Careers, The Houston Zoo

Work Where You Belong

At Houston Zoo you will be part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. The Houston Zoo is a Zoo for All.

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Our Mission: Connect communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.

Our Vision: Be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

The Houston Zoo is an equal opportunity employer.

Multiple Opportunities

Within the Zoo, there are many different job classifications, including animal keepers, facilities maintenance, grounds and housekeeping, horticulture, office administration, guest services, educational positions, marketing and development positions, conservation, veterinary, IT, and senior executive staff.

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Our Purpose

The Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. We take pride in supporting efforts that save wildlife from extinction by working to implement comprehensive conservation strategies and developing partnerships to increase knowledge and support in communities.

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Staff Benefits

At Houston Zoo we value taking care of our team and their families. We believe that taking care means investing in the whole self, both at and outside work. We offer competitive health and financial benefits as a member of our Houston Zoo team.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What types of positions are available at Houston Zoo?

The Houston Zoo has a variety of different positions throughout various departments, ranging from zookeepers, vet clinic roles, guest services, safety and security (Rangers), maintenance, IT, grounds and housekeeping, horticulture, graphics, and marketing, just to name a few.

What is the hiring process like?

All applications are reviewed by the departments hiring manager and positions will typically remain on Houston Zoo’s website until filled. Not all applicants will receive a direct contact from the team’s hiring manager as we receive many applications, however, all applications are welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Applicants will be informed once a position has been closed.

Can I apply for more than one position?

Yes! If you feel that your interests and experience align with multiple positions, we encourage you to apply; it will not affect your chances of being selected for a particular position.

I am interested in being a zookeeper, how do I get started?

Our zookeeper positions are highly competitive and require skilled individuals who usually have an educational background in a related life science field (e.g., biology, zoology, behavioral sciences, etc.). Professional, hands-on experience with similar animals that you would encounter in a zoo environment is typically a requirement for most of our zookeeper roles.

Volunteering with the Zoo is a great way to gain experience in the field, interact with professionals in the industry, and the animals! If volunteering is something that interests you, please visit our Volunteer page.

The American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK) is another great resource on the profession and how to get started!

I have a disability, should I still apply?

Absolutely! The Houston Zoo is an equal opportunity employer, and no matter what role you are interested in we will consider every applicant equally. Do not let a disability deter you from applying, because we would love to hear from you.

For more information on Houston Zoo’s Diversity and Inclusion efforts, please check out this page here.

Additional questions?

Please contact our HR team at hrsupport@houstonzoo.org if you have additional questions.

Wildlife-Saving Actions

The Houston Zoo focuses on saving wildlife through reducing threats that face species in the wild. This includes taking action to reduce plastic pollution and paper use, promote sustainable seafood, replant wildlife habitats, recycle electronics, and create wildlife-friendly spaces. We also protect the wild counterparts of our animals, like lions, sharks, cranes, and toads in the wild through partnerships with other global wildlife-saving organizations.

Every member of our staff makes this possible by ensuring extraordinary animal care and guaranteeing our Zoo’s operations contribute to protecting animals in the wild. Our staff strengthens the Zoo, making it possible to protect 20% of the lion population in Africa, save sea turtles through the elimination of plastic bottle sales, among other wildlife successes. By joining our team, you’re saving animals in the wild!

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