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Zookeeper Assistant Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Zoo Assistant Director

El Paso, TX · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Salary : $100,494.78 - $135,667.96 Annually Location : Various Locations within the City of El Paso ... Zoo operations, projects, and activities. Typical Duties Assist in planning, directing, and ...

Zookeeper I-III

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$39K - $47K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Salary : $39,790.40 - $47,548.80 Annually Location : Albuquerque, NM Job Type: Full Time Job Number ... Maintain and care for a variety of animals within the BioPark; assist curatorial and veterinary ...

Zoo Assistant Curator

Louisville, KY · On-site

$59K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Salary: $59,217.60 Annually Location : 517 Court Place, Louisville, KY 40202, KY Job Type: Full_Time Job Number: 15838 Department: Zoo Opening Date: 08/06/2026 Closing Date: 8/19/2026 11:59 PM ...

Zookeeper I, II, III

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$39K - $47K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Salary : $39,790.40 - $47,548.80 Annually Location : Albuquerque, NM Job Type: Full Time Job Number ... BioPark; assist curatorial and veterinary staff as needed and perform a variety of activities ...

Sous Chef

New York, NY

$68K - $72K/yr

Bronx Zoo Position Type: Full-Time Salary: $68,000 - $72,000 About Wildlife Conservation Society ... Will assist in the supervision of staff, inventory and cost controls, kitchen cleanliness ...

Sous Chef

New York, NY

$68K - $72K/yr

Bronx Zoo Position Type: Full-Time Salary: $68,000 - $72,000 About Wildlife Conservation Society ... Will assist in the supervision of staff, inventory and cost controls, kitchen cleanliness ...

... Assistant/Zookeeper). * Must be solution-oriented, finding creative solutions for complex ... Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: Full-time salary positions are defined as positions scheduled ...

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Zookeeper Assistant Salary information

See salary details

$10

$67

$125

How much do zookeeper assistant salary jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for zookeeper assistant salary in the United States is $67.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $92.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a zookeeper assistant do?

A zookeeper assistant helps care for animals in a zoo by feeding, cleaning enclosures, and monitoring animal health. They often assist with habitat maintenance, observe animal behavior, and support zookeepers in daily tasks to ensure animal well-being and safety.

What are some common challenges faced by zookeeper assistants in their daily responsibilities?

Zookeeper Assistants often face physically demanding tasks such as cleaning enclosures, preparing diets, and assisting with animal enrichment. Working in various weather conditions and managing unpredictable animal behavior can also be challenging. Additionally, maintaining strict safety and hygiene protocols is essential. Despite these challenges, the role offers rewarding opportunities to learn about animal care and contribute to conservation efforts while working closely with experienced zookeepers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a zookeeper assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Zookeeper Assistant, you typically need a background in animal science, biology, or a related field, along with hands-on experience working with animals. Familiarity with animal care protocols, feeding schedules, cleaning procedures, and basic recordkeeping systems is important. Strong observational skills, teamwork, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for animal welfare set candidates apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the well-being of animals and supporting efficient zoo operations.

Is a zookeeper assistant an entry-level job?

A zookeeper assistant is typically considered an entry-level position that involves supporting zookeepers with daily animal care, cleaning, and habitat maintenance. It often requires basic animal handling skills and may serve as a stepping stone to more advanced roles in zoological settings.

What is the average salary for a zookeeper assistant?

The average salary for a Zookeeper Assistant in the United States typically ranges from $25,000 to $35,000 per year, depending on location, experience, and the type of facility. Entry-level positions may start closer to minimum wage, while those with experience or in larger zoos may earn slightly more. Benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and opportunities for advancement can vary between employers. Overall, this role is often considered entry-level in the animal care field.

What is the difference between Zookeeper Assistant Salary vs Zookeeper?

AspectZookeeper AssistantZookeeper
Average Salary$25,000 - $35,000$30,000 - $45,000
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, animal care experienceHigh school diploma, animal care certification preferred
Work EnvironmentAnimal care facilities, zoosZoos, wildlife parks, conservation centers
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with animal feeding, cleaning, and habitat maintenanceAnimal feeding, habitat management, health monitoring

In summary, Zookeeper Assistants typically earn less than Zookeepers, with similar credentials but fewer responsibilities. Zookeepers have higher salaries due to more advanced skills and responsibilities in animal care and habitat management.

More about Zookeeper Assistant Salary jobs

What cities are hiring for Zookeeper Assistant Salary jobs?

Cities with the most Zookeeper Assistant Salary job openings:

What states have the most Zookeeper Assistant Salary jobs?

States with the most job openings for Zookeeper Assistant Salary jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Zookeeper Assistant Salary jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Zookeeper Assistant Salary jobs are:

Infographic showing various Zookeeper Assistant Salary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,766 per year, or $67.7 per hour.

