Nashville Zoo Education Department
Wild Life Careers Program Post-Visit Activity Apply for a job!
1. Students will read and discuss the pages on “Improving your chances of getting a keeper job” and choose one area in which they are interested. 2. Students will choose one of the job postings and draft a cover letter and resume of someone who is qualified for the job.
So you want to be a Zoo Keeper? Courtesy of St. Louis Zoo (http://www.stlzoo.org/animals/soyouwanttobeazookeeper/)
If you are in elementary school… Knowing about animals, conservation and the natural world is a big part of a zoo career, and it's never too early to start learning!
Have an adult take you on nature hikes, as well as on trips to zoos, aquaria, parks, and natural history museums. Read books and magazines, visit websites on natural history, wildlife and related topics. Watch nature shows on TV. See if your parents will allow you to keep a pet. Taking care of dogs, cats, hamsters, tropical fish and other small pets will teach you a lot about responsible animal care. Join science clubs, participate in scouting activities, and volunteer to help with fieldwork projects that take place in your community. Observe wildlife when you're outdoors, and bring along a field guide on birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects or plants to help you better appreciate what you're seeing. Keep a nature journal. Take a class on animals or nature at your local zoo, animal sanctuary, or park. Work hard in school, not just in classes on science and nature but in all subjects. Chances are you still don't know for sure what you want to do when you grow up. So learn as much as you can in all of your classes. After all, there are a lot of different kinds of jobs in zoos -- from exhibit developer to accountant to computer programmer -- and only about one in 10 involve working with animals. Keep your options open!
Whether or not you finally decide to become a zookeeper, zoologist, or naturalist, we hope you attain a life-long interest in animals and in the natural world.
Updated: September 2014 1
3777 nolensville road nashville, tn 37211 (615) 833-1534 fax: (615) 333-0728 www.nashvillezoo.org
Nashville Zoo Education Department
If you are in middle or high school…
Begin preparing for a zoo career by reading about animals, observing them, and associating with "animal" people. (And be sure to check out the suggestions we've listed above for elementary school students -- they could apply to you too.) Tell your middle school or high school guidance counselors if you're interested in pursuing an animal-related career. They'll help you choose the right classes to help prepare you for further education in college. If you're old enough to get a part-time job, consider working or volunteering at a pet shop, veterinary hospital, animal shelter, livestock farm, horse stable, pet breeder or even a zoo, if possible. This kind of work can help you gain valuable experience that could be helpful in a zoo career. When you're considering which colleges or universities to attend, find those that specialize in programs of particular value to professional zoo work. These include general biology, zoology, (including specialty subjects like mammalogy, herpetology, etc.), wildlife and forestry, animal husbandry, ecology, veterinary medicine and ethology (animal behavior).
If you are in college…
Take courses in fields that will prepare you to be a zookeeper, such as zoology, general biology, forestry, animal husbandry, ecology, veterinary medicine, environmental studies, etc. Get a bachelor's degree in one of the above-mentioned science fields; even if it's not a prerequisite for a zookeeping position, it will help you in your job search. A master's degree is usually not necessary, unless you're looking for a higher-level position. Get a part-time job in an animal-related facility, including vet hospitals, humane society shelters, wildlife rehabilitation centers, farms and stables, even a zoo, if possible. In addition to good academic preparation, most zoos prefer to hire people for zookeeping positions who have prior animal-handling experience. Check at your local zoo or aquarium for internship and externship positions. These are normally offered to college and university students, recent graduates, and individuals with prior college coursework in the area of biology, zoology, education, animal science or related fields. Internships and externships are a good way to learn about the zoo field while obtaining valuable, hands-on work experience in animal care, wildlife conservation or environmental education. Updated: September 2014 2
3777 nolensville road nashville, tn 37211 (615) 833-1534 fax: (615) 333-0728 www.nashvillezoo.org
Nashville Zoo Education Department
If you are ready to look for a job…
Contact your local zoo or aquarium's Human Resources department for job openings that may interest you. A good zoo demands a team of professionals with different backgrounds, so the vast majority of people who work at zoos have jobs that don't involve any work with animals. But if you're intent on an animal-related career at a zoo or aquarium, keep in mind that keepers and animal curators are in limited demand. Also remembers that many zoos are locally supported by local taxes and must recruit new talent from within the community. We suggest you contact your nearest zoo for its hiring policies.
