If you are looking to work at a zoo, but you do not have a degree, there are still several ways you can get hired. You just need to know what is available and where to look.
Volunteering
If you’re interested in becoming an animal lover, volunteering at a zoo is an excellent way to do it. Not only do you get to learn about the various animals, you can also make new friends, become involved in your community, and have fun.
Most zoos have volunteer programs. Some require a certain level of dedication and are open all year round, while others are seasonal and may have limited availability. While you won’t be hired straight out of the gate, you can get your foot in the door.
You don’t have to be a zoo enthusiast to get involved in a zoo’s volunteer program. As a matter of fact, many volunteer departments are hesitant to hire people who aren’t.
If you’re a teen looking to get a head start on your career, consider joining the ZooAide program at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The program is designed for teens in grades eight through twelve. It involves a number of hands-on activities, including arts and crafts, games, and animal interaction.
For an even more hands-on experience, you can participate in a Zoo Crew program. This is a youth development program designed to inspire conservation and job skills.
You’ll be expected to perform a wide variety of tasks, from raking to answering phones. In addition to the usual duties, you can also volunteer for special events, help with horticulture, and more.
Aside from the zoo’s famous “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” program, the best part about the program is that it’s entirely free to join. To learn more, visit the zoo website.
Volunteering at a zoo is one of the most fun experiences you’ll have in your lifetime. Even if you don’t choose to work with the animals, you’ll still have fun.
Internships
There are many different ways to work at a zoo. You can start off with a volunteer internship or a paid part time position. Some zoos also offer informal education positions where community members can work with the animals.
If you have a passion for exotic wildlife, a zoo may be an ideal job for you. However, there are requirements that you must meet. Read on to learn about the requirements for working at a zoo, and how to apply for an internship.
A zookeeping internship requires a lot of hands on experience. It also involves a lot of physical challenges. For example, you must be able to handle animals and be willing to work outdoors in all types of weather.
This is an opportunity for college students to gain hands on experience. As an intern, you will work with the educational programs at the Lehigh Valley Zoo. From animal presentations to creek studies, you’ll be interacting with visitors of all ages.
Interns assist with the daily schedule of programs and events, as well as unscheduled activities. They also participate in special events. In addition, they provide general housekeeping tasks.
Interns also have the opportunity to receive course credit for their internships. However, they must be able to complete all additional duties as prescribed by management.
As an intern, you must be reliable, trustworthy, and have good communication skills. You will be expected to perform office and research duties, as well as be involved in program development.
Depending on your specific area of interest, you may be able to pursue a career in administration, conservation, or other related fields. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo, for instance, requires that you make a commitment to protecting species.
Bachelor’s degree
If you are interested in pursuing a career in animal care, there are several options available. These positions offer hands-on experience with exotic animals, a chance to see them in person, and a potential for high pay.
The best way to achieve these goals is by completing an associate’s degree program in animal care. This program is offered at colleges affiliated with local zoos and provides extensive hands-on training. Upon completion of this program, students can qualify for a bachelor’s degree in zoo science, which will prepare them for a variety of careers.
Zoos and aquariums have many job opportunities for those who want to work with animals. They also conduct research on these species, and this can have positive impacts on their welfare.
A number of zoos and aquariums have internships available for qualified applicants. Internships are a great opportunity to gain firsthand experience. In addition to interacting with the animals, interns will learn from their supervisors and other staff members.
Various zoos and aquariums require applicants to pass aptitude tests and have a valid driver’s license. Some zoos also require a Bachelor’s degree or higher in biology. However, some positions do not require this.
Students in a zoo science major will develop the skills needed to communicate with visitors and other staff members, as well as to perform scientific research. They will also learn to think critically and problem solve, and they will have the opportunity to take part in an internship.
Animals have a wide range of needs. Professional keepers must be able to detect subtle changes in an animal’s condition, and they must be able to work with veterinary doctors, nutritionists, and curators to ensure the welfare of these animals.
Salary ranges
If you’re looking for a job in zoology, you may be wondering how much you can expect to earn. The average zoologist makes around $31 an hour, but the salary can vary significantly. Some zoologists earn up to $100,000 a year, while the lowest-paid 10 percent of workers make less than $41,720.
Zookeepers are skilled animal caretakers who provide for the health of animals at a zoo or aquarium. Their duties include feeding and grooming the animals, facilitating scheduled talks with visitors, and updating records. In addition, they are responsible for preparing food and maintaining the habitat.
Most zookeepers work full time. However, there are also part-time jobs available. You’ll need to be ready to work weekends and holidays.
If you’re interested in becoming a zookeeper, consider attending an accredited animal training school. This type of education provides more experience and better job prospects. Also, some schools offer an associate’s degree in zoo technology. These may be a good choice for you if you’re looking to transfer to a related bachelor’s program.
As a beginning zoologist, you can expect to make around $18,580 per year. Depending on your state and the zoo you work for, this can be a great starting salary. On the other hand, if you are looking for a higher-paying position, you might have to go for a master’s degree.
When you’re looking for a zookeeper job, you should have a valid driver’s license. A good resource for information is the American Association of Zoo Keepers. Other sources of information include the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
As a zoologist, you’ll have the chance to meet and study exotic animals. They can be anything from elephants to deer. Getting the opportunity to study them will give you a deeper appreciation for these creatures.
Job outlook
If you are interested in a zoo career, the good news is that you can work with animals even if you do not have a college degree. You can find employment in a variety of roles, including support and administrative positions.
Many zoos offer seasonal jobs and internships. These opportunities are a great way to get your foot in the door. It’s also a good idea to check your local zoo’s website to find out about employment opportunities.
Getting a job with animals can be challenging, especially if you are new to the profession. Some zoos require applicants to take a physical exam or to pass an oral interview. Applicants may also need to have a valid driver’s license.
Aside from the practical experience required, working with animals requires commitment to conservation. In addition, living expenses don’t go away if you are employed with animals.
There are several wildlife careers that you can consider, such as zookeeping, animal research, and conservation. You can also work for a veterinary clinic.
You should be able to determine which position would best suit your talents and interests. The American Zoo and Aquarium Association offers a wide range of information to help you get started. They have publications and networking opportunities to help you learn more about zoo careers.
When you decide to work with animals, you will be required to complete a training program. For instance, you can be trained in how to keep animals healthy, which species you can care for, and how to help people interact with animals.
You can pursue a wildlife career in parks, zoos, or museums. Depending on your qualifications, you might be able to advance to a more senior position.
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