How to Write a Zookeeper Resume (With Template and Example)

Updated 17 February 2023

A zookeeper's primary responsibility is caring for the resident animals at zoos, wildlife centres and animal conservation facilities. Most zookeeper positions require candidates to have a related qualification and experience in working with animals. Learning how to write an effective zookeeper resume can help you submit a job application that shows that you meet these criteria. In this article, we discuss the role of a zookeeper, explain how to write a resume for a position as a zookeeper, include some skills you might list on a resume for a job in this field and provide a resume template and example.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

What is a zookeeper?

A zookeeper monitors and maintains the health and habitat of animals that live in a zoo or other type of animal park. They typically undergo formal education relating to animal science or zoo management and have excellent animal handling, communication, public speaking and organisation skills. A zookeeper's daily duties can depend on their specialisation, their exact role and where they work. For example, a zookeeper may work at a large-scale refuge centre for big cats or they may work at a small aquatic zoo.

Generally, their duties include feeding the facility's animals, monitoring and reporting animal behaviour, maintaining animal enclosures and liaising with veterinarians and the zoo or park managers. A zookeeper may also educate the public through programs offered by the facility, for example, via lectures or live demonstrations with zoo animals. They usually work full-time and are often required to work unusual hours and weekend and holiday shifts.

How to write a zookeeper resume

Below, you can explore a guide for writing an engaging zookeeper resume:

1. Create a resume heading with your contact details

A professional resume heading typically includes your contact information. Having this information at the top of your resume makes it easy for the hiring manager to identify your resume or contact you to invite you for an interview. You can include your full name, mobile number, email address and the city and state you live in.

2. Explain your suitability for the role in a professional summary

Next, you can write a two or three-sentence professional summary that outlines your key employability attributes and shows your suitability for the vacant zookeeper role. Determining the key employment criteria for the role you're applying for before you write your professional summary can help you know which of your employment attributes to mention in this section. For example, if the job listing states that the hiring manager's preference is for a degree-qualified zookeeper, then you can ensure that your professional summary refers to your related degree.

3. Detail the jobs you've had working with animals

Working as a zookeeper involves working with animals to a significant extent and requires a solid understanding of animal health, behaviour and habitats. Because of this, hiring managers are likely to favour zookeeper candidates whose resumes confirm they've had ample prior experience working with animals. You may have previously worked at a zoo, vet surgery, conservation centre or animal shelter, for example. Including the details of these prior positions can highlight to hiring managers your practical suitability for the role.

4. Include a list of your top skills

There are many skills a hiring manager might like to see on your resume for a position as a zookeeper. You can often find these skills mentioned in the job description of the open position. Mentioning skills from the job description and any other relevant skills you have on your resume can give the hiring manager confidence in your ability to undertake the role's daily duties successfully. Resume skills for a zookeeper may include science, technology, time management and empathy.

5. Provide information on your education

The education you require for working in this position can depend on the zookeeper role for which you're applying. Some hiring organisations may require candidates to have a degree-level education, like a Bachelor of Zoology. Others might consider candidates with a diploma or certificate, such as a Diploma in Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals or a Certificate III in Animal Studies, if they have adequate experience to support it. Adding your educational background to your resume can highlight your foundational industry knowledge to the hiring manager and also your commitment to your career as a zookeeper.

Zookeeper skills for a resume

Below, you can explore some skills you might include on a resume for a zookeeper job:

Animal handling

As a zookeeper, a large part of your role involves working with animals. Animal handling skills refer to your knowledge of the correct methods for approaching animals, interacting with them and restraining them. Equipped with these skills, hiring managers can have confidence in your ability to work with animals while keeping the animals, yourself and others safe.

Technology

Your role as a zookeeper is likely to involve working with various software and pieces of technological equipment, for example, when recording animal data. Technology skills are those that allow you to navigate different software and complete computer-based tasks effectively. Hiring managers are likely to favour tech-savvy candidates because they're in a suitable position to complete their technical tasks accurately and efficiently.

Critical thinking

When working as a zookeeper, you may frequently encounter situations that require you to solve problems. Critical thinking skills can help you make observations, analyse the information available to you and develop logical solutions. Having critical thinking skills on your resume can highlight your ability to identify problems with the animals in your care and proactively arrange for the action required to solve them.

Communication

Your daily duties as a zookeeper are likely to require you to communicate with your team members, veterinarians, conservationists and members of the public who visit the zoo. To do this effectively, communication skills such as written communication, verbal communication and active listening are key. Adding communication skills to your resume can show hiring managers you can share ideas with your colleagues and educate the public effectively.

Template for a zookeeper's resume

Below, you can explore a template for a zookeeper's resume:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification, if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State or Territory]

Professional Summary
[Two to three sentences highlighting years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as a professional.]

Experience
[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results.
[job duty]
[job duty]
[job duty]
[job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results.
[job duty]
[job duty]

Education
[Qualification], [Name of institution]

Optional
[Certification name], [Host organisation], [Year completed or expiration date]

Example of a zookeeper's resume

Here, you can find an example of a zookeeper's resume:

Nicole Smith 041 1122 5565 | nicolesmith@email.com.au | Perth, WA

Professional Summary
A dedicated zookeeper with a Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care and a genuine love of animals and passion for wildlife conservation. Seeking a zookeeper role at West Coast Zoo where I can use my animal handling, empathy and communication skills to provide optimal animal care and help educate members of the public on preserving the planet's wildlife for generations to come.

Experience
Zookeeper | Mar 2021–Current
Western Plains Zoo | Perth, WA

feeding animals nutritious, species-specific diets to keep them in optimal physical condition
administering supplements and medications to animals to treat their illnesses or ailments
monitoring and recording animal behaviour for research and zoo record purposes
providing live demonstrations of animal feeding twice a day to educate the public
cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures to ensure animal health and safety

Assistant Zookeeper | Nov 2019–Feb 2021
Western Plains Zoo | Perth, WA

pre-prepared food for the animals to be delivered to their enclosures at their specific mealtimes
conducted routine maintenance checks on animal enclosures to ensure animal safety and security
assisted the zookeeper with data entry tasks to keep the zoo's animal records up to date

Education
Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care, West Side TAFE, 2019