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Zookeeper Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT BIG BEAR ALPINE ZOO The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a rehabilitation facility offering injured, orphaned and imprinted wild animals a safe haven temporarily while they heal or permanently as they ...

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Zookeeper information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$12

$20

$30

How much do zookeeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for zookeeper in Riverside, CA is $20.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by zookeepers when caring for a variety of animal species?

Zookeepers often manage animals with diverse needs, ranging from dietary requirements to enrichment and behavioral health. One common challenge is adapting care routines for different species, especially when working with both domesticated and exotic animals. Additionally, zookeepers must remain vigilant about safety protocols to protect themselves and the animals, and they regularly collaborate with veterinarians and other staff to monitor health and well-being. Balancing the animals' welfare with public education and visitor engagement can also require creative problem-solving and strong communication skills.

What is a zookeeper?

Zookeepers are animal care professionals responsible for the daily care, feeding, and monitoring of animals in zoos and wildlife parks. They ensure the animals’ habitats are clean and safe, observe animal behavior for signs of illness, and assist with breeding programs and public education efforts. Zookeepers often work with veterinarians to maintain animal health and may also help with conservation initiatives. This role requires a passion for animals, physical stamina, and strong observation skills.

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 solid background in animal science, biology, or zoology—often with a relevant degree or hands-on experience in animal care. Familiarity with animal management software, husbandry equipment, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong observational skills, patience, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the health and well-being of animals, support public education, and maintain a safe, collaborative working environment.

What job categories do people searching Zookeeper jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Zookeeper jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Zookeeper jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Zookeeper job openings:

Infographic showing various Zookeeper job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,993 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

$19.41 - $28.18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


San Bernardino County rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

484th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The Job -THIS IS A SPECIAL DISTRICTS POSITION- The San Bernardino County Special Districts - Big Bear Park and Recreation is recruiting for an Animal Keeper I to perform general and routine animal care tasks under supervision at the District's Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Primary duties include feeding exotic animals, observing and documenting animal behavior, answering questions from the public, assisting with presentations, animal training, performing maintenance in and around animal enclosures, and maintaining a high level of Animal Care Standards. This position is located in the mountain area of Big Bear, CA (approximately 1 hour/45 miles from downtown San Bernardino, CA).

For more detailed information, refer to the Animal Keeper I job description. EXCELLENT BENEFITS To review job-specific benefits, refer to: Summary of Benefits and the Non-Represented Employee Compensation Plan The County also offers an alternative Modified Benefits Option (MBO) that provides a wage differential. ABOUT BIG BEAR ALPINE ZOO The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a rehabilitation facility offering injured, orphaned and imprinted wild animals a safe haven temporarily while they heal or permanently as they are unable to survive on their own.

We are extremely proud that the vast majority of animals brought to us for rehabilitation are successfully released back into their native environment. Those that remain with us on exhibit are either too injured or have been imprinted by humans and cannot be released back into the wild to care for themselves. The Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District, a Special District of San Bernardino County, owns the zoo, the facilities and the animals.

County employees are hired for animal care, grounds keepers, maintenance, education and administration. The zoo is located within the 3rd District of San Bernardino County. The Park District oversees the operation of the zoo, and the Curator oversees the day to day activities of the zoo.

The zoo is located in the San Bernardino National Forest at an elevation of 7140 feet. For more information visit https://bigbearzoo.org/ CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Pre-Employment Process: Prior to appointment, applicants must undergo a background check, which includes fingerprinting and a medical exam. Availability: Must be able to work in the mountain area of Big Bear, CA and report to work in extreme weather conditions such as ice and snow

Please indicate availability for Big Bear on Agency Wide Question #2. Must be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays. Travel: Travel within the County may be required.

A valid California Driver License and proof of automobile liability insurance must be provided at time of hire and maintained throughout employment. Working Conditions: Applicants must be able to work outdoors in varying mountain weather conditions, drive in all weather conditions, lift and/or carry heavy objects up to fifty (50) pounds, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend over, crawl, and perform other physical activities in the performance of job duties for this position. Sponsorship: San Bernardino County is unable to consider to candidates who require Visa Sponsorship at this time or in the future.

Candidates must be able to present their legal right to work in the United States at the time of employment. Minimum Requirements Applicants must meet ONE (1) of the following options: Option I: Six (6) months of full-time equivalent paid or volunteer experience involving the care, handling, observation, training, or management of animals. Qualifying experience may include work in a: Zoo or aquarium.

Wildlife rehabilitation center. Animal sanctuary. Veterinary hospital or clinic.

Animal shelter or rescue organization. Stable, ranch, farm, kennel, or similar animal-care setting. Professional pet-care, training, or animal-handling position.

Option 2: Thirty (30) semester or forty-five (45) quarter units of completed college coursework from an accredited college or university, in zoology, biology, animal science, wildlife biology, wildlife management, veterinary technology, environmental science, ecology, or a closely related field. Desired Qualifications Animal Keeper experience and training with exotic animals is preferred. Coursework in wildlife rehabilitation/husbandry and a current Veterinary Technician license is highly desirable.

Selection Process Application Procedure: Please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Applications will be accepted until further notice; recruitment may close at any time once sufficient applications are received. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaires.

There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on the information provided in the Application and the Supplemental Questionnaire. You are encouraged to include detailed descriptions of your qualifying experience and skills, as only the most highly qualified applicants will be referred to the Department. To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the posted filing deadline.

Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records.

Please note: if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application, we have not received your application. All communications regarding the selection process will be via email. Applicants are encouraged to check their e-mails frequently to obtain any correspondence associated with this recruitment.

Please be sure the email provided on this application is always current; it is your responsibility to update your personal information. Update your Spam, Junk, Bulk and Firewall settings as needed to ensure that you receive all information pertaining to this recruitment. EEO/ADA: San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants.

ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and need accommodations during the testing process, please submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form within one week of a recruitment filing deadline. Veterans' Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouses or widows/widowers who are not current County employees may receive additional Veterans' Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request these points, please refer to the Veterans' Preference Policy.

For more important details, review the links below: Guide to Completing a County Job Application Applicant Information and the County Employment Process


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