Current Openings
Cash Control Accounting Assistant
Food and Beverage Operations Coordinator
Part-time Education Specialist
PBL Grant Specialist
Temporary Wild Animal Keeper - Avian
Temporary Wild Animal Keeper - Ectotherm
Temporary Wild Animal Keeper - Hoofstock/Primate
Wild Animal Keeper - Aquarist
The Akron Zoo is an EOE drug-free workplace.
Seasonal Hiring
Guest Services
Are you looking for a fun, rewarding seasonal job? The Akron Zoo has positions available within Guest Services for our busy season. We offer $9 per hour, plus employee discounts, flexible schedules (at least one weekend day required) and the chance to make a real world difference.
Please complete the questions below to begin your application with the zoo. Only completed questionnaires will be reviewed and only qualified applicants will be contacted. Completing this questionnaire does not guarantee interview nor employment with the Akron Zoo.
Pre-screening will remain open until all positions are filled. Seasonal employment runs April 1 through Dec. 31, 2021. You must be 16 years or older for guest services positions. The Akron Zoo is an EOE and a Drug-Free Workplace.
Guest Services Retention Bonus Program
Guest Services seasonal employees can earn a $250 retention bonus for working the duration of the time periods below:
- June 1 - Aug. 15: $250
- Aug. 16 - Oct. 31: $250
- Nov. 1 - Dec. 31: $250
You can can earn a bonus for any/all time periods that you are actively working on one of the guest services teams (guest experiences, food service or gift shop). You must work an average of 24 hours per week.
Complete Guest Services Pre-Screening Survey
Custodial Services
Are you looking for a fun, rewarding seasonal job? The Akron Zoo has positions available within Custodial Services for our busy season. We offer $10 per hour, plus employee discounts, flexible day and evening shifts that includes a weekend day and the chance to make a real world difference through involvement is our composting program.
Please complete the questions below to begin your application with the Zoo. Only completed questionnaires will be reviewed and only qualified applicants will be contacted. Completing this questionnaire does not guarantee interview nor employment with the Akron Zoo.
Pre-screening will remain open until all positions are filled. Seasonal employment runs April 15 through October 1, 2021. You must be 16 years or older for Custodial Services positions. The Akron Zoo is an EOE and a Drug-Free Workplace.
Complete Custodial Services Pre-Screening Survey
Groundskeeping
Have you ever dreamed of working at a zoo or public garden? Now’s your chance! The Akron Zoo is looking for active people to fill two Part-Time OR one Full-Time Seasonal Groundskeeper positions.
Seasonal Groundskeepers help the Horticulture department keep our grounds beautiful with tasks like litter removal, weeding, watering, and pruning. A background of work in landscaping is preferred, but not necessary. Candidates should be able to walk for extended periods, carry or push heavy items (like wheelbarrows), bend or kneel repeatedly, and safely traverse uneven terrain. This position works exclusively outdoors in most weather conditions. On-the-job training is provided.
Full-Time shifts are 5 days/week, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Part-Time shifts are 7 a.m.- noon. Preference is given to candidates willing to work at least one weekend day. All applicants must be 18 years or older.
To apply, email an application to Kris Jackson at k.jackson@akronzoo.org.
Application (PDF)
The Akron Zoo is a certified American Public Garden.
Akron Zoo Career Information
- Phone calls cannot be accepted for job inquiries.
- You must be 18 years or older to work at the Akron Zoo for full-time positions.
- Resumes are kept on file and can be emailed to HR@akronzoo.org or mailed to:
- Applications can be mailed or dropped off at the Akron Zoo between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Application (PDF)
General information
Zoo and aquarium employment is not always glamorous, but it is highly rewarding! Zoo and aquarium employees share in the knowledge that they are providing the best care for the creatures in their facility, as well as developing a forum for others to learn how they too can participate in the conservation of our planet’s natural resources. Much of the work requires physical strength, as well as the ability to make detailed observations. Zoo careers often require attention 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.
Job Positions and Descriptions
*The positions below are a sample of positions offered in zoos and aquariums. These are not current job openings at the Akron Zoo.
Job Positions and Descriptions in Zoos and Aquariums
Director/Chief Operating Officer:
Executes policies as directed by the governing authority. Responsible for the institution’s operation and plans for future development.