Zoo Assistant Director

City of El Paso, TX

El Paso, TX • On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Other

Re-posted 27 days ago


City Of El Paso (Texas) rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

277th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary : $100,494.78 - $135,667.96 Annually
Location : Various Locations within the City of El Paso, TX
Job Type: Unclassified
Job Number: U0805-0626
Department: ZOO GATE REVS ADMIN
Opening Date: 06/18/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Requirements
MOS Codes: None
Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree or higher in Zoo Management, Veterinary Medicine, Business or Public Administration, or a related field, and six (6) years of zoological operations experience, including four (4) years of managerial experience.
Licenses and Certificates: Valid Texas Class "C" Driver's License or equivalent from another state by the date of appointment.
General Purpose
Under general direction, plan, organize, and assist in the daily management of El Paso Zoo operations, projects, and activities.
Typical Duties
Assist in planning, directing, and reviewing the activities and operations of the El Paso Zoo. Involves: overseeing, planning, and directing department divisions. Direct, recommend, and establish operational plans to achieve departmental attendance and per capita targets. Work with zoo divisions to maintain a high-quality visitor experience. Plan, organize, and manage the coordination of day-to-day projects and activities, both directly and through subordinate supervisors. Recommend, implement, and administer policies and procedures. Direct, oversee, and participate in the development of the department work plan. Analyze department personnel, equipment, procedures, plans, and programs. Review and recommend improvements, automation, or streamlining of work activities.
Plan, design, implement, and review the department's short and long-term goals, objectives, and priorities. Involves: Collect and analyze data. Prepare a variety of reports regarding division activities, accomplishments, and goals. Design, establish, and maintain the organizational structure and staffing to effectively accomplish goals and objectives. Monitor department operations and activities to ensure successful implementation of City and department objectives. Conduct research and assess opportunities for improving operations such as new programs, exhibits, or technology development. Analyze organization and community needs. Evaluate and review industry trends and statistics. Make recommendations for department improvements and opportunities. Participate in the zoo department long-term planning efforts and capital improvement plans. Monitor and apply fiscal controls to receipt and expenditure of funds. Estimate required funds for the use of personnel, facilities, equipment, materials and supplies.
Participate in the preparation of the annual budget. Involves: Assist in the development and monitoring of budget. Work with appropriate personnel to develop, recommend, and define operating and financial objectives. Direct, recommend, and implement preparation of operating budgets and controls. Prepare projections of resources necessary to meet current and future development needs.
Supervise assigned personnel. Involves: Schedule, assign, and check work. Appraise employee performance and review evaluations by subordinate supervisors. Provide for training and development. Enforce personnel rules and regulations and work behavior standards firmly and impartially. Counsel, motivate, and maintain harmony. Interview applicants and recommend hiring, termination, transfers, discipline, and other employee status changes.
Represent the department as required. Involves: Interact with a variety of department heads, managers, supervisors, employees, and the public to provide and gather accurate information. Attend and participate in professional groups and committees. Prepare and deliver presentations at City Council, Civil Service Commission, and other boards, commissions, and community organizations. Serve as the Director during absences.
General Information
To view complete job specification, click here.
Note: This is an unclassified contract position.
Note: Applicants with a foreign degree or diploma must have all documents translated and evaluated by an agency of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) prior to submitting them to the Human Resources Department. Please visit for more information.
Note: Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. This position will close when a preset number of qualified applications have been received.
A résumé and/or other documents will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Comments such as "See résumé" are not acceptable and will result in the application being considered incomplete.
To qualify for this position, the required education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be clearly stated on your application's employment history. We do not use any information on your resume to review if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.
Failure to fully detail all experience and job duties in the application, or copying/pasting directly from the job specification, or responses referring to your résumé will eliminate you from consideration for the position.
Determined by agreement
01
Do you have a Bachelor's Degree or higher in Zoo Management, Veterinary Medicine, Business or Public Administration, or a related field?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a minimum of six (6) years of zoological operations experience, including four (4) years of managerial experience?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Applicants with foreign diplomas, transcripts and degrees must have all documents translated and evaluated by an agency of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) prior to submitting them to the Human Resources Department. Have you had your diploma, transcripts, degree or other required documents translated and evaluated by an agency of NACES?
  • Yes, it has been translated and certified and I can provide documentation upon a job offer.
  • No, I have not had my degree translated and certified.
  • N/A - my degree is from an accredited U.S. university or college.

04
Candidates will be evaluated based on the information provided on the application and the completeness of the responses to the Supplemental Questions. The following will disqualify you from moving forward in the recruitment process.-Failure to fully detail all work experience and job duties.-Failure to fully detail all lead, supervisory and managerial experience and duties if required. -Overlapping dates of work experience.-Copying and pasting directly from the job specification.-Responses referring to your résumé.
  • I acknowledge I have read and understand the above information.

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