A Keeper’s Day Courtesy of AAZK (http://www.aazk.org/wp- content/uploads/keeper_information.pdf)
Animal Husbandry o Exhibit maintenance . Scrubbing, cleaning, fixing anything that’s broken o Diet prep . Weighing out food items, adding vitamins o Animal observations . Ensuring the animals are well cared for . Introducing species . Research observations, etc o Training/Enrichment . Keeping schedules of enrichment . Keeping training schedules . Training new behaviors . Having patience and flexibility when providing these opportunities o Administering health care under the supervision of a veterinarian Writing protocols and proposals Networking with zoos and aquariums around the world Understand that safety is #1 Becoming involved in research projects…maybe even pioneering one Public speaking o Keeper chats Updated: September 2014 3
3777 nolensville road nashville, tn 37211 (615) 833-1534 fax: (615) 333-0728 www.nashvillezoo.org
Nashville Zoo Education Department
o Behind-the-scene tours o Presentations to a wide variety of audiences Realize that if an animal is sick, you are technically on call 24/7
How to Write a Winning Résumé
1. As you begin to create your résumé, you need to invest time researching the subject. Visit a local library or bookstore and review professionally written résumés that focus on your job title, area or industry. Concentrate on content, format and style.
2. Job advertisements and official position descriptions are a treasure chest for résumé writers. Not only do they include required skills and experience, they also contain industry buzzwords or keywords.
3. Including a profile or qualifications summary in the beginning of your résumé is an opportunity to form a positive image in the employer's mind. Take time to develop and write your profile.
4. Limit the résumé's length to one or two pages.
5. Try to present work experience in reverse chronological order.
6. Focus on achievements, not tasks.
Updated: September 2014 4
3777 nolensville road nashville, tn 37211 (615) 833-1534 fax: (615) 333-0728 www.nashvillezoo.org
Nashville Zoo Education Department
[Sample Resume] AMY SMITH 123 Main Street • Atlanta, Georgia • 30339 Home: (555) 555-1234 Cell: (555) 555-1235 Email: asmith@sample~resume.com
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Objective: Seek the Position of Zookeeper
SUMMARY: Exceptionally talented Zookeeper with over six years experience participating in and assisting in the supervision of work involving the care of animals and the maintenance of facilities at the Zoo. Summary of Qualifications Thorough knowledge of the habits, characteristics and natural and captive environment of zoo animals. In-depth knowledge of the construction, maintenance, and appropriate cleaning methods of zoo exhibits and facilities. Immense ability to supervise the work of subordinates. Exceptional ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Great ability to write and speak effectively on a variety of subjects relating to animals and zoo management. Solid ability to deal courteously with zoo visitors and to enforce zoo regulations tactfully. Uncommon ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public.
Professional Experience
Greenwood Park Zoo, Minneapolis Zookeeper II 2002 - Present Formulate diets and determine feeding schedules based on veterinarian recommendations. Supervise and participate in the cleaning and disinfecting of cages, dens, houses, food trays, and water pans; drain and clean swimming tanks; collect and properly dispose of refuse. Observe animals for signs of illness and injury; assist veterinarian in health care of animals, including treatment, vaccination, surgery, x-rays and other laboratory tests and procedures. Perform animal immobilization, crating, shipping, receiving, isolation, and quarantine activities. Supervise and participate in the maintenance, repair, and grounds keeping of an assigned area. Check cages and locks to assure that animals are securely and safely held. Prepare orders for animal feed, equipment, supplies, materials and veterinary medications; keep animal care and maintenance records and inventories for assigned area. Updated: September 2014 5
3777 nolensville road nashville, tn 37211 (615) 833-1534 fax: (615) 333-0728 www.nashvillezoo.org
Nashville Zoo Education Department
Recommend improvements to animal care and management and exhibition of animals at the zoo. Conduct talks and lectures for school and other groups; answer questions from the public relating to animals, their habits and habitats. Perform related work as required.
