Unusual Animal Careers
A Series about Careers with Animals

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Unusual Animal Careers Part Twelve
Zoo Keeper & Specialist Caretaker Roles

Editor's Note: This is the continuation of an ongoing series related to animal careers. To reap the benefits of all the tips and requirements of this series it is suggested that you read them in order. You can do this easily by going back to the animal career index page.

Animal careers, animal schools, & animal courses are just a few topics you will find here. You can read about careers with animals, discover animal programs, and enroll in unique animal career seminars. This is part nine in an unusual animal career series. In this section you will learn about animal caretaker and keeper positions.

The first parts of this series briefly discussed types of careers and which ones might be appropriate for you, how to begin researching those career options, and how to find specific information in the area of your interest to help you further clarify your goals and contacts. Now the series is discussing both domestic and exotic animal work and how to begin to get practical experience and prepare for that career. The next few articles will take a closer look at different roles and what kind of training or education is necessary for them.

To simplify some of this information it has been grouped by similar categories. Unique training for some areas not listed will be included in another section. If you see any additions to jobs and want to provide me with a description and the related educational aspects please contact me.

Certainly all of the options will not be here, but those that are can help you find related areas of interest or spark another thought to something similar. Since the career field is changing so fast, many new positions will crop up every year.

Keeper Positions

These individuals are the people who have the most contact with the actual animals on a daily basis. They do the daily diet preparation and distribution to all the animals/birds in the collection. Much of the day is spent cleaning and maintaining exhibits, observing behavior, and maintaining the exhibits and records. Sometimes public interaction is required. Senior Keepers have extensive background and numerous years on the job and are the step just before management.

These positions are open to an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, wildlife biology and other related topics. Some roles have special needs such as the ability to operate heavy equipment or boats, have scuba certification, and a high level of physical fitness. Areas of specialty can be in birds, reptiles, terrestrial mammals, marine mammals, infant rearing, and a variety of other roles such as aquarium specialist. Check with the various institutions to see what they are looking for.

Animal Caretaker

The roles that fall under the animal caretaker name can be diverse and can include anything from taking care of rats and mice to chimpanzees in a laboratory, caring for animals in a sanctuary, or handling dogs and cats for a shelter, kennel, or training facility. Ranch or stable hands can fall into this category as well.

Usually a caretaker position is entry-level. This means hard work. Many people snub their noses at these types of positions but it is the people in these positions who often know the animals best and who are in tune with them because they work at feeding, cleaning and other such tasks.

Often these positions do not focus on degree requirements. At least a high school diploma is required. However it would be best for you to have at least an associates degree, veterinary technician license or something similar.

Aviculture or Ornithology

These are the areas of interest to the bird enthusiast. Aviculture is used mostly in the area of specifics concerning captive propagation and management, while Ornithology is more encompassing regarding the studies of birds.

Captive roles include the care, housing, and feeding of birds much like a keeper does. The diversity of this group is large and can range from arctic animals to tropical birds, softbills to hooked bills, raptors and ratites, too mention just a few! In many captive collections knowledge of incubation and hand feeding skills are necessary.

There are some programs that offer a specialty in this area. Certifications are available but many facilities will look for practical skills as well. Again, a Bachelor's degree in a related field of biological sciences or ornithology is encouraged, but higher degrees are desirable.

Herpetology

This is a career that concerns itself with reptiles. Believe it or not, some of the highest paying positions are found in this department! There are roles beyond that of animal keeping since some will breed endangered species, while others will maintain collections that milk and provide venom for the production of anti-venom and more. There are also reptile farms that breed and harvest animals for commercial reasons.

Not all positions will require a higher degree. Just think about those who break the molds and become television celebrities like Steve Irwin! However, most of the positions I see advertised want a Master's degree or a Ph.D.

Aquaculture

This is another growing industry. This is where marine animals are harvested for commercial use. If you eat seafood, many of those animals on the menu are being harvested through aquaculture rather than depleting ocean stocks.

Knowledge of filtration, water quality management, and icthology are useful skills to have. There are actually specialty schools dedicated to training people to work in this fairly new industry.

Unusual Animal Careers Part Thirteen: Non-Traditional Animal Jobs

About this animal career specialist: Since 1978 Diana L. Guerrero has worked professionally with both wild and domestic animals. Guerrero has been affiliated with, and certified by, a variety of animal programs in the USA and Europe. Based in California, she writes, consults, and speaks. Information on her animal career programs, training courses, and her books {What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality (SkyLight Paths, 2003), Blessing of the Animals (Sterling, 2007), Help! My Pet is Driving Me Crazy (Guerrero Ink, 2007), Animal Disaster Preparedness for Pet Owners & Pet Professionals (Guerrero Ink, 2007)} can be found in this web site and in the shop. Questions for Guerrero should be submitted via the blog comments or membership forum.