How To Become A Zookeeper – Part 1
The average salary for a zookeeper
The steps to becoming a zookeeper are as follows:
1. Gain experience early on
You should gain experience before enrolling in college because becoming a zookeeper is a highly sought-after career. You can work as a volunteer or obtain an internship at a nearby zoo to gain practical experience with caring for various species of animals. Depending on where you live and where you intend to receive your education, the kind of animals you work with may change.
Before you apply for an internship or volunteer position, check with your local zoo as some programs may be tailored towards college students. Before receiving a paid internship, you might need to start with an unpaid internship for college credit. However, participating in university-level volunteer work and internships improves your chances of landing an entry-level job after graduation.
2. Complete a bachelors or an associate degree
Although most employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in life sciences, which must include coursework in zoology and biology, some may consider candidates with an associate’s degree and relevant work experience. You may be able to enroll in specific classes for the kinds of animals you want to work with through each program. The number of available courses depends on the program. Therefore, before enrolling in the program, be certain that you are aware of the educational path you want to take. The good news is that if your track matches your career path, you can prepare to change it.
3. Compile your resume and apply to entry-level positions
Concentrate on learning skills that will enable you to choose your area of specialization. You can emphasize your prior experiences in this manner and incorporate them into your resume. Make sure your resume is customized for the position you are applying for. You can interview with the hiring manager using this strategy. If you list your experience chronologically, especially if you did volunteer work in high school, it may be helpful to the hiring manager. Have a friend or a family member proofread your resume as well to ensure it is error-free before submitting it.
4. Attend interviews and receive a job offer
It is best to overprepare for an interview if you are selected for a position as a zookeeper so you can respond to the interviewer’s questions effectively. Check out a few interview success strategies that can improve your chances of getting an offer:
What does a zookeeper do?
A zookeeper provides various types of care for animals to improve their quality of life. Animals’ living quarters are regularly cleaned by zookeepers, who also provide daily food, training, basic medical care, and scientific research. For animals like reptiles, birds, mammals, or other species, some zookeepers may work with a specialized group.
Here are some qualities zookeepers should possess to succeed in their position:
Interpersonal skills
Problem-solving skills
Customer service skills
The public is educated about each animal housed in a zoo by zookeepers. Working with the public therefore necessitates having excellent customer service skills that result in positive visitor experiences.
Computer skills
Zookeepers help record and document animals they care for. Records can be logged concerning their behavior, medical information, etc. As a result, zookeepers must stay up to date with the latest computer technology in order to accurately record and maintain track of pertinent data. They might have to work with various software programs that the zoo can use as a centralized database.
Time management skills
These professionals must be aware of how much time they devote to each task. They should be able to prioritize tasks based on importance, concentrate on one task at a time, set realistic goals, and delegate work to others as needed. When they require assistance completing specific tasks within a deadline, they should also be able to rely on others.
Zookeeper FAQs
Here are some common questions about being a zookeeper:
Are there similar jobs to being a zookeeper?
Additionally, zookeepers can pursue other careers that showcase their skill set. Some of these occupations include:
What skills do I need to be a zookeeper?
Zookeepers need to have a multifaceted skillset to be successful. Some of these skills include:
How can I get experience working with animals?
Find out if the organizations listed below have any open volunteer or internship positions by contacting them. Any prior animal-related experience can help you succeed as a zookeeper.
You can also approach staff members who work at these facilities to arrange an informational interview so you can learn about their regular duties in a full-time position.
What are some of the daily responsibilities of a zookeeper?
Zookeepers spend a lot of time feeding and cleaning animals, but they also observe animal behavior and undergo training to help them behave more naturally. They collaborate daily with assistants and veterinarians to ensure that animals are healthy and receiving enough stimulation. For those who are interested in a specific animal group or species, many zookeepers also regularly host public educational programs.
FAQ
Is it difficult to become a zookeeper?
Being a zookeeper requires dedication to the animals you care for, the Zoo, and public education. It requires long hours and laborious work, and more often than not, it isn’t particularly glamorous.
Do zookeepers make a lot of money?
Salary Ranges for Zookeepers The average zookeeper salary in the US is $37,730, with salaries ranging from $10,240 to $209,552. While the top 6% of zookeepers earn $209,552, the middle 57% earn between $37,730 and $94,998.
How long does it take to become a zookeeper?
A higher education degree in zoo animal management or a field related to zoology, such as the Diploma in Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA), is required to work as a zoo keeper. Equivalent work experience is also required.
What qualification do you need to be a zoo keeper?
A higher education degree in zoo animal management or a field related to zoology, such as the Diploma in Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA), is required to work as a zoo keeper. Equivalent work experience is also required.
