Zookeepers are professionals who work with the goal of educating the public and caring for animals in zoos, aquariums, or animal parks. Zoo workers come from a wide variety of backgrounds so there's no one way to guarantee you'll get a job in that field. A good education, lots of experience, and determination will help you to become a zookeeper.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Reaching Education
Step 1. Learn about keeping a zoo as a career
Before you start any step on the path to becoming a zookeeper, you should know what a career in zookeeping looks like. This is a demanding job, both physically and emotionally, and you need to make sure it's the right career for you.
- Keeping a zoo is a very physically demanding job. This is not a glamorous position and you will get dirty, sweaty, and tired at work. This job also demands strength and flexibility. You must be able to lift at least 25 kg.
- The schedule of a zookeeper can be said to be erratic. Your shift will change from week to week and you will likely have to work many days off.
- If you really like animals, this job can be profitable. But this job doesn't pay as much as other jobs that involve working with animals. On average, zookeepers make about $30,000 a year (in the US), but the pay varies depending on your level of experience and the cost of living by zoo location.
- Zookeepers carry out a wide range of duties every day. Apart from feeding the animals, cleaning the show grounds and enclosures, and training and observing, there is general administrative work required. Zookeepers should write field notes and proposals and converse with visitors and other workers at the zoo.
Step 2. Find out other options besides keeping the zoo
Many people enjoy the thought of working at a zoo, but the sheer amount of physical exertion and an unpredictable schedule keep them from doing so. However, there are many positions needed to keep the zoo running.
- Administrative positions include director, manager, and coordinator. For these positions, you will oversee zoo-run projects, plan and implement zoo policies, recruit and retain employees and volunteers, and help make decisions about the zoo's future.
- The curator is the person responsible for the creation and collection. The general curator and the curator of animals manage the collection of animals in the zoo. The show and education curator is in charge of creating the graphics for the show as well as planning and implementing educational programs throughout the zoo.
- Marketing and fundraising positions are concentrated on raising money for the zoo, organizing sales, promoting the institution, and creating advertising campaigns and public service announcements on behalf of the zoo.
- Veterinarians and biologists are often employed by zoos to provide scientific and technical assistance in sustaining the environment for host animals. You can also lead research on a specific species.
- Veterinarians and veterinary technicians are usually included as employees at the zoo to deal with the medical needs of animals.
Step 3. Look for official education
There are no specific qualifications or coursework pathways to become a zookeeper, and requirements vary from zoo to zoo. However, the more education you have regarding animals, wildlife, and biology, the better.
- If you're in high school, there are programs at zoos around the country where they allow students to enroll in cooperative learning. Check your school system or look up lists online. The American Association of Zookeepers is an excellent resource.
- Diplomas and technical degrees aimed at animal management and training, as well as veterinary science, are good choices if you intend to improve your education after high school. These programs usually last for 1-2 years.
- There is a four-year course that helps you prepare for a career in zoo keeping. You can earn degrees in zoo science, zoo management, and zoo education at some institutions.
- If your university doesn't offer a program that deals specifically with zookeeping, a degree in Zoology, Biology, Wildlife Management, or Wildlife Ecology can be a great option and increase your chances of getting hired by a zoo.
Method 2 of 3: Gaining Experience
Step 1. Volunteer at the zoo
Experience is important in any profession, but it is especially important in areas that require a specific skill set such as keeping a zoo. Volunteering can be a great start and can lead to internships and future jobs.
- Zoos usually have training sessions for volunteers. Safety is paramount when working with wild animals, so be prepared for a more detailed orientation to the zoo than any other volunteer experience.
- Schedules are generally flexible. You can volunteer on a set schedule, such as bi-weekly or bi-monthly, or you can simply volunteer at special events such as pregnancy observations or animal introductions.
- Make the most of your volunteer experience. Ask questions and chat with zookeepers about how they got their place. Try to create networks and connections that you can use to get other positions in the future.
Step 2. Take an internship program at the zoo
An internship program will look great on a resume and demonstrate strong hands-on experience. While internships are great for any field, because keeping a zoo requires a very specific skill set, it's important to gain internship experience on your path to becoming a zookeeper.
