Post by Orcaluvur on Mar 21, 2008 17:33:20 GMT -5
1. Can you turn your love of animals into a career? The good news is that there are many types of jobs that involve working with animals, most of them within zoological parks. Although only some of them involve direct contact with animals, all zoological careers play an important role, whether directly or indirectly, in caring for the animals. Although job descriptions, responsibilites, and criteria may vary within the zoological community, this booklet specifically aims to provide you with a behind-the-scenes look at the responsibilities and training necessary for certain jobs at the Sea World parks and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, all of which are members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The section Exploring Career Opportunities profiles these positions and provides decriptions of specific job responsibilities and challenges. Be sure to read through them all; you may find that the job you thought you wanted no longer interests you, or you may discover a new, exciting possibility.
The competition for any job in a zoological park is keen. Because zoos and aquariums are becoming increasingly important community resources for environmental education and species conservation, jobs in these institutions are in high demand. But hard work will be the key. It's assumed that a person applying for a job in a zoological park loves animals, but it's more important to a prospective employer that the person is hard-working, responsible, and well educated. For instance, with more demanding technical and scientific jobs, solid research skills might be considered with more weight than how much an applicant cares for or loves working with the animals. Therefore, getting the right schooling is one of the most important things you can do to chart a path to a career working with animals. The suggestions in Finding a School will help you as you search for an educational institution that offers the right program for your chosen career. Another step along the way to a zoological park career is getting your foot in the door. The section titled Tips for Starting your Career will give you some ideas on how to get started.
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CATCH 22?
1. To get a job working with animals, you need experience with animals. This bit of truth seems to create a frustrating circle. You need experience to get a job, but you can't get experience unless you have a job, right? Well, yes and no.
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VOLUNTEER
1. To begin a career caring for animals, you should be prepared to start with a volunteer or entry-level position. Call your nearest zoo or aquatic park and ask for details on becoming a volunteer (also called a docent or intern). Humane societies, animal rehabilitation clinics, and some veterinary clinics also welcome volunteers. Although your duties with a humane society or veterinary clinic will most likely involve working indirectly with animals (cleaning cages and preparing food), volunteer duties at a zoo or aquatic park range from filing or answering phones to being trained to make educational presentations or feed newly hatched birds.
Volunteering your time shows that you're serious about your commitment to animals. Develop a reputation for being an eager, cooperative, hard-working person, and your volunteer effort may help you get a job in the future. Supervisors are often asked to give character references for volunteers who've worked for them.
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SETTING YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
1. A strong background in zoology is necessary for most of the jobs that involve working closely with animals. Ask your school counselor to help you work out a course list that will prepare you to earn a degree in zoology, biology, chemistry, botany, or psychology. Take your classes seriously; zoological parks are more interested in hiring a hard-working, knowledgeable person than someone who "loves animals."
Don't wait until you have a degree before you apply for a job at a zoological park. Some of the curators, supervisors, aquarists, and others got their start by working at snack stands and gift shops before moving into their present careers. An entry-level position will help you establish a name for yourself as a dedicated employee, and introduces you to how hiring is handled within that zoological institution.
Lastly, many of the professional organizations listed in the Appendix have special membership rates for nonprofessionals and students. You'll be able to learn more about animals and zoological careers through their newsletters. Also, by attending local workshops and even national conferences, you might make some good contacts and get more information on how to chart your path for your zoological park career.
The competition for any job in a zoological park is keen. Because zoos and aquariums are becoming increasingly important community resources for environmental education and species conservation, jobs in these institutions are in high demand. But hard work will be the key. It's assumed that a person applying for a job in a zoological park loves animals, but it's more important to a prospective employer that the person is hard-working, responsible, and well educated. For instance, with more demanding technical and scientific jobs, solid research skills might be considered with more weight than how much an applicant cares for or loves working with the animals. Therefore, getting the right schooling is one of the most important things you can do to chart a path to a career working with animals. The suggestions in Finding a School will help you as you search for an educational institution that offers the right program for your chosen career. Another step along the way to a zoological park career is getting your foot in the door. The section titled Tips for Starting your Career will give you some ideas on how to get started.
__________________________________________________
CATCH 22?
1. To get a job working with animals, you need experience with animals. This bit of truth seems to create a frustrating circle. You need experience to get a job, but you can't get experience unless you have a job, right? Well, yes and no.
RETURN TO TOP
VOLUNTEER
1. To begin a career caring for animals, you should be prepared to start with a volunteer or entry-level position. Call your nearest zoo or aquatic park and ask for details on becoming a volunteer (also called a docent or intern). Humane societies, animal rehabilitation clinics, and some veterinary clinics also welcome volunteers. Although your duties with a humane society or veterinary clinic will most likely involve working indirectly with animals (cleaning cages and preparing food), volunteer duties at a zoo or aquatic park range from filing or answering phones to being trained to make educational presentations or feed newly hatched birds.
Volunteering your time shows that you're serious about your commitment to animals. Develop a reputation for being an eager, cooperative, hard-working person, and your volunteer effort may help you get a job in the future. Supervisors are often asked to give character references for volunteers who've worked for them.
RETURN TO TOP
SETTING YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
1. A strong background in zoology is necessary for most of the jobs that involve working closely with animals. Ask your school counselor to help you work out a course list that will prepare you to earn a degree in zoology, biology, chemistry, botany, or psychology. Take your classes seriously; zoological parks are more interested in hiring a hard-working, knowledgeable person than someone who "loves animals."
Don't wait until you have a degree before you apply for a job at a zoological park. Some of the curators, supervisors, aquarists, and others got their start by working at snack stands and gift shops before moving into their present careers. An entry-level position will help you establish a name for yourself as a dedicated employee, and introduces you to how hiring is handled within that zoological institution.
Lastly, many of the professional organizations listed in the Appendix have special membership rates for nonprofessionals and students. You'll be able to learn more about animals and zoological careers through their newsletters. Also, by attending local workshops and even national conferences, you might make some good contacts and get more information on how to chart your path for your zoological park career.
