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Zookeeper Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Zookeeper information

See Riverside, CA salary details

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How much do zookeeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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 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 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.

Do zookeepers make a lot of money?

Zookeepers typically earn a moderate salary that varies by experience, location, and employer. According to industry data, the median annual wage for zookeepers is around $30,000 to $40,000, with higher earnings possible for those with advanced skills or specialized certifications. Many zookeepers work full-time and may receive benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

What qualifications do you need for a zookeeper?

Zookeepers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with many employers preferring candidates with a degree or coursework in biology, zoology, or animal science. Relevant experience, such as volunteering or internships, along with strong physical stamina and knowledge of animal care and safety procedures, are also important qualifications.

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.

$44K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate and maintain specialized tools or equipment used in wildland fire suppression and management.

  • Perform wildland fire suppression activities as part of an engine, helitack module, or hand crew.

  • Support fire suppression efforts through routine support assignments related to forestry, fire prevention, or control.


United States Department Of Agriculture rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

455th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

These positions are located in Region 5, USDA Forest Service units.
The purpose of these positions are wildland fire suppression/management/control as a specialized firefighter on an engine, helitack module, or hand crew with responsibility for the operation and maintenance of specialized tools or equipment.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Brian Grabowski at brian.grabowski@usda.govQualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
General/Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-03: You must have six (6) months of general experience. Examples of General Experience include: any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of a Wildland Firefighter, or general experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the Wildland Firefighter occupation. Examples of general experience include: Performed farm/ranch labor, such as feeding and tending livestock or general maintenance of farm/ranch facilities; Worked in a greenhouse or nursery moving, watering, and tending plants and performing other general labor tasks; Fed and watered animals, such as in a laboratory, pet store, or zoo; Any work experience, paid or unpaid. Unpaid experience, for example, may be regular volunteer work, such as at a park, community sports league facilities, etc.
OR
Successful completion of a one (1)-year of related education or appropriate firefighting training may be substituted for experience on a month-for-month basis. Firefighting training obtained as part of a high school curriculum-may be substituted for the six (6) months of general experience.
OR
An appropriate combinations of education and experience.
For the GW-04: You must have six (6) months of general experience (any type of work that demonstrated the ability to perform the work of the position, or experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation) AND six (6) months of specialized experience that is directly related to the work of the position.
Examples of qualifying general experience include: Performed farm/ranch labor, such as feeding/tending livestock or general maintenance of farm/ranch facilities and/or worked in a greenhouse, nursery or landscaping e.g., planting, moving, watering, and tending plants and/or animal caretaker in a laboratory, zoo or pet store and/or volunteer work at a park, hospital, community sports league, local fire department, etc.
Examples of specialized experience include: Performed natural resource support work, e.g., forestry, range, park technician, wildland firefighter, or similar jobs; performed routine support assignments in a forestry specialty area, e.g., wilderness, timber, fire prevention/control, etc.
OR
Successful completion of a two (2)-year course of study in an accredited college or university in Fire Training, Fire Science, Fire Technology or other related fields of study.
OR
An appropriate combination of education and experience.
For the GW-05: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GW-04) in the Federal service.
OR
Successful completion of a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university with major study in Fire Science, Fire Training, Fire Technology or other related fields of study.
OR
An appropriate combination of education and experience.
Examples of specialized experience include: Patrolled areas of controlled fires to mop-up by searching out and extinguishing any remaining burning material; Served on a specialty crew (hotshot, helitack, engines, etc.) to suppress the full range of difficult and complex fires; Operated specialized fire suppression equipment such as portable pumps or drip torches.
Selective Placement Factors
For the GW-05 grade level, successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Firefighter 1 (FFT1)
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS, MODERATE, or LIGHT level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:See QUALIFICATIONS section for education requirementsEmployment Type: OTHER

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