accountability, collaboration, and excellence. This position oversees City of ...

The Zoo Hospital Manager is responsible for administrative and practice management for the Veterinary Department. This position provides direct leadership to Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary ...

Zoo Intern

Carpentersville, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Zoo Intern Do you love animals, enjoy being outdoors, and want hands-on experience in a zoo setting? Join the Dundee Township Park District as a Zoo Intern and play a key role in the care of more ...

Zoo Director

Boise, ID · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

The Zoo Director will set strategic direction, elevate and empower a high-performing team, and foster a culture of trust, accountability, collaboration, and excellence. This position oversees City of ...

Zoo Intern

Carpentersville, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Zoo Intern Do you love animals, enjoy being outdoors, and want hands-on experience in a zoo setting? Join the Dundee Township Park District as a Zoo Intern and play a key role in the care of more ...

Zoo Intern Do you love animals, enjoy being outdoors, and want hands-on experience in a zoo setting? Join the Dundee Township Park District as a Zoo Intern and play a key role in the care of more ...

Zoo Intern

Carpentersville, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Zoo Intern Do you love animals, enjoy being outdoors, and want hands-on experience in a zoo setting? Join the Dundee Township Park District as a Zoo Intern and play a key role in the care of more ...

Zoo Intern

Carpentersville, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Zoo Intern Do you love animals, enjoy being outdoors, and want hands-on experience in a zoo setting? Join the Dundee Township Park District as a Zoo Intern and play a key role in the care of more ...

Showing results 21-40

Zoo information

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$5

$15

$29

How much do zoo jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for zoo in the United States is $15.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.10 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are hiring for Zoo jobs?

Cities with the most Zoo job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo jobs?

The most popular types of Zoo jobs are:

What states have the most Zoo jobs?

States with the most job openings for Zoo jobs include:

Infographic showing various Zoo job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,242 per year, or $15 per hour.

Guest Experience Ambassador - Zoo Internship

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos


Job description

Thank you for your interest in Zoo employment and career opportunities. We value core Diversity and Inclusion principles and invite applicants who share these values to explore the Zoo and the opportunities we offer. Search jobs and careers at the Zoo below.

About Diversity and Inclusion at the Cincinnati Zoo

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden CELEBRATES the diversity of our plants and animals, staff, visitors, and community. We believe the Zoo should be a place where everyone can be themselves. We strive for a culture where differences are recognized, welcomed, and celebrated through our processes, programs, and presence in the community.

Join the Team

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is an equal opportunity employer and accepts employment applications and/or resumes for current open positions only.

Available Positions: Food and Retail; Available Positions: Intern Program

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Intern Program provides participants with early career experience in a specific department. Interns gain valuable skills through hands-on training with staff, lectures and continuing education courses presented by staff from various departments, and networking opportunities to develop professional contacts throughout the Zoo community.

Qualifications – Intern Program
  • Be 18 or over and interested in pursuing a career in the zoological or botanical field;
  • Hard-working, highly motivated, professional, and committed to following detailed instructions;
  • Positively approach team-based, collaborative working environments and engaging with visitors;
  • Comfortable working with and/or handling many different species encompassing all taxa of animals; and
  • Full availability to work the entire intern session and days required.
Working Conditions, Schedule & Commitment

Roles within the zoological/botanical field are often physical in nature and require outdoor time and certain health conditions to be met:

  • Regular standing for long periods, walking, climbing, balancing, and grasping tools or objects
  • Exposure to outdoor weather conditions (heat, humidity, rain, snow, cold)
  • Must be able to lift and move 50 lbs without mechanical assistance
  • Internship is conditional upon passing a pre-start drug & nicotine screen
  • Must provide a negative TB test result before beginning internship
  • Applicants must provide proof of current medical insurance and maintain insurance for the duration of the internship
  • COVID vaccination may be required if applicable to your department

If an internship listed does not have an “Apply Here” link, the internship is unavailable for the current session; please check back during the next application period.

Thank you for your interest. If you have additional questions, please email [emailprotected].

Virtual/Regional Experiences and Locations

Africa

Aviculture

Education

Elephant Department

Global Conservation Impact

Horticulture: Native Plant Program & Wetland

Night Hunters

North America

Primate Center

Wings of Wonder

Veterinary Experiences at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Veterinary Technician Internship

Need to be a registered veterinary technician or actively enrolled in an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program to be accepted for internship.

Veterinary Shadow Days

This can be a several-day experience that may or may not coincide with school requirements. Must be enrolled in an AVMA-accredited veterinary program (student in 1st–3rd year).

Veterinary Externship

4–8-week externship. Must be enrolled in an AVMA-accredited veterinary program. These are often scheduled 1–2 years in advance of the externship. Please inquire if you are in your 2nd or 3rd year of an AVMA-accredited program.

High School Students

We do not offer opportunities currently for high school students. Please reach out once you meet one of the requirements above.

If you meet the above qualifications and are interested in participating in the VETERINARY SHADOW DAYS or VETERINARY EXTERNSHIP, please fill out the form and you will be contacted by our veterinary staff to schedule if there is availability.

Veterinary Internship – review session availability and the application process for internships below. If the “apply” link is not listed, the Veterinary Technician internship is filled. Please check back in the next application period for internships.

Veterinary Technician Internship

Objective

Qualifications

Working Conditions & Other Requirements

Limited housing is available and is located across the street, providing easy access to the zoo

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What Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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