career advice?

Question

erm i was wondering how you would go about getting a job in a zoo and what qualyfications you would need serious answers only

Answer 1

I work in HR for a company where we employ biologists and such.
If you are considering working directly with the animals then
I suggest looking at colleges that offer Zoology or Animal Sciences. I also suggest working hard towards a internship at your local zoo - that way you can get a feel on what you want to actually do at the zoo or with animals.

Otherwise, if you are just looking for a hourly position such as a ticket taker or parking attendant they would just require previous hourly experience relative to what you choose.

Answer 2

The answers you have received are misleading, because unless there has been a dramatic change in Zoos practice (which I doubt) they usually recruit staff as volunteers especially during the summer months and dispense with them when the off season arrives. This means you do not get paid for it, regardless of your qualifications!

I almost misspelt that word because fo a typo!

On the positive side, voluntary work in a zoo can be great experience, but you might try doing the same at a 'City Farm' or a Farm Park - rare breeds etc. What about the PDSA or other animal care services?

Good luck I think it is a tough vocational area to make money in while seeking your chosen career and getting paid a livable wage.

Answer 3

I did a recruiting gig for a zoo once...

For professional positions, zoos typically look for people that have a real desire to work with and care for all kinds of animals along with an education that benefits the zoo.

So - you need a degree in Animal Husbandry, Vet Science, Biology, Entomology, etc, or solid experience in a Vet Clinic, or a personal history of involvment with animals - FHA, FAA, SPCA, etc.

A lot of the jobs are very menial - cleaning cages, etc. Those you can get pretty easy since they're nasty jobs.

They do check for drugs & alcohol and conduct a very indepth background check.

Answer 4

it might help if you knew how to spell "qualifications" first of all...

a lot would depend on the particular position in the zoo. if you're just going to be scooping up animal poo, you probably don't exactly need a resume a mile long or a giant list of credentials. however, for more upper-echelon positions, it'd undoubtedly be helpful to have a degree in biology/zoology, and have some practice in vetrinary medicine...

Answer 5

There is lots of advice about qualifications. You could also get some practical experience volunteering at an animal sanctuary.

Answer 6

The work

Zoologists study animal evolution, ecology, genetics, behaviour, development and physiology. They have detailed knowledge of subjects like cell biology and genetics, and their work is used to enable advances in areas such as medicine, environmental protection and conservation, agriculture and aquaculture, and marine biology. Work might include the development and testing of new drugs, improving agricultural crops and livestock, disease and pest control, conservation of endangered habitats and species, and animal welfare and education. Work for governmental agencies may include developing policies and enforcing regulations.

The work involves conducting field and laboratory research using both traditional observational techniques and complex procedures such as computerised molecular and cellular analysis, in-vitro fertilisation and cryogenics. After analysing and interpreting data, detailed technical reports are produced.

Zoologists undertaking research in universities usually specialise in one of the many branches of zoology. These include:

* morphology and anatomy – animal structure
* embryology – reproduction and development
* genetics and evolution – inherited characteristics
* animal ecology and ecophysiology – the relationship between animals and their environment
* ecotoxicology – the effects of pollutants on animals
* behavioural studies.

There will often be some teaching duties associated with university work, and considerable time may be spent preparing and delivering lectures.

Hours and Environment

The basic working week is 35 hours, Monday to Friday, but this varies according to the requirements of the project in hand. Unsocial hours and weekend work may be necessary.

Some research is carried out in modern well-equipped laboratories and involves using sophisticated instruments and computers. Protective clothing may be needed. Zoologists carrying out field work will spend time away from home, often overseas.

It should be noted that some procedures in zoological study require the collection of living and dead specimens, and in some instances dissection is necessary, particularly when studying animal physiology and diseases.

Skills and Interests

To be a zoologist you should:

* be interested in animals and the environment
* have an aptitude for sciences, particularly biology and chemistry
* be able to conduct detailed work accurately and methodically
* be inquisitive and able to plan research, analyse and interpret data, and write reports
* have practical skills and the ability to devise solutions to problems
* have patience, perseverance and the ability to concentrate for long periods
* enjoy working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
* have strong communication and IT skills.

Entry

A first degree and often a higher qualification such as an MSc or PhD is needed to become a professional zoologist. There are related degree subjects other than zoology that focus on specific areas of zoological study. These include animal ecology, wildlife biology, marine biology, parasitology, animal behaviour, and ecology and conservation. Entry to a degree course is with two or three A levels/Highers which should include biology, plus five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) including English, maths and a science subject. Alternative qualifications may be accepted.

For details of qualification equivalents see:

* Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
* Scottish Qualifications Authority.

Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

Training

Training is delivered through postgraduate programmes in university research departments. The trainee works on a research project alongside senior research colleagues, and develops the skills and determination necessary for sustained individual research. After producing a thesis based on their findings, the student is interviewed at length about the work, and a PhD or other qualification may then be awarded.
Opportunities

Employers of zoologists include universities and government research institutions, the NHS and medical research establishments, water authorities, zoos and wildlife trusts, and environmental protection agencies. There are opportunities in the private sector as consultants or in technical and research roles with veterinary, agricultural, fisheries and biotechnology organisations, and with other employers such as chemical, pharmaceutical, and petroleum companies.

Zoology graduates may also find work in the education sector, with museums or other cultural organisations, or move into other jobs such as management, marketing, sales or scientific journalism.

There are opportunities for work and study overseas.

Annual Income


Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Recent graduates employed as technical assistants receive around £18,400 a year.
Zoologists in research posts earn up to £27,400.
Senior lecturers in zoology at universities may be paid up to £40,000 a year.

Salaries for those working in private industry and other organisations will vary considerably.

This is taken from the first site. Good luck

Answer 7

Depends on what job at the zoo.

Zookeeper?
Ticket taker?
Sanitation?
Front office?

Answer 8

contact learndirect and see what they can advise. there are degrees in zoology but it depends what kind of job you want. ring one up and ask them!

Answer 9

here is a website that may help

http://www.daycourses.com/careers/zoo_keeping.html

Other websites may be found on career help websites

Answer 10

B.Sc. Hons. degree in Zoology is good enough!!!