Greenwood Park Zoo, Minneapolis Zookeeper I 2000 – 2002 Performed general day-to-day care and feeding of the animals. Cleaned exhibits and holding areas, observed the Collection for signs of illness, indifference or injury. Reported as required. Maintained tools and equipment in good repair and working order. Assisted with the care and treatment of sick and injured animals. Answered questions from visitors and helped with group tours. Assisted in the general tidiness of the Zoo with particular attention to litter that might be harmful to animals.
Education
Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology University of New York (2000)
Updated: September 2014 6
3777 nolensville road nashville, tn 37211 (615) 833-1534 fax: (615) 333-0728 www.nashvillezoo.org
Nashville Zoo Education Department
[Sample Cover Letter]
Willard Good 10 Drury Drive Citywide, USA 87695
July 10, 2006
Mr. Ronald Sedgwick Personnel Manager Citywide Zoological Park 18 Hawthorn Drive Citywide, USA 87659
Dear Mr. Sedgwick:
I saw your ad on JobBankUSA.com for a zookeeper with experience and the ability to work flexible hours. I believe I'm the one for this position. I worked as a keeper part-time at the Brookfield Zoo in Illinois for ten years. Today I live in Citywide so I hope to take up the same position at your zoo. My specialty is elephants, though I have also worked with rhinos and other large mammals. Excellent zookeepers keep a zoo running smoothly so I am aware of the importance of this job.
I appreciate your reading my cover letter and resume but would like to talk further by coming to your office for an in-person meeting. Are you free afternoons between 2:00 and 5:00? That would work perfectly for me.
Please select the day and time that best suits you and confirm by calling 222-222-2222. I look forward to meeting you and hopefully joining your staff at Citywide Zoo.
Sincerely,
Willard Good
Enclosed: resume and cover letter
Updated: September 2014 7
3777 nolensville road nashville, tn 37211 (615) 833-1534 fax: (615) 333-0728 www.nashvillezoo.org
Nashville Zoo Education Department
Examples of Actual Job Postings:
1. Zoo Keeper (s), The Frank Buck Zoo, Gainesville, TX Our Zoo has undergone an exciting transformation. We are scheduled to re-open to the public the end of March. We have recently expanded not only the size of our staff, but also the size of the animal collection and the zoo itself. Currently there are (2) Zoo Keeper positions available. A. Requirements: Must have a positive can-do attitude with the ability to work both independently, and as a team player, be able to lift 50lbs., and have a sense of humor. We are a small zoo experiencing rapid growth, so flexibility is a must. Must demonstrate the ability to both listen and follow directions. Applicant must have good observational and communication skills. Applicant must be able to work one weekend day and most holidays.
B. Responsibilities include: Daily diet prep, exhibit maintenance, dispensing of behavioral enrichment items, and training of animal collection in assigned area. Prefer animal-related education/degrees or paid related work experience. Starting pay is $10.00 per hr. plus benefits.
2. Avian Care Specialist Fossil Rim Wildlife Center has an opening for one Avian Care Specialist position in the Animal Care Department working with the Attwater's Prairie Chicken Recovery Program. A. Responsibilities: The successful candidate will be responsible for providing care as follows: daily observations within the avian collection, monitoring health, accurate record keeping, cleaning, area maintenance, and visitor interaction. The person in this position will also be trained in animal areas outside of their primary care area.
B. Requirements: Qualifications must include experience with galliforms preferably or related avian experience, record keeping using Excel and Microsoft Word, some general maintenance, public speaking and must possess a valid driver's license. This position can be physically demanding requiring heavy lifting (up to 50 pounds), and working in adverse weather conditions. The candidate must be a team player as well as being able to work alone. A degree in wildlife management, biology, zoology, or related field, and/or a minimum of two (2) years of practical experience is required. Work schedule will be five days a week including weekends and holidays as needed. The position is full-time $23,660.00 tax exempt.
3. Animal Care Specialist – Rhinos/Hoof stock Fossil Rim Wildlife Center has an opening for an Animal Care Specialist-Rhinos/Hoof stock position. Updated: September 2014 8
3777 nolensville road nashville, tn 37211 (615) 833-1534 fax: (615) 333-0728 www.nashvillezoo.org
Nashville Zoo Education Department
A. Responsibilities: The position will work with 9 white rhinos and 5 black rhinos and be responsible for the care of other species of hoofed mammals on large acreage tracts (50-400 acres). The successful candidate will be responsible for providing animal care, monitoring animal health, accurate record keeping, reporting, cleaning, animal area maintenance, and visitor interaction.
