What is a job of a Zoo Keeper?

Question

I want to be a Zoo Keeper when i get older But i want to know what they do. How much they get paid. And do you need to go to school for it? Thanx you guys

Answer 1

Zoos hire a variety of staff that might be called a zoo keeper. Entry positions require no specialized education, and the jobs entail mostly cleaning cages and feeding the animals.

Mid-level positions may involve more work with animals - exercising or transporting animals, grooming or cleaning the animals, and providing medical treatments under the supervision of a veterinarian. Mid-level positions usually require a B.S. degree in a biological-related field.

Higher-level positions are more specialized and there are fewer jobs. These positions may involve breeding animals, working with other zoos, working with conservation biologists to recover rare species, participation in educational programs, buying or trading animals, and veterinary medicine. Upper level positions require at least a B.S. degree and years of experience, or graduate degrees in the particular area of specialization.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Unfortuniately, zoo keeping is a very tricky profession. So many people are trying for this job, and willing to volunteer at zoos to do a majority of an entry level zookeepers task, that it is nearly impossible to find a job without education and experience. These are technically not necessary, but in most cases, you'll need them to get your foot through the door.

From my experience, your best bet is to go to a cooperative college. There is Santa Fe Community College in Florida which works with SUNY Oswego in NY to send students out in the world with both experience and a degree and Zoo Animal Technology. The problem I had with that one was that Santa Fe has very few mammals, which is what I'm most interested in.

I'm currently working toward going to Moorpark Community College in California (I want to be an exotic animal trainer... one step up from a classic zoo keeper, but Moorpark helps you get both). That college is really tough because it accepts people based on the lottery system, and only accepts 50 people for their Exotic Animal Training and Management program each year. HOWEVER, it is certified by the American Zoological and Aquarium Association, and the job placement rate is very high for the people who complete this 22 month straight degree.

Good luck... zoo keeping is very tough to get an adequate education for (as a zoology major at SUNY Oswego, trust me, any typical degree you will bury you in carcasses and taxadermied skins, and will only let you near living animals to breed fruit flys or study cricket behavior) and even tougher to get a job for. It doesn't pay very well at all, and chances are, you'll need to do internships and volunteer work (which keep you from making money) before you get hired. This is not a career path for the weak of heart.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

The job of zoo keeper is one that has been around for a long time, but it is also one which has undergone many changes as zoos have moved away from the menagerie era into a time when they are institutions dedicated to conservation, education and research. Years ago, zoo keepers weren't required to have any specialized training-they basically needed to be physically strong enough to carry out the manual labor associated with the job. Their basic duties were to feed and clean up after the animals. Period. That is not the case today when zoo keepers are called upon to be skilled record keepers, keen observers of animal behavior, creative mechanics with tools and exhibit construction, and public educators to the millions of visitors who visit the nation's zoos each year. Knowledge of both operant conditioning and enrichment is now a basic requirement. Today’s keeper must also understand the role of conservation in the zoo field. Although hiring requirements vary greatly from zoo to zoo, by geographic region, by the size and scope of the facility's collection, etc., the better trained you are, the better your chances in most cases.

The basic educational requirement for an entry level zoo keeper position has been a high school diploma or GED. However, more and more zoos are seeking individuals with Associate and Bachelor's degrees in Zoology, Biology, Animal Management and related fields to fill position openings. Having such a degree will give you an advantage in this job market. When zoos are hiring they are also looking for individuals who have good interpersonal skills, communicate effectively (both spoken and written), can work as part of a team-oriented effort, and are comfortable interacting with the public and with volunteers. Zoo keepers must also be physically fit and able to handle the sometimes demanding physical labor involved with this profession.

Many zoos are also looking for individuals with practical animal experience. Some ways to achieve this may include: working at a vet clinic, volunteering at a local wildlife rehabilitation center, humane society, or participating in a zoo internship program. (This is where a zookeeper focused college program can really come in handy. You walk away with a 2 or 4 year degree AND hands-on experience with animals.)

