Once a zoo keeping role becomes available, candidates from the Preferred Keeper List are eligible to apply. Short-term contracts are offered to the Preferred Keeper List as the roles become available and can range from a few weeks to 12 months, either in a part-time of full-time capacity. From time-to-time there is also a small number of volunteering opportunities available for candidates on this list. There are a few things you can do to increase your chances of selection onto the Preferred Keeper List.
Zoo keeping is physically demanding and applicants need to demonstrate how they maintain their physical fitness. Zoo keepers generally work eight-hour days and the bulk of the work involved is outside during all weather conditions. The physical tasks usually include lots of walking up to 10km a day , raking enclosures, shovelling, using wheelbarrows and repetitive lifting.
Zookeepers must first and foremost have a fondness and empathy for animals. The work of the zookeeper is not glamorous. It takes a special kind of dedication to provide care to captive animals that require attention 24 hours a day, days a year. Keepers need excellent interpersonal skills to work together and to interact with visitors and volunteers.
Strong oral and written communication skills are also required. They should be detail-oriented and enjoy paperwork and record keeping. They must be able to work well independently and as part of a team.
Keepers rely on each other to get their jobs done safely. Being in a bad mood can interfere with concentration, endangering the keeper and his or her coworkers. Keepers must have keen powers of observation. But with experience with different species and individuals, you learn to see those subtle little changes that indicate an animal is sick.
Due to the physical demands of the job, keepers must be physically fit. Psychological fitness is important too. Zookeepers have to be able to handle the emotional impact when animals with whom they have built a relationship go to another institution or die.
They cannot be squeamish about handling body wastes or live food items or dealing with sick animals. High school students can explore the field of animal care in several ways.
They can learn about animals by reading about them and taking classes in biology and zoology. Most zoos have Web sites containing information about the institution and its programs and career opportunities, as well as about the industry in general.
Hobbies such as birding can expand your knowledge of animals. Some have part-time or summer jobs that can give a good overview of how a zoo operates. Many zoos offer volunteer opportunities for teens, such as Explorers or Junior Zookeeper programs, which are similar to programs for adult volunteers but with closer supervision. Most volunteer programs require a specific time commitment. Opportunities vary between institutions and run the gamut from cleaning enclosures to preparing food to handling domesticated animals to conducting tours or giving educational presentations.
Prospective zookeepers can volunteer or work part-time at animal shelters, boarding kennels, wildlife rehabilitation facilities, stables, or animal hospitals. They may get a feel for working with animals by seeking employment on a farm or ranch during the summer.
Joining a 4-H club also allows hands-on experience with animals. Experience with animals is invaluable when seeking a job and provides opportunities to learn about the realities of work in this field. Professional organizations have special membership rates for nonprofessionals. Attending local workshops or national conferences offers an opportunity to network and gather information for charting a career path. Despite the low pay and challenging working conditions, competition for jobs at zoos is intense.
There are many more candidates than available positions. Most zookeepers enjoy their work, and turnover is low. The majority of new jobs result from the need to replace workers who leave the field.
A limited number of jobs are created when new zoos open. Entry-level applicants may find it easier to start out in small zoos in smaller communities, where the pay is usually low, and then move on once they have gained some experience. There are many such small-town zoos in the Midwest.
The days when zookeepers were hired off the street and trained on the job are a thing of the past. Practical experience working with animals is a must.
This experience can involve volunteering at a zoo or wildlife rehabilitation center, caring for animals in a kennel or animal hospital, or working on a farm or ranch. Many zoos fill new positions by promoting current employees. At other zoos, an application is made directly at the zoo office. Occasionally zoos advertise for personnel in the local newspapers.
A few zoos even have job lines. Most zoos have internal job postings. People in the profession often learn about openings by word of mouth. Membership in a professional organization can be helpful when conducting a job search. Zookeepers with more than six years' experience usually earn. Source: careers. Job opportunities.
Chances of getting a job as a zookeeper are poor due to high competition for a limited number of jobs. Length of training There are no specific training requirements. Industry Animal Care. Vocational Pathways More Services industries. About the job. Pay Pay for zookeepers varies depending on experience and qualifications. What you will do Zookeepers may do some or all of the following: clean, feed and inspect animals clean animal enclosures and the wider environment control pests observe and record animal behaviour provide activities for the animals support animal breeding programmes treat animals for minor injuries and illnesses under veterinary supervision design and maintain animal environments assist the public, answer their questions and give educational talks contribute to animal research and conservation keep up-to-date on animal welfare, latest animal research and conservation information maintain records and carry out any general office work relating to animal care.
Skills and knowledge Zookeepers need to have: knowledge of animal biology and animal husbandry how to care for animals skill in caring for and handling animals an understanding of laws relevant to their work, such as the Animal Welfare Act.
Working conditions Zookeepers: usually start work early and may work overtime or be on call may work weekends often work in smelly and noisy conditions, with animals that can be dangerous may travel locally and internationally on conservation programs. What's the job really like? Harmony Neale Zookeeper. How to enter the job. Entry requirements To become a zookeeper you need to have work experience caring for animals, for example, volunteer work at animal shelters, vets or zoos, or work on a farm.
Personal requirements Zookeepers need to be: empathetic, patient and concerned about animals able to handle stressful emergency situations good at presenting information and speaking in public practical organised. What are the chances of getting a job? High competition for limited zookeeper roles Zookeeper jobs are popular, so competition for any vacancies is high.
According to the Census, zookeepers worked in New Zealand in Approximately , jobs are provided by AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums. Zoos and aquariums employ professionals in the areas of animal care, maintenance and groundskeeping, education, guest services and more.
According to the Sea Turtle Conservancy , over one million marine animals die each year due to plastic pollution in the ocean. Read our Plastics FAQ to learn more about how plastic affects wildlife and wild places.
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Conway International Conservation Award R.
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