- The American Association of Zoo Keepers maintains a list of online internships with AAZK-approved institutions. Their data set is a great start for looking at job positions.
- An apprenticeship program keeping a zoo is a very demanding thing. While many internships are part-time, zookeeping internships typically last 40 hours a week. You are expected to work on weekends.
- These positions are usually unpaid, but you may receive a small wage or housing and food.
- The internship program usually lasts about three months. High school students and college students often find internships during the summer a boon.
Step 3. Get certified and technical expertise
Keeping a zoo requires a combination of hands-on and technical expertise. Improve your resume by earning certificates in things like respiratory support and first aid and computer skills.
- You can enroll in classes to get certified in first aid/respiratory support. Because zookeepers must be prepared for emergencies, this will put you ahead of other applicants when applying for jobs. Often, coursework provides certification of breathing/first aid near the end of the course. Look for courses that provide this, as you'll get college credit as well as valuable career skills.
- As a zookeeper, you will often be asked to write daily reports, keep records of animal behavior, and sometimes give presentations to other staff members or guests. Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is a prerequisite for building a great resume. You can enroll in computer lessons or try self-taught.
Method 3 of 3: Finding a Job
Step 1. Write your resume
A great resume is the first step to landing the perfect job, and a zookeeper resume should highlight your experience, references and education.
- The resume should be written in a type that is legible and looks modern. Avoid flowery italics and write in size 10 or 12.
- While your resume should look simple, tasteful borders, graphics and colors can help you stand out from the crowd. Try putting a monogram of your initials in the top corner or giving the header a different color typeface. Do not use a typeface that is too flashy. Stick to dark blues and purples, easy-to-read colors.
- Include only information related to the job you are applying for. Zoos don't need to know you worked as a barmaid in college to pay rent, but they'll want to hear how you volunteered at the local dairy on weekends in your final year.
- Write them in reverse chronological order. Start with your most recent experience and move on to your previous experience. A good rule of thumb is that your best experience should be at the "top of the page fold." This refers to what you see on the top half of the folded paper. In other words, put your most relevant work at the top.
- Ask other people to look at your resume, such as a professor, former employer, friend or family member. Not only can they provide suggestions for improving the order and layout, they can also correct for you. Many people become “blind” to their own typos while working on documents for long periods of time.
Step 2. Know where to look for work
The job search can be exhausting and many people don't know where to look. Have a strategic plan for finding work.
- The American Association of Zoo Keepers is probably the best choice for you to start with. They have an extensive list of vacancies at AAZK approved zoos that is updated throughout the year. Take a look at their list to see what's available and apply for any position that relates to your skill set.
- Talk to your former boss. If you are on an internship or volunteer at a zoo, you should contact them and inquire about vacancies. Even if they don't have any vacancies at the moment, if they know you're looking for a job, they may contact you if a position becomes available in the future.
- Contact your local zoo to see if they have any vacancies. Send them your resume without appearing urgent and tell them you're looking for a job. While they may not immediately have a vacant position, if they keep your paperwork, they may contact you for future job openings.
Step 3. Be flexible in your search
You may not find your ideal position right away. Be willing to face change and unfavorable circumstances. Any job is a good thing because it will build your resume and enhance your experience in the field.
- Zookeepers work long hours and are expected to work on holidays. If you are offered a position, be prepared for a big commitment.
- There are zoos all over the country, so you'll have to broaden your search to a wide variety of locations. You may have to change residence to get a job. Be prepared, financially and emotionally, for a possible move.
- Prepare yourself for a small starting salary. Salaries for zookeeper jobs are usually low, and especially if you're just starting out. Be prepared for a tight budget, and be willing to work for a smaller salary.
Tips
- Zookeepers must be strong in working with animals. You must have a commitment to exercise and maintain physical fitness if you want to enter this career.
- Many people choose to work with animals because of the shame and discomfort of being around humans, but networking in zoo-keeping work is just as important as in any other field. You need to keep in touch with people in these fields to help your career so push yourself out of your comfort zone in social interactions.
- Look for animal shelters near you and raise your own animals, even if it's just fish or other small animals. This will help you get started in the animal world.