In considering the zoo keeping profession, it is also important to realize that there are more people interested in getting into this field than there are presently jobs available. This fact is not meant to discourage you, but to make you think realistically about your choice and whether or not you are willing to be persistent to achieve your goal to become a zoo keeper. Remember that most internships are not paid. Sometimes it may be necessary to take a position at a zoo that is not animal related in order to "get into the system" in order to be able to apply for animal keeping positions when they become available. Some institutions do promote or hire from "within" so already being inside the system may help out. Sometimes it may be necessary to take a non-animal keeping job and volunteer your time at a zoo at which you would like to work until a position opens up. A good, dependable volunteer usually makes a good, dependable employee, so don't overlook this option while you are searching for a zoo job.

While the zoo keeping profession was, for many years, a male-dominated one, that is not the case anymore. The profession is split about 40-60 for males and females and in some cases the percentage of females employed at a facility may be greater than the number of males employed. Both sexes are certainly equally competent to perform the responsibilities required for this profession.

Because of the nature of the work, zoo keepers must be willing to work "less than typical" work schedules. This may mean that your "weekend" is on Wednesday/Thursday rather than the traditional Saturday/Sunday. Zoo keepers must not only be willing to work weekends, but holidays as well. This does not mean you will work every holiday, but certainly some will fall within your work schedule. While zoos do have set hours for employees, there may be times when you will need to come in before or after regular hours to check on a sick animal, deliver medications, participate in a pregnancy watch, etc. You must be flexible in these situations.

Many people often ask what can be expected in the way of salary for zoo keepers. This is a difficult question to answer as there are many factors affecting this. Salaries will vary greatly depending on some of the following factors: size of zoo, whether it is municipally or privately owned, its geographic location, and whether the staff is union or non-union. Entry-level keeper position wages may range from a low of $6.00 per hour to an upper range of $10.00 per hour. Most full-time zoo keeper positions offer benefit packages, but these may vary greatly also, some will provide full benefits (health and life insurance, retirement, sick leave, vacation time) while others may offer only limited benefit packages. Since beginning wages are not high (considering the amount of education and training many zoos require in an employee), you should look carefully at the benefits package when making a career choice.



1993 SURVEY

In a survey conducted in January 1993 among the 2600 members of AAZK, Inc., the following was a breakdown in annual income levels for zoo keepers (based on 5% survey response):

$10,000/LESS 0%
$10,000/15,000 4%
$15,000/20,000 42%
$20,000/25,000 40%
$25,000/30,000 7%
$30,000/35,000 7%

Some responsibilities of zoo keepers may include, but are not limited to, feeding and maintenance/cleaning for animals; diet preparation; behavioral observation; record keeping; exhibit maintenance and/or construction; providing environmental enrichment for the animals in their care; assisting veterinary staff in medical procedures; conducting behavioral or reproductive research on a species; participating in public education through talks or programs/shows; and possibly grounds or facilities maintenance. While zoo keepers certainly have interaction with their animals in various situations, zoo keeping is not a profession where you “play with the animals.” Animals held in a captive situation are still wild animals, not pets, and may be unpredictable in their behavior. Good zoo keepers need to have a keen observation sense and learn to know the idiosyncrasies of individual animals in their care. This is not only important for picking up on when an animal may be sick or behaving unnaturally, but is also vitally important for keeper safety. Because keepers work with animals that are potentially dangerous, a strict adherence to safety practices and use of common sense is an important aspect of this profession.

Once you have completed your educational requirements and hopefully gained some practical experience along the way, how do you look for a job as a zoo keeper? You may send resumes out to zoos at which you are interested in working. Along with your resume include a letter of interest expressing your career goals in the profession. Municipally-owned zoos will often advertise zoo keeper position openings in their local newspapers. Many zoos advertise positions nationally through either the AAZK's Animal Keepers' Forum or the American Zoo and Aquarium Association's Communique. These publications may be obtained through membership in either AAZK or AZA. AZA membership requires sponsorship from someone already in the zoo field; AAZK membership is open to those not yet in the zoo field under the Associate category. Many zoo libraries may have either the Communique or Animal Keepers' Forum available to look at for current job listings. Both AAZK and AZA also list job openings and internships on their respective websites (aazk.org and aza.org) A publication entitled JOB-SCAN is put out by The Student Conservation Association, Charleston, NH, and includes job opportunities in state, federal, private and public animal facilities/programs. Available by subscription.

