Zoo jobs are fulfilling and exciting for those who love to work with animals. Zoo keeper jobs require plenty of training in both animal care and management skills. Those who want a zoo job working with wild and exotic species of animals need even more education.

No matter what kind of animal you want to work with, you can find training opportunities through college courses and internship opportunities. Most zoo employment services will look for those that have previous experience with animals, as well as a background in animal biology. Zoo jobs education and training can be found through:

1. College courses in biology and zoology.

2. Zookeeper training programs.

3. Zookeeping employment opportunities, including internships.

Action Steps
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Get a zoology degree to qualify for zoo job openings

To learn the skills necessary for a job in a zoo, take college courses in biology, zoology or wildlife. These courses cover the biological structures of different species, but also their behaviors and natural habitats. Zoology combines classroom and lab teaching with hands-on experience in different animal habitats.

I recommend: Michigan State University provides undergraduate and graduate studies in zoology, as well as the related field of environmental biology. Miami University offers a graduate zoology program that focuses on creating and implementing high-quality research projects.

Complete zookeeper training to qualify for zoo employment opportunities

Once you have a basic biology and zoology education, the next step is to continue your training in a zookeeping program. You can find these through zoos, animal sanctuaries and other zoo-related organizations. Courses can be completed within a few weeks and teach topics such as behavior, nutrition and safety for specific animals.

I recommend: ZooTec International offers courses for zookeepers-in-training. Course topics include observation skills, behavior management and staying safe on the job. The Cat Tales Zoological Training Center offers training for the care and husbandry of zoo animals. The American Association of Zookeepers offers additional information for those interested in learning more about zookeeper training.

Find an internship job at a zoo

Most zoo jobs require previous experience working with animals, both wild and domestic. Many people begin zookeeper training by volunteering at zoos when they're as young as 16. Those who have some previous hands-on experience can apply for an internship. Some are paid, others are not. Interns are taught skills in all areas of animal care, including enclosure maintenance, record keeping, diet preparation and educating the public.

I recommend: The Chicago Zoological Society offers internships throughout the year for those who meet the program requirements, including two years of college and a minimum GPA of 2.5. The Oakland Zoo offers an unpaid internship for those interested in zookeeping or veterinary medicine.

Many animal lovers turn to zoo employment as a way to work in a career that they love. Zoo jobs can be highly competitive, so make sure you can easily stand up against the competition.

It takes many people to help a zoo run smoothly. Of course, there are veterinarians and others with zookeeping employment that take direct care of the animals, but there are others with lower-profile jobs, such as cleaners.

If you want to compete for zoo job openings:

1. Earn a degree if you want a job at a zoo taking care of the animals. Even with an advanced degree, you may find it's hard to get work. Look for degrees in zoology, biology or veterinary medicine.

2. Ask for an informational interview to learn about zoo jobs. This can help you if you know that you want to work in a zoo, but you're not sure what type of job is the best fit for you.

3. Consider working in the educational department of the zoo. All zoos run educational programs to teach kids about the animals. This is a great way to get a zoo job.

Action Steps
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Start with an internship to see if zoo employment is right for you

Working at a zoo might sound fun, but there's only one way to find out if this type of work is really for you. An internship will help you to learn about zoo work and help you decide whether you want to do it before you spend years in school getting a degree. Furthermore, it will mean that you have experience, which is always attractive to employers.

I recommend: Most zoos around the country offer internship programs for college students, such as the one that the Denver Zoo offers. You can easily check your local zoo to see if they have internships. Alternatively, apply for an internship with the Smithsonian National Zoological Park.

Look for current job openings at zoos and aquariums

There are many zoos and aquariums around the country, so you simply have to learn where the job openings are. Your chances are higher if you don't mind moving to a city that has a zoo employment opportunity that is a good fit for you.

I recommend: Search for a job at the famous San Diego Zoo, which offers a variety of zoo jobs at different levels. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums lists jobs throughout the country.

Find zoo employment services to help in your job search

If you're having a hard time finding a position, contact a recruiter to help you find the right opportunity.

I recommend: Sanford Rose Associates and Clark Executive Search are both recruiters that focus on a variety of scientific industries, including life sciences.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Zoo keeper jobs are often limited in any one area. Before you decide to settle in a particular city, make sure that you like the job. There probably isn't a chance to change companies.

When searching for information on how to find, apply for and learn about zoo jobs, you may run across some terms or positions that you don’t know a whole lot about. Positions such as aquarists, curators, zoo keepers, behaviorists and directors of conservation have very specific duties and educational requirements. You’ll also need to be familiar with degree programs, such as Zoology, that are required for many zoo positions. When you’re browsing postings for available zoo jobs, keep some important key terms in mind.

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Aquarist

An aquarist is responsible for the care and maintenance of aquatic animals at zoos and aquariums.

I recommend: Get specifics on the duties and tasks of an aquarist at OceanCareers.com.

Curator

Curators manage all or part of a facility's animal collection, exhibits, programs and/or staff. Positions can be more specific. For example, a general curator is responsible for the entire animal collection and the animal management staff, and a reptile curator oversees the reptile collection. A curator of exhibits creates and manages the zoo's exhibits.

I recommend: Smithsonian National Zoological Park gives a brief rundown of some different curator positions at a zoo. Get detailed information on curator careers from Ark Animals.

Zoology

Most facilities require employees have at least a four-year degree in zoology or a related field such as biology. Zoology consists of studying animal biology and learning research and lab skills, as well as getting hands-on training working with animals and their environments.

I recommend: ULinks.com offers a comprehensive guide on zoology degrees. NC State University provides an overview of a zoology programs, possible careers and average salary information.

Animal behaviorist

Some zoos and conservation groups employ animal behaviorists in curator or research positions. To become an animal behaviorist, a Master's degree in Ethology or comparative psychology is useful. Animal behaviorists study animals to learn the foundations and progression of their actions.

I recommend: The Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior provides extensive information on the training and career possibilities for animal behaviorists.

Zoo keeper

Zoo keepers are responsible for the daily care of animals, including feeding, cleaning and record-keeping.

I recommend: Get tons of information on zoo keeper careers at the American Association of Zoo Keepers.

Director of Conservation

While this position can be called a curator, the specific job of the Director of Conservation is to manage the zoo's conservation activities, programs and staff, including dealing with budget constraints.

I recommend: Read the struggles and concerns of one Director of Conservation at Gazette.net. Find excerpts from a past interview with a Director of Conservation from Woodland Park Zoo.