Assistant Director:
Assists the director and assumes charge in the director’s absence.
Finance Manager/Director:
Manages the institution’s finances, including payment of bills, purchasing, investments, and the preparation of financial statements.
General Curator:
Oversees an institution’s entire animal collection and animal management staff. Responsible for strategic collection planning.
Animal Curator:
Manages a certain portion of an institution’s animal collection (i.e. mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, etc).
Veterinarian:
Responsible for the healthcare program for the animal collection and the maintenance of health records.
Veterinary Technician:
Assists the veterinarian and provides care to the animals under the supervision of the veterinarian.
Registrar:
Maintains computer records on the animal collection and applies for permits and licenses to hold or transport animals.
Curator/Coordinator/Director of Research:
Supervises research projects, serves as liaison between the institution and the academic community, publishes articles in scientific journals.
Curator/Coordinator/Director of Conservation:
Oversees the institution’s conservation activities, including field projects. Serves as liaison with government wildlife agencies and other conservation organizations.
Conservation Biologist/Zoologist:
Provides scientific and technical assistance in the management of the animal collection and assists in conducting various research or field conservation projects.
Head Keeper/Aquarist:
Supervises a section or department of the institution; provides training and scheduling for keepers.
Senior Keeper/Aquarist:
Provides primary animal care for a department.
Keeper/Aquarist:
Provides daily care to the institution’s animals, including diet preparation, cleaning, general exhibit maintenance, and record keeping.
Operations Director/Manager:
Responsible for the daily operation of the institution’s physical plant and equipment.
Curator of Exhibits:
Creates exhibits and assists in the design of graphics.
Curator of Horticulture:
Responsible for the botanical collection and its application to the animal collection, as well as daily maintenance of the institution’s grounds.
Curator of Education:
Plans and implements the institution’s education programs.
Public Relations/Affairs Manager/Director:
Promotes the institution, its mission, and its programs to the public via the media.
Development Director/Officer:
Develops and manages fundraising activities which can include writing grant proposals and attracting corporate sponsors, as well as soliciting private donations.
Marketing Director/Manager:
Creates advertising campaigns and other activities to increase public awareness of the institution.
Special Events Manager/Coordinator:
Develops and implements events to attract visitors throughout the year.
Membership Director/Manager:
Responsible for maintaining and increasing institution memberships for families and individuals and designing special events for members only. May also be in charge of “adopt-an-animal” programs to raise funds.
Gift Shop Manager:
Manages staff and all aspects of gift shop operation from buying products to designing shops.
Visitor Services Manager:
Supervises the staff and facilities that cater to the visiting public including concessions and restrooms.
Personnel Manager/Director:
Responsible for all personnel matters including payroll, insurance, and tax matters.
Volunteer Coordinator:
Responsible for recruiting and maintaining a staff of volunteers/docents. Duties include scheduling docents for on- and off-grounds activities and keeping docents abreast of new developments to relate to the public.
Docent/Volunteer:
Duties may include diet preparation, small animal care, teaching educational programs, leading group tours, and staffing special events.
Junior Keeper:
Some institutions offer a summer program for high school students who wish to volunteer in a zoo or aquarium setting. Duties are often similar to those of other volunteers, but they are supervised much more closely.
Job Requirements
The conservation and scientific programs in zoos and aquariums have become highly technical and specialized. Although practical experience with animals may sometimes be substituted for academic training, most entry-level keeper positions now require a four-year college degree. Training in animal science, zoology, marine biology, conservation biology, wildlife management, and animal behavior is preferred. Curatorial, research, and conservation positions typically require advanced academic degrees.
However, advanced academic training by itself is insufficient, and it may take years of “on-the-job-training” for someone to learn the practical aspects of exotic animal care. A few institutions offer curatorial internships, which are designed to provide practical experience.
Students wishing to pursue animal-related careers are encouraged to carefully review the curriculum of the schools they wish to attend, as some programs focus more on a zoological application than others.
Students who are interested in the business side of zoo and aquarium operations should concentrate on skills related to a particular area of expertise, such as accounting, public relations, marketing and personnel management. Whatever your career goal, guidance counselors can offer assistance in determining the most appropriate course of study.