Available Positions
Join our team at the Saginaw Children’s Zoo and help make it the BEST little Zoo in Michigan! As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), we uphold the highest standards in animal care, education, and guest experience.
The Saginaw Children’s Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, creed, genetic information, sex, age, national origin, disability, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Zookeeper 1 - Full time
Share your passion for animals and be part of something BIG! The Saginaw Children’s Zoo is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to join our Animal Care team as Keeper I.
As champions for animals and children, we strive to create extraordinary experiences for our guests while providing exceptional care for our animals. Located in the heart of the Great Lakes Bay Region, we are proud to be an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)–accredited facility, offering high-quality animal care, conservation, and education in a family-friendly environment.
Position Summary
The Keeper I is responsible for the daily care and welfare of a diverse animal collection, including invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. This position plays a key role in animal husbandry, enrichment, training, and guest engagement while supporting the Zoo’s mission and standards.
Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week), including weekends, holidays, and evenings as needed.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Perform daily animal husbandry and exhibit maintenance.
- Monitor and evaluate animal health, behavior, and overall welfare.
- Prepare and distribute animal diets.
- Maintain accurate animal care and recordkeeping documentation.
- Design and provide species-appropriate enrichment.
- Participate in operant conditioning and behavioral training.
- Engage with visitors and provide educational animal encounter.
- Assist with veterinary procedures as assigned.
- Follow all established procedures, protocols, and safety policies.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- Minimum of one (1) year of animal care experience.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office; ZIMS experience a plus.
- Strong time management and organizational skills.
- Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather and challenging conditions.
- Ability to lift and maneuver up to 50 lbs regularly.
- Ability to safely work around allergens such as hay, straw, and grass.
- Availability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, evenings, and emergency situations.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should email a resume and cover letter to: alliedhrsolutions@saginawzoo.com
Seasonal Educator - Seasonal
Position Overview
Seasonal Educators are essential members of the education and conservation department, that help facilitate safe and fun interactions with our guests and animals. This role includes answering questions, cleaning the Contact Yard, and presenting educational materials and conservation messaging to the public.
Schedule & Availability
- Available to work April–October 2026 with occasional evening shifts.
- Flexible scheduling; shifts available Sunday–Saturday.
- Work 15–39 hours per week, based on availability.
- Position duration: up to 7 months.
Qualifications
- Must be 16 or older.
- Must be able to pull 45lb cart up hill, bend, and squat.
- Strong customer service, interpersonal skills, and comfortability with public speaking.
- Previous customer service or education experience preferred.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Guest Experience
- Provide a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for all visitors.
- Answer guest questions and provide excellent customer service.
- Present educational materials and conservation messaging using the Connect-Understand-Act format.
- Animal & Educational Encounters
- Keep Contact Yard clean throughout the day.
- Facilitate guest interactions with animals in a fun and safe manner.
- Properly handle zoo biofacts, following all specified protocols, and report damaged or missing items.
- Team Support & Special Events
- Assist with Zoo events, setup, breakdown, and crowd control.
- Present guest surveys, count guest interaction, and record findings.
- Enforce guest policies in a polite and professional manner.
Zoo Store Associate - Seasonal
Position Overview
Seasonal Zoo Store Associates provide excellent guest service, assist with purchases, and help maintain a clean and organized store. You’ll also support inventory management and contribute to an engaging shopping experience.
Schedule & Availability
- Available to work April–October 2026, including some evenings.
- Flexible scheduling; shifts available Sunday–Saturday.
- Work 12–39 hours per week, based on availability.
- Position duration: up to 7 months.
Qualifications
- Must be 16 or older.
- Basic computer skills preferred.
- Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
- Retail, sales, or cash-handling experience is a plus.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Guest Experience & Retail Operations
- Create a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for visitors.
- Answer basic questions about the Zoo, AZA, and animal welfare.
- Assist with purchases and provide product recommendations.
- Operate the POS system for merchandise, memberships, tickets, rentals, and donations.
- Handle cash, check, and credit card transactions accurately.
- Store Operations & Inventory
- Keep the Zoo Store clean, organized, and visually appealing.
- Stock merchandise and track inventory levels.
- Assist with inventory counts and recommend inventory restocks to the supervisor.
- Team Support & Special Events
- Help with Zoo events by setting up, breaking down, and managing crowd control.
- Support check-ins for birthday parties, tours, and school groups.
- Enforce Zoo guest policies politely and professionally.
- Be cross trained for multiple areas within the Zoo as needed.
