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Zoo Jobs (NOW HIRING)

mkecounty

Evaluation Intern - Zoo

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$15 - $20.04/hr

Evaluation Intern Milwaukee County Zoo Hourly Pay Range : $15.00 - $20.04 Job Summary: The Evaluation Intern assists with audience research and evaluation projects related to guest experience at the ...

mkecounty

Zoo Seasonal Security Officer

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$15.91 - $23.87/hr

Zoo Seasonal Security Officer Hourly Range: $15.91 - $23.87 Closing Date: 06/11/2026 or upon receipt of the first 50 applications Job Summary: Under the direction of Zoo Security leadership, the Zoo ...

City of Waco, TX

Zoo Summer Worker - Seasonal

Waco, TX · On-site

$15/hr

ZOO Opening Date: 03/19/2026 Summary Minimum Starting Salary: $15.0000 per hour The City of Waco Seeks: The City of Waco is seeking a reliable Summer Worker - Seasonal to join our team. This role ...

Audubon Institute

Zoo Keeper (Primates)

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$18 - $24.25/hr

Zookeeper-Primates Department: Animal Reports To: Assistant Curator of Section working Location: Audubon Zoo General Summary: This position is a Zookeeper at the Audubon Zoo. The position will ...

houstonzoo

Zookeeper, Primates

Houston, TX

Under the direction of a Zoo Supervisor, the Zookeeper is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations associated with the husbandry of the animals and the maintenance of animal enclosures ...

City of Waco

Zoo Summer Worker - Seasonal

Waco, TX

$15 - $25/hr

This role will supervise one age group of Zoo Camp this Summer. If you are looking for a summer job, this is the perfect opportunity Apply today. Minimum Qualifications: Required: H.S. Diploma or GED ...

mkecounty

Zoo - Associate Veterinarian

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$89K - $100K/yr

Assists in the management of the Zoo Animal Health subdivision and associated programs. Participates in the development and implementation of clinical and preventative veterinary programs. As a ...

houstonzoo

Zookeeper II, Birds

Houston, TX

Under the direction of a Zoo Supervisor, the Zookeeper II is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations associated with the husbandry of the animals and the maintenance of animal enclosures ...

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How much do zoo jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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 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 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:
What job categories do people searching Zoo jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Zoo jobs are:
Zoo jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,242 per year, or $15 per hour.
Zoo Keeper (Float) - Reid Park Zoo FT

Zoo Keeper (Float) - Reid Park Zoo FT

REID PARK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$17.67 - $20.76/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Reid Park Zoo, in Tucson, Arizona, seeks a Zoo Keeper (Float). This is a newly created position to support the zoo's upcoming Asia Expansion. Responsible for the care of multiple species spanning a variety of taxa on various Animal Care Teams.
With a mission centered in conservation, the Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in nearly 100 Species Survival Plans for threatened and endangered species. Reid Park Zoo maintains a state-of-the-art elephant program, a cutting-edge veterinary clinic that serves as a teaching hospital for the University of Arizona veterinary program, and is a leader in the songbird and monarch SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) programs, to name a few recognitions. Attracting 600,000 guests annually, the Zoo is in the midst of an exciting expansion project, Pathway to Asia, that will add four acres to its campus, bringing new species such as red panda, Komodo dragon and Lar gibbon, as well as a breeding facility for critically-endangered Malayan tigers when it opens in 2026.
Pay Range: $17.67 to $20.76 per hour, DOE
Benefits: This is a fully benefited position, including group medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; paid holiday, vacation, and sick time, retirement plan, zoo membership, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, and discounts on concession and gift shop purchases.
No phone calls or visits, please. This position is open until filled. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment.
Overview: This is a newly created position to support the zoo's upcoming Asia Expansion. Responsible for the care of multiple species spanning a variety of taxa on various Animal Care Teams. This role will be cross-trained in multiple areas and responsible for assisting in animal care duties to assist other teams. This person will ultimately be checked off to do at least one routine on all animal care teams and will rotate between the six animal teams to provide needed coverage to maximize animal well-being.
Reports To: General Curator of Animal Care
Essential Job Duties:
  • Demonstrates and models the core values of the Reid Park Zoological Society (RPZS or the Zoo)
  • Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies and procedures
  • Provide excellent customer service as a component of all job duties
  • Foster and maintain positive, collaborative relationships at all levels
  • Follows Zoo safety protocols and procedures
  • Daily cleaning is associated with animal night houses, habitats, and visitor viewing areas.
  • Husbandry care for the animals in the area (feeding, medicating, training, enriching, and care specific to the species)

Other Job Duties:
  • Completes reports including but not limited to daily animal reports, enrichment logs, water quality logs, training logs, medication logs, animal incident reports, etc.
  • Develops & implements enrichment activities for animals following AZA guidelines and per department practices and protocols.
  • Trains utilizing positive reinforcement to aid in animal management & promote visitor education.
  • Monitors animal welfare and reports concerns to supervisor.
  • Follows all animal care protocols and policies.
  • May be asked to assist in the training of new staff and mentoring volunteers.
  • Completes all training as required.
  • Variable shift work is possible.
  • Support Animal Behavior and Well-Being Program Leader with projects as scheduling allows

Communication:
  • Participates in formal presentations, e.g., Keeper talks, special events, behind-the-scenes tours, etc.
  • Answers visitor questions concerning animals, conservation, zoo operations, etc.

Health & Safety:
  • Assists in the capture and/or physical/ chemical restraint & transportation of animals.
  • Participates in emergency drills.
  • Responds to animal emergencies following approved protocols.
  • Stays current on required vaccinations

Administrative Functions:
  • Provide excellent customer service as a component of all job duties.
  • Complete all animal records in a variety of software programs, including Animal Care Software, ZIMS, etc.

Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:
  • Bachelor's degree in biological science, animal or zoology related, plus one year of paid experience at an AZA-accredited facility OR Associate's degree with three years' paid animal care experience at an AZA-accredited facility; OR acceptable combination of education and experience (approval required from Animal Care Director)
  • Valid, unrestricted Driver's license
  • Complete pre-employment drug test (non-THC) successfully
  • Complete criminal history background check successfully
  • Pre-employment TB test (and annual renewals) or evidence of a negative TB test result in the immediate past 12 months
  • Completes all training as required
  • Variable shift work is possible
  • Participates in emergency drills
  • Regular physical attendance at work
  • Demonstrated critical analysis, customer service, problem-solving, conflict resolution, decision-making, leadership, team building, time management, and motivational skills
  • Demonstrated ability to tactfully handle stressful situations, negotiate and resolve conflicts, maintain confidentiality, and respect and observe organizational protocol
  • Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of RPZS and coworkers, as well as diverse volunteers, guests, donors, community partners, vendors, and others
  • Able to work a flexible work schedule and adjust as required
  • Weekend, special events, and some holiday work are required

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 3-5 years' paid zoo keeper experience
  • AZA Accredited Zoo Experience with a wide variety of taxa
  • Bi-lingual (Any language, including ASL)

Physical Demands:
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Bend, stoop, kneel, reach
  • Stand for long periods
  • Repetitious motion with hands
  • Ability to use hands to control power and hand tools
  • Must be able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions

Please note that this document is not an exhaustive list. It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Dept.

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