B. Requirements: Qualifications must include experience with rhinos/hoof stock management (semi-free ranging preferable), animal restraint, record keeping, some maintenance, public speaking, and must possess a valid driver's license. This position can be physically demanding requiring heavy lifting (up to 75 pounds), and adverse weather conditions are common. The candidate must be a team player as well as be able to work alone. A degree in wildlife management, biology, zoology, or related field, and at least two (2) years of practical experience is required. Work schedule will be five days a week including weekends and holidays as needed. The position is full-time $23,660.00 exempt.
4. Lead Animal Keeper /Reptiles, Amphibians and Invertebrates A. Responsibilities: The Lead Keeper will spend the majority of his/her time in supervisory and administrative tasks. He/she will use leadership skills in interactions with others. He/she will be responsible for supervising the Reptile, Amphibian and Invertebrate section in the new Children's Zoo as well as the rest of the Children's Zoo (bats, lemurs, otters and domestic animals). He/she may also supervise additional strings elsewhere in the zoo. Staff within those areas will report directly to the Lead Keeper. He/she will perform job performance evaluations with staff in his/her work section. He/she will be available to assist in procedures and projects, answer questions, facilitate maintenance or grounds work, etc. The Lead Keeper will cover these areas as a floater as necessary. The Lead Keeper is also responsible for various administrative and future planning tasks as assigned by the curator. He/she should be capable of taking charge of the Department and addressing all potential problems and emergencies.
B. Requirements: Minimum of five (5) years experience in the care of captive amphibians, reptiles and/or invertebrates in a zoological setting; Good physical condition; able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. (i.e. feed sack) and move a minimum of 120 lbs. (i.e. hay bale); Valid driver's license and clean driving record; Willingness to work outside normal business hours, including weekends and holidays; Good written and verbal communication skills; Knowledge of the habits and hazards of working with zoo animals; willingness to work with some physical risk while observing proper safety precautions; Good organizational skills; able to manage multi-tasks/projects; Substantial experience and thorough knowledge of capture and restraint techniques; Thorough understanding of behavioral training theory and practical application; and Thorough understanding of safety procedures used with captive wildlife. Experience and Qualities Preferred: Updated: September 2014 9
3777 nolensville road nashville, tn 37211 (615) 833-1534 fax: (615) 333-0728 www.nashvillezoo.org
Nashville Zoo Education Department
Bachelors degree in zoology, biology or a related field. Salary and Benefits: $35,360. Benefits: Medical, dental, life insurance and 401K retirement benefits. Two weeks vacation. Full-time, regular position.
5. Keepers and Interns - Paws Exotic Animal Sanctuary, Galt, CA With three (3) Sanctuaries located just south of Sacramento, CA. No heavy rush hour traffic & a reasonable cost of living in Northern CA. All positions open until filled. Send your résumé and at least three (3) verifiable work references. A. Requirements: If you are reliable, dedicated self- motivated, have experience with wild, exotic or large domestics, and then we want to hear from you. We offer competitive wages & quality of life.
6. Zookeeper/Guides - Osco Gardens Zoo, Maggie Valley, NC Please include cover letter stating dates available to work and letters of recommendation from immediate supervisors, preferably zoo-related, if available. Good opportunity to gain paid zoo experience. Positions are seasonal available March - October and May - October. A. Responsibilities: Duties include but not limited to giving lectures to the public on various mammals and reptiles, participating in the daily feeding, care, and enrichment of mammals and reptiles, and various maintenance.
B. Requirements: Must be willing and able to do physical labor, required good oral communication skills, neat appearance, and must work well with co-workers. Must have experience in handling non-venomous reptiles or a willingness to learn. Non-smokers. Must work six days per week and holidays. Salary: $240.00 per week. Lodging, utilities and uniforms furnished. No personal pets.
