The Fort Wayne Zoo is northeast Indiana’s largest tourist attraction and well-loved community treasure, welcoming more than 600,000 guests each year. The Fort Wayne Zoo team provides exceptional animal care to 1,500 animals and 200 species throughout our 40 acre campus, participating in over 60 cooperative species survival programs.
Employment Opportunities
Join the Zoo team! Every employee is an important part of the mission and success of the Fort Wayne Zoo. As a member of our team, you’ll be a vital part of our mission of connecting kids and animals, strengthening families, and inspiring people to care. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application please contact HR@fwzoo.com
Together We Are Better
The Fort Wayne Zoo is proud to be part of a vibrant and diverse community. We value our team members, volunteers, guests, and supporters. We welcome their unique perspectives and experiences. Our strengths lie in these differences. Together, we inspire people to care about nature and one another.
You belong here!
Apply now! Click on the available opportunities below to find out more about the position, requirements, and application process.
Year-Round Opportunities
Administrative Assistant (Part-Time)
Applications are being accepted for a part-time Administrative Assistant.
Responsibilities: The Administrative Assistant provides clerical, organizational, and logistical support to the Executive Director, assisting with document preparation, calendar appointments, meeting setup, and additional administrative functions. The Administrative Assistant also maintains organization of office spaces and assists additional members of the Zoo’s Executive Leadership Team as needed. Click here for a full job description.
Requirements: High school diploma or GED; one year of administrative, clerical, organizational, or related experience; and demonstrated expertise and proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) are required.
Benefits: This is a part-time position requiring availability for up to a 29-hour work week year-round. Part-time benefits include Paid Health & Wellness Days, Employee Assistance Program, 403b Plan, and optional Vision, Dental, and Pet Insurance Programs. All team members receive Employee Perks such as a free Staff Membership, concessions and retail discounts, development opportunities, and appreciation programs.
Application Deadline: April 11, 2025
Conservation Educator (Full-Time)
Applications are being accepted for a full-time Conservation Educator.
Responsibilities: The Conservation Educator assists the Zoo’s education department by enthusiastically delivering hands-on educational programming to audiences of all ages during the school year and zoo season. This position provides direct supervision of employees and coordination of daily operations for a Zoo season education program and ensures all education objectives are met, and also assists the Education Managers in special programing. Click here for a full job description.
Requirements: Two to three years of experience teaching or program planning in an informal learning setting is required. A Bachelor’s degree in education, biology, life science, or related field; Certified Interpreter Guide (CIG); and previous experience in a zoo and/or aquarium setting are preferred.
Benefits: This is a full-time position requiring availability for a 40-hour work week year-round. Full-time benefits include Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, 403b Plan, 403b Matching, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Days Off, Paid Holidays, Paid Health & Wellness Days, and Paid Parental Leave as well as optional Dental, Vision, Life, and Pet Insurance Programs. All team members receive Employee Perks such as a free Staff Membership, concessions and retail discounts, development opportunities, and appreciation programs.
Application Deadline: April 15, 2025
Life Support Systems Technician (Full-Time)
Applications are being accepted for a full-time Life Support Systems Technician.
Responsibilities: The Life Support Systems Technician plays a crucial role in maintaining the aquatic environments that support our diverse animal species. This position is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining water filtration, pumps, and life support equipment to ensure optimal water quality and animal wellbeing. Click here for a full job description.
Requirements: Aquatic Animal Life Support Operator (AALSO), Certified Pool Operator (CPO) and/or Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) certification is required within one year of hire and must be maintained throughout employment. Three years of life support maintenance, electrical, and plumbing experience and previous experience with ozone generation, safety, and handling are preferred.
Benefits: This is a full-time position requiring availability for a 40-hour work week year-round. Full-time benefits include Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, 403b Plan, 403b Matching, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Days Off, Paid Holidays, Paid Health & Wellness Days, and Paid Parental Leave as well as optional Dental, Vision, Life, and Pet Insurance Programs. All team members receive Employee Perks such as a free Staff Membership, concessions and retail discounts, development opportunities, and appreciation programs.
Application Deadline: April 7, 2025
Maintenance Technician (Full-Time)
Applications are being accepted for a full-time Maintenance Technician.
Responsibilities: The Maintenance Technician serves in the zoo’s Maintenance Department. This position assists with technical, general, and preventative maintenance needs for the zoo as needed such as, but not limited to, carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, rides, fabrication, and vehicles. Other duties will include snow removal, maintaining small engine equipment, and vehicles. Click here for a full job description.
Requirements: High school diploma or GED, valid driver’s license, and ability to be insured and operate zoo vehicles and rides are required. Three years of maintenance experience in three of the following six fields is preferred: carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, automotive, or rides. Previous experience operating a forklift, bobcat, and small engines, such as mowers and snow blowers, is preferred.
