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Zookeeper Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

University of Rochester

Radiologist - Pediatrics

Rochester, NY · On-site

$315K - $394K/yr

These include art, science and children's museums, The George Eastman Museum, a zoo, top Philharmonic and Pops Orchestras, and multiple theaters including Broadway plays. Housing is affordable. The ...

SSA Group

Guest Experience Associate

Rochester, NY · On-site

$15.50 - $17/hr

SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining, retail, admissions and more. We increase revenue opportunities for partners across the United ...

University of Rochester

Breast Radiologist

Rochester, NY · On-site

$474K - $514K/yr

These include the Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester Museum and Science Center, Strong Museum of Play, the George Eastman Museum, Seneca Zoo, multiple theaters hosting Broadway plays, and numerous ...

SSA Group

Guest Experience Associate

Rochester, NY · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining, retail, admissions and more. We increase revenue opportunities for partners across the United ...

University of Rochester

Radiologist - IR

Rochester, NY · On-site

$315K - $394K/yr

These include art, science and children's museums, The George Eastman Museum, a zoo, top Philharmonic and Pops Orchestras, and multiple theaters including Broadway plays. Housing is affordable. The ...

ssagroup

Guest Experience Associate

Rochester, NY · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining, retail, admissions and more. We increase revenue opportunities for partners across the United ...

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All JobsZookeeper JobsZookeeper Jobs in Rochester, NY

Zookeeper information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$12

$19

$28

How much do zookeeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for zookeeper in Rochester, NY is $19.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $20.87 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.
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What job categories do people searching Zookeeper jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

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Zookeeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zookeeper job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,715 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Director of Marketing and Communications

Seneca Park Zoo Society

Rochester, NY • On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Director of Marketing and Communications
Direct Supervisor: President & CEO
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary Range: $80,000 - $95,000
Working Hours: Standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. As a senior leadership role, the Director of Marketing and Communications is expected to maintain flexibility to support evening and weekend events, early morning media opportunities, and other organizational needs as required.
Position Summary
Seneca Park Zoo Society is seeking an innovative, strategic, and results-driven Director of Marketing and Communications to help lead the organization through a historic period of growth, including the launch of a next-generation Tropics Center that will set a new standard for excellence.
This is a unique opportunity to shape and elevate the Zoo's brand, marketing, communications, and audience engagement strategies as Seneca Park Zoo expands its impact and visibility. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in positioning the Zoo as a premier regional destination and a globally recognized leader in wildlife conservation, education, and community engagement.
Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the Director of Marketing and Communications will develop and execute integrated marketing, communications, public relations, and brand strategies that strengthen awareness, deepen audience engagement, increase visitation, and drive earned revenue. The ideal candidate combines strategic vision with data-driven decision-making and brings expertise in audience analytics, consumer insights, market research, digital marketing, and brand management. This leader will leverage data and emerging trends to identify opportunities, optimize performance, and deliver measurable results that support the Zoo's mission and long-term growth objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Organizational Management
  • Lead, develop, and inspire the Marketing, Communications, and Membership teams to achieve organizational goals and advance the Zoo Society's mission.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and data-driven decision making.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with board of trustee members, community leaders, organizations, vendors, and stakeholders to expand and diversify the Zoo's audiences and community impact.
  • Develop and facilitate a Marketing/PR committee with to include board trustees.
  • Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships that enhance the Zoo's visibility, relevance, and value throughout the region.
  • Collaborate closely with the Resource Development and Learning & Engagement teams to support fundraising campaigns, special events, donor communications, and audience engagement initiatives.
  • Serve as a strategic advisor to the President & CEO on communications, public messaging, and issues with potential external impact.
  • Demonstrate sound judgment and effective problem solving in both routine and high-profile situations, maintaining composure under pressure.
  • Champion the organization's commitment to leveraging audience insights, market research, and performance data to guide strategy and decision making.
  • Serve as the steward of the Seneca Park Zoo brand, ensuring consistency and excellence across all communications and marketing materials.
  • Support departments across the organization in creating engaging, mission-aligned, and brand-consistent experiences.
  • Manage relationships with external vendors, agencies, printers, and service providers, ensuring exceptional quality, value, and return on investment.

Marketing & Communications
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive marketing, communications, public relations, and brand strategy that advances organizational priorities and drives measurable results.
  • Development and implementation of a five-year PR strategy in alignment with the Zoo Society's Long-Range Plan
  • Lead integrated marketing campaigns that increase attendance, membership, event participation, community engagement, and revenue growth.
  • Oversee the development of compelling content and communications across print, digital, social media, web, email, video, and other channels.
  • Direct the creation and execution of the Zoo-wide marketing plan, leveraging owned, earned, paid, and shared media to strengthen brand awareness and audience engagement.
  • Expand the Zoo's reach by identifying and engaging new and diverse audiences throughout the region and beyond.
  • Guide media relations strategy and cultivate strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
  • Elevate the visibility and reputation of Seneca Park Zoo Society through proactive storytelling, thought leadership, and strategic public relations efforts.
  • Ensure timely and effective communication with internal and external stakeholders regarding organizational priorities, initiatives, conservation efforts, programs, and achievements.

Membership Strategy & Growth
  • Provide strategic leadership for membership acquisition, retention, engagement, and stewardship efforts.
  • Enhance the overall member experience and ensure membership considerations are integrated into programs, events, exhibits, and educational offerings.
  • Partners across departments position membership as a key component of visitor engagement and organizational sustainability.
  • Meet or exceed annual membership growth and revenue targets.

Strategic Partnership with Monroe County
  • Maintain a highly collaborative and productive partnership with Monroe County leadership and communications teams.
  • In partnership with County Communications, oversee crisis communication planning, preparedness, and response.
  • Collaborate with County partners to strengthen community, governmental, and neighborhood relationships through proactive engagement and communication strategies.

Analytics, Research & Evaluation
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for marketing, communications, membership, and audience engagement efforts.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of campaigns, programs, and initiatives and use insights to continuously improve performance and return on investment.
  • Lead the development and application of audience, market, and consumer research to inform organizational decision making and strategic planning.
  • Partner with the Director of Program Evaluation and Audience Research to assess mission impact, audience engagement, visitor satisfaction, and revenue outcomes.

Supervisory Responsibilities
The Director of Marketing and Communications provides leadership, coaching, performance management, and professional development for the following positions:
  • Membership Manager
  • Communications Coordinator
  • Visual Designer
  • Office Assistant and Reception Team

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business, or a related field.
  • Eight (8) or more years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, public relations, membership, or audience development.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
  • Demonstrated success developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies that drive measurable business results.
  • Experience managing budgets, allocating resources, and evaluating return on investment.
  • Proven ability to build collaborative relationships with boards, volunteers, executives, community leaders, and external partners.
  • Strong track record of leading, motivating, coaching, and holding staff accountable for achieving goals.
  • Experience managing media relations, public relations initiatives, and crisis communications.
  • Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Strong analytical and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Demonstrated ability to make data-informed decisions and leverage audience insights to improve outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience using Marketing Cloud
  • Salesforce experience
  • Experience working for non-profit organization a plus.

Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time, exempt position. Annual salary range is $80,000 - $95,000 commensurate with experience. Some of the benefits available include health insurance plans, HSA, FSA, life insurance, long term disability insurance, dental, vision, 403B retirement plan, holiday, personal, birthday, and sick time benefits.
Seneca Park Zoo Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Apply