Admissions Associate - Seasonal
Position Overview
Seasonal Admissions Associates are the first point of contact for guests, ensuring a positive entrance experience. This role includes handling transactions, answering questions, and keeping the admissions areas clean and organized.
Schedule & Availability
- Available to work April–October 2026 with occasional evening shifts available.
- Flexible scheduling; shifts available Sunday–Saturday.
- Work 12–39 hours per week, based on availability.
- Position duration: up to 7 months.
Qualifications
- Must be 16 or older.
- Basic computer skills preferred.
- Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
- Previous customer service or retail experience is a plus.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Guest Experience & Sales
- Provide a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for all visitors.
- Greet guests, answer questions about the Zoo, AZA, and animal welfare.
- Assist with purchases and provide product recommendations.
- Operate the POS system for merchandise, memberships, tickets, rentals, and donations.
- Handle cash, check, and credit card transactions accurately.
- Admission Operations & Inventory
- Keep the admissions booth and surrounding areas clean and organized.
- Assist with inventory management and recommend purchases to supervisors.
- Record pricing and sales in the Altru system and assist with year-end inventory.
- Follow Zoo policies, SOPs, and legal requirements as directed.
- Team Support & Special Events
- Assist with Zoo events by setting up, breaking down, and managing crowd control.
- Support check-ins for birthday parties, tours, and school groups.
- Enforce Zoo guest policies politely and professionally.
- Be cross trained for multiple areas within the Zoo as needed.
Concessions Associate - Seasonal
Position Overview
Seasonal Concessions Team Members provide excellent customer service, maintain a clean work environment, and ensure smooth operations at the Zoo’s concession stands.
Schedule & Availability
- Available to work April–October 2026 with occasional evening shifts available.
- Flexible scheduling; shifts available Sunday–Saturday.
- Work 12–39 hours per week, based on availability.
- Position duration: up to 7 months.
Qualifications
- Must be 16 or older.
- Basic computer skills preferred.
- Strong customer service and communication skills.
- Prior food service, retail, or cash-handling experience is a plus.
- Ability to stand for long periods and work in all weather.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Guest Experience & Sales
- Create a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for all visitors.
- Operate the point of sale (POS) system to process transactions (cash, check, and credit).
- Follow cleaning, inventory, and food preparation checklists daily.
- Track inventory levels and notify supervisors when restocks are needed.
- Keep concession spaces clean, organized, and appealing to visitors.
- Support Zoo events with setup, crowd control, check-ins, and clean-up.
- Be cross trained for multiple areas within the Zoo as needed.
- Answer basic questions about the Zoo, AZA, and animal welfare.
- Enforce Zoo policies and rules in a courteous and professional manner.
- Assist with additional Zoo operations and special projects/events as needed.
- Admission Operations & Inventory
- Keep the admissions booth and surrounding areas clean and organized.
- Assist with inventory management and recommend purchases to supervisors.
- Record pricing and sales in the Altru system and assist with year-end inventory.
- Follow Zoo policies, SOPs, and legal requirements as directed.
- Team Support & Special Events
- Assist with Zoo events by setting up, breaking down, and managing crowd control.
- Support check-ins for birthday parties, tours, and school groups.
- Enforce Zoo guest policies politely and professionally.
- Be cross trained for multiple areas within the Zoo as needed.
Rides & Custodial Associate - Seasonal
Position Overview
Seasonal Custodial & Rides Team Members help create a safe, clean, and enjoyable environment by maintaining Zoo grounds, operating the train and carousel, and ensuring visitor safety.
Schedule & Availability
- Available to work April–October 2026 with occasional evening shifts available.
- Flexible scheduling; shifts available Sunday–Saturday.
- Work 15–39 hours per week, based on availability.
- Position duration: up to 7 months.
Qualifications
- Must be 16 or older.
- Ability to lift 45+lbs.
- Strong time management and organizational skills.
- Prior experience in custodial, groundskeeping, or ride operations is a plus.
- Ability to stand for long periods and work in all weather.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Guest Experience & Sales
- Create a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for all visitors.
- Enforce Zoo guest policies in a courteous and professional manner.
- Custodial & Grounds Maintenance
- Clean and maintain the Zoo, including restrooms, trash bins, and pathways.
- Complete daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning checklists.
- Rides Operation (Train & Carousel)
- Operate and monitor the train and carousel safely.
- Ensure all safety procedures are followed while assisting guests.
- Team Support & Special Events
- Assist with custodial supply inventory and report needs.
- Support Zoo events by helping with setup, teardown, and guest experience.
- Be cross trained for multiple areas within the Zoo as needed.