Benefits: This is a full-time position requiring availability for a 40-hour work week year-round. Full-time benefits include Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, 403b Plan, 403b Matching, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Days Off, Paid Holidays, Paid Health & Wellness Days, and Paid Parental Leave as well as optional Dental, Vision, Life, and Pet Insurance Programs. All team members receive Employee Perks such as a free Staff Membership, concessions and retail discounts, development opportunities, and appreciation programs.
Application Deadline: April 11, 2025
Park Operations Assistant (Part-Time)
Applications are being accepted for a part-time Park Operations Assistant.
Responsibilities: The Park Operations Assistant performs multiple duties throughout the Zoo to support the Operations Department including operating rides, maintaining pathways, general cleaning, providing guest service, and assisting with department projects. Click here for a full job description.
Requirements: High school diploma or GED; one year of guest service, hospitality, or retail experience; and cash handling experience are preferred.
Benefits: This is a part-time position requiring availability for up to a 29-hour work week year-round. Part-time benefits include Paid Health & Wellness Days, Employee Assistance Program, 403b Plan, and optional Vision, Dental, and Pet Insurance Programs. All team members receive Employee Perks such as a free Staff Membership, concessions and retail discounts, development opportunities, and appreciation programs.
Application Deadline: April 18, 2025
Veterinary Technician Intern
Applications are being accepted for a Veterinary Technician Intern.
Responsibilities: The Veterinary Technician Intern is an educational, learning position that works alongside licensed veterinary medical professionals to conduct clinical and laboratory procedures in the veterinary hospital, including caring for animals, assisting in surgery, collecting specimens, and other duties. This is a six-month position intended to provide clinically focused experience in a zoological medical setting. Click here for a full job description.
Requirements: Graduation from an accredited Veterinary Technology program is required. Valid Indiana Veterinary Technician registration is required within one month of hire and must be maintained throughout employment. Previous experience working as a veterinary technician and/or in a zoological setting is preferred.
Benefits: This is a full-time, six-month long position requiring availability for a 40-hour work week. Full-time benefits include Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, 403b Plan, 403b Matching, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Days Off, Paid Holidays, Paid Health & Wellness Days, and Paid Parental Leave as well as optional Dental, Vision, Life, and Pet Insurance Programs. All team members receive Employee Perks such as a free Staff Membership, concessions and retail discounts, development opportunities, and appreciation programs.
Application Deadline: April 11, 2025
Temporary Opportunities
FORT WAYNE ZOO: SEASONAL STAFF POSITIONS
Job Requirements
- Seasonal or part-time positions, March through December
- 15 to 40 hours per week
- Must be at least 16 years of age
Dispatcher
Responsibilities: The Dispatcher provides logistical support and assistance in the Safety and Security department during the Zoo season by monitoring cameras, fielding phone and radio calls, dispatching team members and resources to areas of need, assisting with access programs, and processing reports. Click here for a full job description.
Requirements: High school diploma or GED and one year of guest service, operations, safety, or security experience are required. Genetec Security system experience and experience in a guest service, tourism, cultural attraction, or zoological organization is preferred. Must be at least 18 years of age.
Service Systems Associates Seasonal Opportunities
Job Requirements
- Seasonal or part-time positions, March through December
- 15 to 40 hours per week
- Must be at least 16 years of age
Food Service Associate: Food Service Associates help concession stands, carts, and picnics deliver quality food and beverages for Zoo guests during their visit. Apply here.
Gift Shop Sales Associate: Gift Shop Sales Associates welcome and assist guests during their visits to the Wild Things Gift Shop, stroller rental, and retail locations inside the Zoo. Apply here.
Employee Perks
General and Season-Related Perks:
Employee Engagement & Development:
- Invitation to the annual team member picnic
- Bi-weekly team member newsletter
- Guest service and job-specific training
- Learning and professional development opportunities
- Recognition and appreciation programs and events
Zoo Fun and Discounts:
- Individual Staff Membership*
- With one additional single-day digital guest admission pass per visit*
- Complimentary ride wristband for you and one guest per visit*
- Single use “Friends and Family” admission and ride pass
- Discounts on select special ticketed events (ex. Rock & Roar)
- 20% discount on gift shop purchases
Additional Perks During Your Workdays:
- One free meal per workday (6+ hours) when the Zoo is open to the public (main course items from Ray’s, Slice, or Bamboo Forest Snack Shack)
- 50% discount on other concession items
- Complimentary fountain drinks and refills
Additional Perks for Year-Round FWZ Team Members:
All the above, plus:
- Upgraded membership to fit your household
- 25% discount on Wild Encounters
- 25% discount on Kids for Nature camper fees for children in your household
- $50 discount on Birthday Party Packages
- Invitation to the annual team member holiday party
- Additional training and professional development opportunities
- Benefits packages for qualifying team members
*Benefit is intended for use during non-work hours when visiting with family or a guest.
