With nearly two hundred 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.
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.
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, or personnel management.
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 school students who wish
to volunteer in a zoo or aquarium setting. Duties are often similar to those of
other volunteers, but they are supervised much more closely.