7. Curator of Rainforest Exhibits – National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD The National Aquarium in Baltimore is searching for an experienced Curator to manage the living bird, reptile, amphibian, invertebrate, tropical plant, and mammal collection, and life support systems in our neotropical Rainforest exhibit and associated exhibits. Closing Date: Until Filled. A. Responsibilities: Directs and participates in the daily operations of the maintenance of the living collections of neotropical birds, mammals, reptiles (includes venomous species), amphibians (focus on dart frogs), invertebrates, and tropical plants. Oversees the Rain Forest, Hidden Life, Sea Cliffs (Atlantic alcids), and Amazon River Forest exhibits. Plans, directs, implements and monitors propagation programs for neotropical birds, amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates, and mammals. Attends development and planning meetings including staff meetings and problem-solving meetings. Identifies animal health problems and coordinates care and treatment with the medical staff. Writes reports and memos and serves as liaison to other departments on husbandry matters. Plans and implements long and short term goals for the section. Oversees all record keeping for the section. Plans and implements new exhibits and exhibit changes. Determines needs and implements acquisitions or dispositions of living Updated: September 2014 10
3777 nolensville road nashville, tn 37211 (615) 833-1534 fax: (615) 333-0728 www.nashvillezoo.org
Nashville Zoo Education Department
collections associated with the section, including safe capture and transport of specimens. Plans, manages and coordinates collecting trips including permit procurement. Plans and administers the Rain Forest section budget including food, supply, and equipment procurement. Participates in planning and implementation of capital projects within the section. Coordinates purchases of food, supplies, equipment and maintains inventory. Supervises Rainforest exhibit staff including recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance management. Maintains knowledge of industry innovations and new techniques through publications, presentations, and regular communication with colleagues. Oversees conservation programs and research projects for the section. Provides expertise to other departments including Education, PR, Exhibits & Design, Communications and others.
B. Requirements: Bachelor's degree in biology, animal husbandry or a related science, or equivalent work experience required. Five (5) years experience in aquarium or zoological field required, including three (3) years of experience in a supervisory capacity. Experience with mixed species, walk-through exhibits preferred. Note: Salary will commensurate with experience. Only candidates who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. will be considered for this position. Visa sponsorship will not be available.
8. Senior Herpetologist – National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD The National Aquarium in Baltimore is seeking a Senior Herpetologist to provide care and implement propagation programs for neotropical reptiles, amphibians and invertebrate collections and the maintenance of the Rain Forest, Amazon River Forest, and Hidden Life and associated exhibits and off-exhibit holding areas. A. Responsibilities: Provides daily care and implements propagation programs of neotropical reptiles, amphibians (with a focus on dendrobatids) and invertebrates in exhibits and back-up holding areas. Prepares diets, feeds and provides water to reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates in the exhibits and back-up holding areas and orders supplies. Monitors health of reptile, amphibian and invertebrate collection and works with the medical department to develop and implement treatment programs. Monitors and implements breeding programs for the reptile, amphibian, and invertebrate collections. Maintains live feed colonies as assigned. Observes animal behavior such as inter and intra species aggression, interference with reproduction, feeding, etc., habitat use, etc., and gathers data in order to base management decisions. Researches reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates’ captive and natural history to determine correct environment and diet for maintenance, breeding and/or exhibition. Maintains the Rain Forest, Amazon River Forest, and Hidden Life Exhibits and back-up holding areas. Cleans exhibits; drains Rain Forest pools, hose out, cleans filter baskets, backwash, swirl and refill, as needed. Services Hidden Life Exhibits daily. Services Amazon River Forest daily. Assists with enclosure and exhibits improvements, by designing, contacting vendors and implementing habitat enhancements. Monitors and records temperature, water Updated: September 2014 11
3777 nolensville road nashville, tn 37211 (615) 833-1534 fax: (615) 333-0728 www.nashvillezoo.org
Nashville Zoo Education Department
chemistry data, etc. Monitors, operates and maintains life support equipment. Gives presentations, back-up tours to members and colleagues, etc. Participates in field collection/research. Implements improvements in exhibits and/or procedures. Conducts research and publishes or presents results.
B. Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in herpetology, biology or related field, or equivalent experience and minimum three (3) years previous work experience in a professional animal facility required. Experience with reptiles, amphibians and invertebrate keeping, breeding capture, handling techniques and transports. Experience with venomous species is desired.
Updated: September 2014 12
3777 nolensville road nashville, tn 37211 (615) 833-1534 fax: (615) 333-0728 www.nashvillezoo.org