Note: All benefits listed above are only available during active employment and are subject to change at any time. Additional details and exclusions apply.
Externships
Students pursuing degrees in animal health can meet externship requirements at the Fort Wayne Zoo. The zoo accepts college students throughout the year for externship positions in:
Veterinary Technician Externship
Description:
The purpose of the veterinary technician externship is to introduce veterinary technician students to the specialty of zoo veterinary technology. The extern will assist the veterinarian and technician daily with procedures, treatments, hospital maintenance, etc.
Duties:
- Assist veterinary staff with routine procedures (immobilizations, physical exams, treatments, etc) as well as emergency procedures.
- Assist veterinary technician with lab work (parasitology, urinalysis, in-house blood work, preparing samples for outside laboratories).
- Assist with hospital maintenance (equipment cleaning, sterilization, inventory, etc).
- Care for animals (cleaning and feeding) in hospital holding/quarantine when needed.
- Enter data into MedArks program and file records.
- Dispense medications under supervision of the veterinary technician.
- Assist with necropsies.
- Responsibilities will be dependent on the applicant’s experience and skills.
Requirements:
- Students should be enrolled in an accredited veterinary technology program with a long-term interest in zoo/wildlife medicine. Experience with exotic species is preferred but not required.
- Students should be willing to learn, eager to create and complete projects and have a respect for wild animals. Students should also work well with others. It is preferred that the student have some previous animal experience.
- Applicants must be available to work at least 30 hrs/week (40 hrs/week preferred) and must be able to work a flexible schedule.
- A negative tuberculin test within the past year is required. Current rabies, hepatitis B, and tetanus vaccinations are recommended.
Availability:
Externships are available all year. The largest volume and diversity of clinical procedures occur in the winter months. Externships will last a minimum of 4-6 weeks, depending on the student’s requirements for school.
Compensation:
Externships at the Fort Wayne Zoo are unpaid positions. There is no housing or stipend offered by the zoo. Externs will work as volunteers for the duration of their externship. A paid position is not guaranteed at the completion of an internship.
Credit:
The zoo staff is happy to provide the necessary documentation for the student’s college credit.
To Apply:
Complete an application online. If you have questions, contact the Volunteer Programs Manager at
Veterinary Medicine Externship
Description:
Support the zoo’s veterinary department by assisting with animal care, procedures, and hospital maintenance. The externship is designed to introduce the student to the field of zoo/exotic veterinary medicine. The extern will report directly to the zoo’s veterinarian.
Duties:
- Assist veterinary staff with routine procedures (immobilizations, physical exams, treatments, etc) as well as emergency procedures, with emphasis on duties performed by the veterinarian.
- Assist veterinary technicians with hospital and equipment cleaning and maintenance as needed.
- Assist keeper staff with daily care of animals housed at the veterinary hospital or in quarantine as needed.
- Work on other tasks or special projects as needed.
- Responsibilities will be dependent on the applicant’s experience and skills.
Requirements:
- Applicants must be enrolled in Veterinary School.
- Applicants should have a long-term interest in exotic animals, and be experienced and comfortable with dealing with domestic species. Experience with exotic species is preferred, but not required.
- Applicants must be available to work at least 30 hrs/wk (40 hrs/wk preferred) and must be able to work a flexible schedule.
- A negative tuberculin skin test must be performed within one year of the start date.
- Current rabies, hepatitis B, and tetanus vaccinations are recommended.
Availability:
Externships are available all year. The largest volume and diversity of clinical procedures occur in the winter months. Externships will last a minimum of 4-6 weeks, depending on the student’s requirements for school.
Compensation:
Externships at the Fort Wayne Zoo are unpaid positions. There is no housing or stipend offered by the zoo. Externs will work as volunteers for the duration of their externship. A paid position is not guaranteed at the completion of an internship.
Credit:
The zoo staff is happy to provide necessary documentation for the student’s school/college credit.
To Apply:
Complete an application online. If you have questions, contact the Volunteer Programs Manager at
Internships
Students can gain meaningful experience while meeting school requirements. The Fort Wayne Zoo accepts college students and high school seniors for positions available throughout the year. Click here to learn about internship opportunities at the Zoo!
Why Fort Wayne?
As Indiana’s second-largest city, Fort Wayne is a place overflowing with new opportunities! Small-town charm mixed with big city amenities, Fort Wayne has fun restaurants for foodies, art museums for creatives, and even events for sports fan! Fort Wayne: Big City, Bigger Heart.