The vast majority of people in the zoo keeping profession are there because they truly care about their animals, they are concerned with the state of the ecosystem, they are conservation-minded and try to pass this message on to the zoo visitor, and they enjoy the daily challenge of providing the best possible captive situation for the animals in their care. Good zoo keepers go beyond the basic requirements to promote an enriching environment for their animals. This profession, while never likely to include six-figure salaries, has many intrinsic qualities and rewards which attract people to it.



Zoo and Aquarium Career Opportunities
Courtesy of AZA

With more than 110 million people visiting AZA institutions annually, all zoo and aquarium employees have the opportunity to educate the public about the critical need for the conservation of wildlife and wild lands. This responsibility assures an interesting and rewarding career, but the profession requires more than a commitment to conservation - it requires hard work. Zoo and aquarium employment is not always glamorous. Much of the work requires physical strength, as well as the ability to make detailed observations and keep information up-to-date. It takes a special kind of dedication to provide care to captive animals that require attention 24 hours a day, seven days a week, come snow, rain, or shine. The rewards for such efforts are great. Zoo and aquarium employees share in the knowledge that they are providing the best care for the creatures in their facility, as well as developing a forum for others to learn how they too can participate in the conservation of our planet's natural resources.


REQUIREMENTS

The conservation and scientific programs in zoos and aquariums have become highly technical and specialized. Although practical experience with animals may sometimes be substituted for academic training, most entry-level keeper positions now require a four-year college degree. Training in animal science, zoology, marine biology, conservation biology, wildlife management, and animal behavior is preferred. Curatorial, research, and conservation positions typically require advanced academic degrees. However, advanced academic training by itself is insufficient, and it may take years of "on-the-job training" for someone to learn the practical aspects of exotic animal care. A few institutions offer curatorial internships which are designed to provide practical experience.

Students wishing to pursue animal-related careers are encouraged to carefully review the curriculum of the schools they wish to attend, as some programs focus more on a zoological application than others.

Students who are interested in the business side of zoo and aquarium operations should concentrate on skills related to a particular area of expertise, such as accounting, public relations, marketing, personnel management, etc. Whatever your career goal, guidance counselors can offer assistance in determining the most appropriate course of study.


SALARIES

Salaries for zoo and aquarium employees vary depending on the institution and its location. Institutions located in metropolitan areas generally offer higher salaries. An animal keeper's salary can range from minimum wage to more than $30,000 a year, depending on skills and tenure. Salaries for other employees usually compare favorably with those prevailing in that region.


POSITIONS

Listed below are some positions in zoos and aquariums and a brief description of duties. Not all positions are found in all facilities, and responsibilities often vary.

Director/Chief Operating Officer - Executes policies as directed by the governing authority. Responsible for the institution's operation and plans for future development.

Assistant Director - Assists the director and assumes charge in the director's absence.

Finance Manager/Director - Manages the institution's finances, including payment of bills, purchasing, investments, and the preparation of financial statements.

General Curator - Oversees an institution's entire animal collection and animal management staff. Responsible for strategic collection planning.

Animal Curator - Manages a certain portion of an institution's animal collection; i.e., mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, etc.

Veterinarian - Responsible for the healthcare program for the animal collection and the maintenance of health records.

Veterinary Technician - Assists the veterinarian and provides care to the animals under the supervision of the veterinarian.

Registrar - Maintains computer records on the animal collection and applies for permits and licenses to hold or transport animals.

Curator/Coordinator/Director of Research - Supervises research projects, serves as liaison between the institution and the academic community, and publishes articles in scientific journals.

Curator/Coordinator/Director of Conservation - Oversees the institution's conservation activities, including field projects. Serves as liaison with government wildlife agencies and other conservation organizations.

Conservation Biologist/Zoologist - Provides scientific and technical assistance in the management of the animal collection and assists in conducting various research or field conservation projects.

Head Keeper/Aquarist - Supervises a section or department of the institution; provides training and scheduling for keepers.

Senior Keeper/Aquarist - Provides primary animal care for a department.

Keeper/Aquarist - Provides daily care to the institution's animals, including diet preparation, cleaning, general exhibit maintenance, and record keeping.

Operations Director/Manager - Responsible for the daily operation of the institution's physical plant and equipment.

Curator of Exhibits - Creates exhibits and assists in the design of graphics.

