Employment
Come and Join
The Zoo TeamWork with us and discover something WILD!
The Metro Richmond Zoo is a unique establishment with a
well-trained, professional staff. We accept applicants year round in a number of animal and non-animal related positions.
CURRENT JOB OPENINGS
ZOO CREW TEAM MEMBER, Guest Services Department
Zoo crew team members provide the front-line service of the park. Team members are responsible for creating memorable experiences for our guests by providing exceptional service in the following areas: guest services, food services, gift shop, ride operation, & Treetop Zoofari.
COMMUNICATIONS INTERN, Guest Services Department
The communications intern assists the communications manager in advancing the zoo’s marketing and public relations efforts. This internship offers hands-on experience in social media management, content creation, graphic design, media relations, and digital storytelling within a fast-paced, animal-focused environment.
OPERATIONS MANAGER, Guest Services Department
The operations manager is responsible for overseeing daily guest operations to ensure a memorable experience for all zoo visitors. This role manages the front-line guest services zoo crew, including admissions, memberships, gift shop, food services, ride operation, and treetop zoofari.
ZOOKEEPER / EDUCATION INTERN, Animal Care Department
This is a combination zookeeper and education internship. Interns will gain hands-on general husbandry skills while working alongside zookeepers. Interns will also participate in the zoo’s education programs learning how to present formal and informal public presentations to engage guests and provide a positive guest experience.
ZOOKEEPER, Animal Care Department
Zookeepers are responsible for providing high-quality care to all animals at the Metro Richmond Zoo, including all species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. Zookeepers prepare and distribute diets, clean exhibits, provide enrichment, and more.
SKILLED TRADES WORKER, Maintenance & Construction Department
Skilled trades workers are responsible for the renovation and construction of animal exhibits and the maintenance of all zoo buildings and structures.
LABORER, Maintenance & Construction Department
Laborers assist the maintenance and project team with the renovation and construction of animal exhibits. Laborers complete a diversity of tasks and receive on-the-job training.
PERKS AND BENEFITS
Free Zoo and Zipline Tickets
Food and Merchandise Discounts
Work Near Animals
Day-time Hours (No Nights)
No Sundays Required
Variable Work Tasks
Fast Paced: No Dull Moments
Flexible Schedule
Work Outdoors and Indoors
Career Advancement Opportunities
Medical
Retirement with Company Match
PTO
Some Paid Holidays
Part-time/Seasonal/Intern
Full-time
Exception:
Animal Care Team
ALL TEAM MEMBERS
Food and Merchandise Discounts
Free Zoo and Zipline Tickets
Food and Merchandise Discounts
Work Near Animals
Day-time Hours (No Nights)
No Sundays Required Exception: Animal Care Team
Variable Work Tasks
Fast Paced: No Dull Moments
Flexible Schedule
Work Outdoors and Indoors
Career Advancement Opportunities
FULL-TIME
TEAM MEMBERS ONLY
Medical
Retirement with Company Match
PTO
Some Paid Holidays
As a young girl visiting the zoo, I knew immediately what I wanted to do when I grew up… be a zookeeper.
I began working for the zoo crew while in high school. Lots of hard work and opportunities to learn about this career and the animals here developed into becoming a full-time zookeeper.
Developing a strong work ethic, communication and observation skills, and patience are a few of the things I’ve learned. The relationships with the animals and fellow people I work with are absolutely a gift, and I look forward to each new day at the zoo.
Be a part of something far greater!
We are on a mission to protect animals and inspire guests, and we can’t do it alone. We need hard-working, passionate individuals to join the team.
All Metro Richmond Zoo team members should be able to communicate well, collaborate together, and be comfortable working indoors and outdoors in all weather. Working at the zoo means you are helping to create lasting memories for thousands of visitors and protect wildlife.
We offer many entry-level jobs as well as career-focused positions. We accept all applications and may contact you if an opportunity rises.
How to Apply
1 Complete employment application
2 Prepare resume and optional cover letter
3 Drop off in person or email documents to employment@metrorichmondzoo.com and include the position you are applying for in the subject bar
We will contact candidates who we have chosen to move forward in the interview process.
So you want to be a volunteer?
Thank you for your interest in helping the zoo. Unfortunately, we do not have a volunteer program at this time.
I feel very fortunate to work at the Metro Richmond Zoo. As their primary goal is conservation, we have been able to reproduce countless animals including endangered species and send them to different accredited facilities.
One of my roles is to keep a record of every animal that lives in our zoo. I find myself continuously inspired by the unconditional devotion that our zookeepers give to these animals.
I’ve met so many different people at the zoo that have had a positive impact on me. Working here has taught me about so many different animals that I have grown to love. I’ve also learned skills like leadership, customer service, and critical thinking.
Metro Richmond Zoo is an equal opportunity employer