What jobs exist in zoos and wildlife centers?
Zookeepers feed animals, clean habitats, observe behavior and assist with training and enrichment. Other roles include veterinary technicians and veterinarians, curators, educators, guest program staff, animal nutrition and records staff, and volunteer coordinators.
Wildlife rehabilitation centers care for injured or orphaned wild animals with the goal of release when possible. Sanctuaries house animals that cannot return to the wild, and each type of facility has its own mission and hiring practices.
Search for jobs by task as well as title. Words like animal care, wildlife technician, education specialist and rehabilitation assistant will all lead you to different postings. Smaller facilities often expect staff to do a bit of everything, from cleaning to guest talks to paperwork. Larger zoos split duties into specialties, which can mean deeper expertise but narrower tasks. Neither is better, and visiting both types shows you which fits.
- Keepers and animal care staff
- Veterinary and nutrition support
- Education and guest programs
How competitive are these jobs?
Many people love animals, and openings at well-known zoos draw large numbers of applicants. That does not make the path impossible, but it does mean experience counts heavily. Employers often look for people who have done real animal care work, not just read about it.
Be ready to start in seasonal, part-time or volunteer roles. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook covers animal care and service workers and zoologists and wildlife biologists, and describes education and outlook for each.
What education and skills help?
Many keepers hold a degree in biology, zoology, animal science or a related field, though requirements vary by facility. Some positions accept experience in place of a degree, and others require specific training in areas such as exotic animal handling.
Skills include observation, record keeping, communication with the public and the ability to do repetitive, physical work in all weather. Teamwork matters because animal care is a shared responsibility.
Wildlife rehabilitation is regulated. In many places people need state or federal permits to care for wild animals, and the rules vary. Never take in a wild animal on your own. Contact a licensed rehabilitator or your state wildlife agency instead.
How can you start as a student?
Volunteer wherever age rules allow, including humane societies, nature centers, wildlife rehab groups and farms. Farm and livestock experience is respected because it teaches daily care, cleaning and observation.
Take biology and math, and practice speaking in front of groups, since educators and keepers often talk with visitors. Keep a record of your hours and what you did, because applications ask for it.
Many zoos offer youth programs or teen volunteer roles, so check their websites for age limits and deadlines rather than guessing.
- Log volunteer hours and tasks
- Build farm or animal handling experience
- Practice public speaking
What are the challenges?
Animal care is physical and can be dangerous. Keepers work with animals that can injure them, and safe procedures, training and teamwork are central. Animals can also carry diseases that spread to people, so hygiene and training matter. OSHA and NIOSH publish guidance for animal workplaces.
Emotional strain is part of the job too. Animals get sick and die, and staff say goodbye to animals they care about. Ask workers how they cope and what support is offered.
Weather adds to the strain. Outdoor habitats do not close for storms, and keepers may work through heat, ice and holidays. Good boots, layers and a steady attitude become part of the uniform.
What do pay and outlook look like?
Pay and hiring vary by employer, region and role, and entry-level jobs in zoos are often modest. For current figures, check the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook rather than relying on a number you read elsewhere.
Think about how you will afford the early years, such as through shared housing, student jobs or a degree that keeps other doors open.
Be wary of any program that charges large fees for a promised animal job. Ask facilities directly how they hire, and check the official job page.
What should you ask a keeper or educator?
Ask how they got their first paid job and how many unpaid hours it took. Ask what a typical day includes beyond animal contact, such as cleaning, paperwork and visitor questions.
Ask what they would study if they started again, and whether they see themselves in the job in twenty years. Their answers will help you decide if you want to continue down this path.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Related career, not a promise of pay or a job. See the career profile.
Your next steps
- Zoos and wildlife centers employ keepers, vets, educators and many support staff.
- Competition is strong, so build real animal care experience early.
- Physical work, safety training and emotional resilience all matter.
- Check the BLS handbook for current pay and outlook.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Ag Jobs & Careers Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.