Zoo Jobs
There are many different kinds of jobs at zoos, from animal curator to development officer to public affairs director. Read about who does what below. To find out the qualifications for a job, read position advertisements, which include requirements for education, the number of years of experience, and type of experience.
Veterinarian
Responsible for the health care 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.
Animal Curator
Manages some or all of an institution's animal collection.
For instance, there may be a curator of mammals, or a curator
of rainforest species.
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.
Keeper/Aquarist
Provides daily care to the institution's animals, including
diet preparation, cleaning, general exhibit maintenance, and
recordkeeping.
Registrar
Maintains computer records on the animal collection
and applies for permits and licenses to hold or transport
animals.
General Curator
Oversees an institution's entire animal collection
and animal management staff. Responsible for strategic collection
planning.
Zoo Director
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.
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.
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.
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.
Operations Director/Manager
Responsible for the daily operation of the institution's
physical plant and equipment.