Curator of Horticulture - Responsible for the botanical collection and its application to the animal collection, as well as daily maintenance of the institution's grounds.

Curator of Education - Plans and implements the institution's education programs.

Public Relations/Affairs Manager/Director - Promotes the institution, its mission, and its programs to the public via the media.

Development Director/Officer - Develops and manages fund-raising activities which can include writing grant proposals and attracting corporate sponsors, as well as soliciting private donations.

Marketing Director/Manager - Creates advertising campaigns and other activities to increase public awareness of the institution.

Special Events Manager/Coordinator - Develops and implements events to attract visitors throughout the year.

Membership Director/Manager - Responsible for maintaining and increasing institution memberships for families and individuals and designing special events for members only. May also be in charge of "adopt-an-animal" programs to raise funds.

Gift Shop Manager - Manages staff and all aspects of gift shop operation from buying products to designing shops.

Visitor Services Manager - Supervises the staff and facilities that cater to the visiting public including concessions and restrooms.

Personnel Manager/Director - Responsible for all personnel matters including payroll, insurance, and tax matters.

Volunteer Coordinator - Responsible for recruiting and maintaining a staff of volunteers/docents. Duties include scheduling docents for on- and off-grounds activities and keeping docents abreast of new developments to relate to the public.

Docent Volunteer - Duties may include diet preparation, small animal care, teaching educational programs, leading group tours, and staffing special events.

Junior Keeper - Some institutions offer a summer program for high schoolstudents who wish to volunteer in a zoo or aquarium setting. Duties areoften similar to those of other volunteers, but they are supervised much more closely.



Improving Your Chances of Getting a Keeper Job
Courtesy of A.A.Z.K.

Although most zoos will be looking for experienced and academically able staff you can improve your chances by amassing various other skills. If you already have keeping experience then so much the better, however the following will be a big help.

(a) Learn to drive a tractor or a bulldozer type vehicle. Many zoos use Bobcat, John Deere, and Cushman vehicles. Again this is something many keepers have to learn to do. If you are already versed in the art in reversing a trailer you get yourself an extra point.

(b) Learn First Aid. Any attraction which is open to the public needs someone accredited by the Red Cross in First Aid (including CPR). Zoos have to pay to train their own staff. This is costly in both time and money so if you have already got this potential, employers will look more favorably upon you.

(c) Learn to shoot. Get yourself a firearm certificate. Any zoo which holds large and/or dangerous animals will be required to have a procedure for dangerous animal escape. This will normally involve the use of firearms. If you already have a certificate this is another plus.

(d) Become computer literate. Although larger zoos will have their own records officer, the smaller zoos usually do not. Being familiar with a computer and the main software packages ARKS, SPARKS, MedARKS would stand you in good stead.

(e) Build up a range of useful skills. Take a look at the various short term courses advertised by zoos or other animal related organizations. Workshops on animal behavior, operant conditioning, enrichment, animal restraint, zoo record keeping and other subjects are often offered at professional conferences.

(f) If time and money are no object then some very useful courses are run by the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust, i.e. The Jersey Summer School or their Certificate in Endangered Species Management (http://www.jerseyattractions.com/zoo). Demand for places is high so get your name down early.

(g) Get some experience in wildlife rehabilitation. Ask the Humane Society or State Fish and Wildlife Office for the address of nearest rehabber. These people could do with the help, so the benefits go both ways.

(h) Look at seasonal zoo employment and internships. Many of the larger zoos will take on temporary employees during the summer. Although there is no guarantee of you being kept on full time, it is possible, it has happened. Plus you will gain useful hands-on training to include on your resume for future job applications. Some zoos even work cooperatively to offer college level students academic credit for summer internships at a zoological facility.

(i) Become involved. If a particular species holds your interest, find out if there is a Taxon Advisory Group for it. Check out the chairperson and volunteer to do research on behalf of the TAG. Most of the people involved are overstretched and could do with the help. It is a toe on the ladder, and if you prove useful it may mean moving up a few rungs. TAG group coordinators are listed on the AZA website at www.aza.org

(j) While in school or on your own, hone your writing and public speaking skills. Zoo Keepers are often the "front-line" educators for the visiting public, and need to be able to express themselves (both written and orally) in a competent and professional manner.