If you’re thinking about working at a zoo, but don’t have a degree in animal care, you may wonder what you can do to land a job. There are several things you can do to land a position in the animal care industry, including volunteering, taking courses, and getting a degree. This article will help you find the right path for you.
Volunteering
If you’re interested in wildlife, volunteering at a zoo could be a great way to make a difference. Not only will you get to see some amazing animals, you’ll also get the opportunity to learn new things and meet new people.
Most zoos are open year round, and there are a number of programs that need your help. In fact, some zoos even offer one-week summer camps for children. You can join a group of kids who have similar interests and volunteer together.
It’s not unusual for a zoo to have a staff member in charge of recruiting and coordinating volunteers. Some zoos will ask you to fill out an application form and provide character references. They may also hold an interview. So, be sure to treat the process with the same seriousness that you would when applying for a job.
Zoos across the country have different volunteer opportunities. For example, the Houston Zoo has a program designed specifically for teenagers. The program is called ZooAide and is ideal for students in grades 8-12.
Similarly, there is the Cincinnati Zoo’s Zoo Crew. This program is designed to develop your personal and professional skills. There are several short term projects to choose from, including painting walls, pulling invasive species, and building pvc animal toys.
Volunteering at a zoo without a degree is a rewarding experience. In return, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the zoo’s mission, get to know other local residents, and maybe even make a lasting impression. Depending on the zoo, you can have fun and earn a discount on your Zoo membership.
Another good way to get involved in your community is to volunteer at a humane animal shelter. Many of these facilities are not always equipped to handle large groups of people, and you can make a positive impact.
Although the best volunteer programs are available throughout the year, you can also take advantage of short-term volunteer opportunities that can be scheduled at specific times of the day. These can range from greeting guests at the front gate to assisting with events.
Getting to know a zookeeper
If you are interested in working with animals, you may consider becoming a zookeeper. Zookeepers are people who care for animals in zoos and other specialized facilities. They are responsible for keeping the animals healthy and educate the public about the animals.
You can get to know a zookeeper by volunteering at a local zoo, or you can take an internship at one. A zookeeper’s workday can vary depending on the type of animals he or she is responsible for.
You can learn a lot from your volunteer and internship experiences. The experience can help you develop skills in customer service, critical thinking, writing, and communication. This experience can also open the door to paid internships and a career as a zookeeper.
Most zoos offer paid and unpaid internships. This is a great way to gain valuable experience. Depending on where you are applying for the internship, your experience may be credited towards college credits.
To become a zookeeper, you should earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as biology, animal husbandry, environmental studies, or ecology. Some zoos require you to have a higher education qualification, such as a master’s degree or even a doctorate.
To prepare for a zookeeping career, you should take courses in zoology, animal behavior, and forestry. In addition, you should have an understanding of the taxonomic groups of animals in zoos.
Getting a job as a zookeeper can be difficult, especially if you are pursuing this as a career without a degree. Many zoos hire a variety of people, so it is important to know how to highlight your accomplishments on your resume.
When you’re preparing for a zookeeping career, it’s best to take classes at a college that specializes in zoology. However, if you don’t have a degree, you can still start out volunteering at a zoo, or getting experience at an animal shelter or kennel.
As you gain experience, you can look for part-time jobs at kennels or horse stables, or you can apply for a veterinary clinic, riding stable, or farm. These positions can also lead to a career as an animal/natural educator.
Getting a degree
If you’re interested in a career that involves interacting with animals, you may want to consider getting a degree in zoology. Zoos and aquariums are some of the most popular workplaces for this field. These places can offer well-paying jobs to their employees. However, you’ll have to take a few steps to find these positions. You can research the positions on your local zoo’s website or contact their Human Resources department.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) publishes a series of zoo careers guides. They also offer job listings for zoos throughout the country. In addition, many zoos advertise job opportunities on their websites.
A zoo science degree can lead to a variety of careers. You can work as a zookeeper, veterinary assistant, or even in the field of conservation. Some zoos require a bachelor’s or master’s degree, while others accept associate degrees with relevant experience.
The BS in Zoo and Conservation Science at Otterbein University is an excellent choice for students pursuing a zoo career. Students in this program have the option to specialize in animal behavior, avian science, and zoo and aquarium science. Additionally, they can take an extra upper division biology elective.
Students in this program gain valuable practical experience through hands-on labs and volunteer experiences. They complete a semester-long internship at a zoo or aquarium.
WLU’s Zoo Science program offers a comprehensive curriculum and affordable tuition. Students have the option to take specialized classes, and they also have the option to participate in internships at AZA-accredited zoos.
Students in this program learn about zoo management, ethology, and ecology, and they get real-world exposure to these fields. Graduates from the program are prepared for entry-level positions in zoos and aquariums, and they can also apply for employment in veterinary science and consulting firms.
Animal Science Technicians are highly sought-after workers in the zoo and aquarium industry. This program offers 128 credits and requires an internship.
Students in this program can also take part in a semester-long internship at an AZA-accredited zoo. Practicums and fieldwork give students practical experience, and they learn important interpersonal skills.
Job duties
Many people who love animals seek jobs at zoological parks. These positions offer a variety of career opportunities. Some are specialized in research, while others involve caring for a small or large group of animals.
Jobs in zoology may also focus on animal breeding and rehabilitation, or on educational programs. Animals in zoos are kept under the supervision of veterinarians. They often need help in recovering from illness or injury.
In addition to working with animals, many zoos provide volunteer opportunities to give visitors a hands-on experience with exotic creatures. There are also opportunities for interns to get a look at the daily lives of zoo animals.
To apply for a zoo job, you can check for available positions online, or visit the human resources department at the zoo. Once you are accepted, you will receive a confirmation response.
Generally, zoos require you to be at least sixteen years old. You will need to register, create a profile, and then complete an application. This requires entering your contact information, your education and work history, and your email address.
As a zookeeper, you will be one of the closest humans to the animals in the zoo. Your duties will include cleaning the animals’ living areas, giving medications, and performing special feeding sessions.
Depending on the zoo, your duties will vary, but you can expect to spend a lot of time with the animals. Zookeepers may have to perform routine maintenance, such as changing the water for aquatic species. Other tasks will involve monitoring food stuffs for quality and safety, assisting with educational programs, and delivering presentations to the public.
Many zoos have volunteer programs, and some have paid part-time and seasonal positions. These positions may be ideal for those who want to gain more experience with animals before embarking on a permanent position.
Zoologists study animal behavior and ecology, and also help orphaned animals. They may conduct in-situ conservation projects, or collect soil and blood samples to test the health of the animals in the collection.
If you are interested in pursuing a zoo career, you should consider obtaining a bachelor’s degree in biology, or a degree in a related field. Several universities offer specific postgraduate courses in zoo biology.
- What Degree Do You Need to Be a Zoologist? - 2 February, 2023
- Which Global Entry Strategy Has the Highest Degree of Risk? - 2 February, 2023
- Which Algebraic Expression is a Polynomial With a Degree of 4? - 2 February, 2023
