How to Work at a Zoo: Guide for Success

Published on: March 20, 2024

Working at the local zoo is a dream job for most animal lovers. Not only do you have the opportunity to work directly with animals and provide them with much-needed enrichment, but you also will have an opportunity to have a positive impact on animal behavior and conservation efforts taking place at the zoo.

If you would like to know how to get a job at a zoo, then you should learn more about what daily life is like at the zoo and what the typical career pathways looks like.

Get Your Captive Wildlife Care Certificate

Understanding the Basics of Working at a Zoo

Before you begin looking at the different job opportunities available at your local zoo, you will want to know more about what it takes to work at one of these special facilities. Zoos are more than entertaining attractions that delight the young and the young at heart; they are active conservation organizations that work to promote animal welfare and increase the populations of endangered species from around the world. 

An integral part of working at a zoo is having a solid understanding of how to take care of animals. This includes knowing the specifics of their diets, recognizing their unique behaviors and requirements for survival and ensuring they have environments that closely mimic their natural habitats.

Job Profiles and Responsibilities in a Zoo

When thinking about working at a zoo, the position of zookeeper usually springs to mind first, but there are many other job opportunities available. 

According to Indeed, these are some of the most common zoo jobs:

• Animal Caretaker – Animal caretakers are specialists who work directly with animals to provide them with the food, exercise and enrichment that they need.
• Zookeeper – Zookeepers are professionals who work with the animals at the zoo and prioritize their welfare. Zookeepers are usually responsible for designing a nutritional plan for each animal, creating an enrichment schedule, observing the animals in their habitat and working on animal behavior.
• Volunteer Coordinator – Volunteer coordinators play a central role at the zoo, ensuring that there are enough volunteers scheduled daily to keep operations running smoothly.
• Aquarist – An aquarist is a zoo professional who specializes in aquarium design and upkeep. They work to ensure that every habitat in the aquarium is suitable for the individual species, and they ensure that the well-being of all aquatic animals remains a top priority.
• Exhibit Designer – Exhibit designers take a thoughtful and scientific approach to exhibit design, often working to create an exhibit that accommodates the animals' needs and allows them to live in an environment that mimics their natural habitat.

Day-to-Day Life of a Zoo Worker

No two days are alike for zoo workers, who often love the fact that they can enjoy a dynamic work environment. While zoo workers may find themselves interacting with both people and animals daily, there are other factors to consider if you are wondering how to get a job at a zoo. For example, you will want to keep in mind that zoos are year-round organizations, and you may have to work in inclement weather. In addition, you may have to work long hours, including overnights, weekends and holidays.

Education and Qualifications for a Zoo Job

The education and qualifications for a zoo job will vary based on the individual position. Per the Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, most zoo jobs require applicants to have a strong background in math and science. Some jobs require applicants to have an undergraduate degree in zoology, animal science or another related field. Other positions may prefer hands-on training and special certifications, such as a Captive Wildlife Care Certificate. There are advanced positions at the zoo that require candidates to have significant professional experience and a graduate degree in zoology or wildlife management.

How to Get a Job at a Zoo

If you are looking to get a job at the zoo, these are a few of the steps that you will need to take before you begin applying for open positions:

Gain Relevant Experience

In addition to pursuing an undergraduate certificate or a degree program, you will want to gain relevant experience that allows you to develop the practical and technical skills needed to work at the zoo. Some of the ways that you can gain professional experience include:

• Volunteering at your local zoo or animal shelter.
• Applying for internship opportunities at the zoo.
• Taking an animal training class.

Network and Join Professional Associations

To expand your reach within the zoo industry, you will want to actively network in the zoo community and join professional organizations. Some of the most well-known professional associations in the zoology field include:

• Association of Zoos and Aquariums
• American Association of Zoo Keepers
• Zoological Association of America

Craft an Effective Resume

When you apply for one of the available zoo jobs, you will need to submit a resume. This is the first impression that the organization will have of you, so it's important to design a resume informative and eye-catching. Your zoo resume should include:

• Educational background, including all degrees and certificates earned.
• Professional experience, including any experience working directly with animals.
• List of technical skills, including zoo-specific skills related to technology, animal handling and more.

Ace the Interview

Most open zoo positions will require candidates to complete an interview. Whether you are doing an in-person or virtual interview, you will want to focus on your presentation and make a striking impression. To prepare for your interview, you should review all relevant experience that you want to share, practice some of the most common interview questions and be prepared to ask the interview committee a few questions about what it's like to work at the zoo.

How to Succeed in Working at a Zoo

To be successful in any zoo position, you will need to be a team player ready to collaborate with your coworkers to protect the welfare of all the animals at the zoo. By relying on your extensive educational background and professional experience, you will be able to make valuable contributions at your local zoo.

Challenges Faced by Zoo Workers

As indicated by Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, working at a zoo is not an easy gig. These are some of the top challenges faced by zoo workers:

• A highly competitive job market.
• Lower salaries when compared to educational background required.
• Regular work in difficult and sometimes dangerous environments.
• Physically challenging job responsibilities that may require heavy lifting or manual labor.

While there may be challenges to face in your new job at the zoo, you will likely find that the reward of working with animals outweighs those difficulties. In addition to the fulfillment that comes from working closely with animals, you'll also have the unique opportunity to contribute to vital conservation efforts and educate the public about the importance of preserving biodiversity. Each day brings new experiences and learning opportunities, making your role not just a job, but a meaningful journey in wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship.

Take the Next Step Towards Your Dream Career at Husson University

Have you ever wondered what degree do you need to work at a zoo? Well, the answer might surprise you. At Husson University, we offer a Captive Wildlife Care Certificate program that provides you with the information and skills needed to begin working at a zoo.

Request more information about our undergraduate certificate programs today.

Get Your Captive Wildlife Care Certificate