What type of degree would I need to obtain to work as an animal caretaker/zoo keeper at the Washington, DC zoo?

Question

I was also wondering about what type of government clearance would I need, and what would the process be?

Answer 1

I don't think you need government clearance, but you could always contact them and ask.



http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Education/WildlifeCareers/

Working in a Zoo



The qualifications for employment in a zoo depend on the job. If you are interested in a profession working in close contact with animals on a daily basis, such as wildlife biologist or veterinarian, an advanced degree in zoology or veterinary medicine is required. Jobs requiring less schooling but include frequent, direct contact with animals include veterinary technician, zoo keeper, or wildlife technician. For all positions, a commitment to the welfare of animals and conservation of species is critical. Learn about staff at the National Zoo.



Since most of these jobs are popular, there are often more applicants than positions. You should expect strong competition and salaries considered low relative to the level of education necessary to perform them. And these jobs aren't easy. Caring for animals can require around-the-clock attention in some settings. Wildlife biology can involve working outdoors in sometimes difficult field environments.



http://nationalzoo.si.edu/AboutUs/Staff/Interviews/PerryLaurie.cfm

What was your career path that led you to the job you do today?

I have always known that I wanted to work with animals. As a child, I wanted to become a marine biologist and work with whales/dolphins. In college, I became interested in primates (especially apes). I have a degree in Biological Sciences (with a zoology concentration) from the University of Maryland. While going to school, I volunteered at the zoo as a keeper aide in the ape house. When I graduated, I was hired as a keeper.



http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Audiences/JobSeekers/





Get experience with animals. There's a list below of some ideas. Before and/or during college see if you can volunteer at a zoo. A lot of zoos offer summer camps, volunteer opportunities, and internships. There are also a couple colleges that have a teaching zoo, so you can get experience as well as an education.



Though you may not need a degree, depending on the zoo you apply to, you should at least get an associate's (2 yrs). Though a bachelor's (4 yrs) or higher would be better.



After you get your degree it still might be hard to get a job right away. You might need to do an internship and/or work some other job (at the zoo or somewhere else) till a position opens up.



Some Degrees:

Zoo/Zookeeping/Animal Technology

Animal/Zoo/Wildlife Management and/or Training

Animal/Zoo/Aquarium Science

Zoology

Zoo Education

Animal/Zoo/Wildlife Care and/or Husbandry

Zoo/Exotic/Wildlife Conservation

Ethology or Animal Behavior



Here's some more links. I hope this helps. GOOD LUCK.

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/jobs/keeper_faq.html

How do I become an animal keeper?

There is no single way to become a keeper, but the more education and hands-on experience you have, the better.

Education– While you’re in school, learn as much as you can in your science classes. In college, choose a degree program in animal-related fields like biology, zoology, botany, ecology, conservation science, or animal behavior. Take as many different courses in those areas as you can, and graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in your chosen field. (Here’s a BIG hint: the competition for jobs caring for animals is so strong that you really HAVE to have a college degree these days to be considered.)



Hands-on Experience– Find opportunities to work with animals. Some potential keepers have volunteered at our department of Conservation and Research for Endangered Species (CRES), assisting CRES scientists and technicians. Sometimes work-study opportunities are available for college students.



What are some other ways to gain animal experience?

Some places to look for volunteer jobs or internships might be:

• Veterinary offices

• Animal training classes (does your dog need obedience training?)

• Local Humane Society

• Local Park Service

• Wildlife rehabilitation centers (like for wolves, bears, big cats, birds of prey, and even bats)

• Animal shelters

• Farms (for domestic animals, or even ostrich, llama, or butterfly farms)

• Pet breeders (those that breed specific kinds of dogs, cats, or horses)

• Horse stables and boarding facilities

• 4-H Clubs



http://www.seaworld.org/career-resources/info-books/zoo-careers/starting-zoological-career.htm



http://www.aza.org/ForEveryone/Careers/

Requirements

The conservation and scientific programs in zoos and aquariums have become highly technical and specialized. Although practical experience with animals may sometimes be substituted for academic training, most entry-level keeper positions now require a four-year college degree. Training in animal science, zoology, marine biology, conservation biology, wildlife management, and animal behavior is preferred. Curatorial, research, and conservation positions typically require advanced academic degrees.



Students wishing to pursue animal-related careers are encouraged to carefully review the curriculum of the schools they wish to attend, as some programs focus more on a zoological application than others. Students who are interested in the business side of zoo and aquarium operations should concentrate on skills related to a particular area of expertise, such as accounting, public relations, marketing, personnel management, etc. Whatever your career goal, guidance counselors can offer assistance in determining the most appropriate course of study.



http://www.wonderferret.com/zooed/keeper-jobs.html

Improving Your Chances of Getting a Keeper Job

Courtesy of A.A.Z.K.



Although most zoos will be looking for experienced and academically able staff you can improve your chances by amassing various other skills. If you already have keeping experience then so much the better, however the following will be a big help.



(a) Learn to drive a....



http://aazk.org/zoo_career.php

http://www.stlzoo.org/animals/soyouwanttobeazookeeper/

http://www.nczoo.org/becomingakeeper/

http://www.princetonreview.com/Careers.aspx?cid=166&uidbadge=%07

http://www.schoolsintheusa.com/careerprofiles_details.cfm?carId=1456



School:

http://www.wonderferret.com/zooed/

http://www.seaworld.org/career-resources/info-books/zoo-careers/school-&-university-programs.htm

http://www.moorparkcollege.edu/current_students/teaching_zoo/other_programs.shtml

http://inst.sfcc.edu/~zoo/PROGINFO.HTM

http://www.moorparkcollege.edu/current_students/teaching_zoo/FAQs.shtml

http://www.thefutureschannel.com/dockets/realworld/teaching_zoo/

http://www.amazon.com/Kicked-Bitten-Scratched-Lessons-Trainers/dp/0670037680

http://animalscience.calpoly.edu/areas_of_study/zoo/index.asp



some internships/volunteer opportunities:

http://www.aza.org/JobListings/index.cfm?Keywords=Keeper&Filter=Internships

http://www.aazk.org/job_listings.php

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Support/Volunteer/default.cfm

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/jobs/general_info.html

http://www.indyzoo.com/content.aspx?cid=272

http://www.houstonzoo.org/intern/

http://www.cmzoo.org/getInvolved/volunteer/opportunities.asp

http://www.denverzoo.org/involved/career.asp

http://www.dallaszoo.com/subnav/volunteer/Vol_2_aquarium.htm

http://www.redriverzoo.org/internships/animalkeeper.epl

http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/pagegen/inc/InternshipApplication2006.pdf

http://www.fortworthzoo.com/about/job.php?id=91

http://www.rollinghillswildlife.com/vol_web/admin/birminghamzoo_intern-college-program3.pdf

http://www.bigcatrescue.org/volunteer.htm

http://disney.go.com/disneycareers/internships/wdw/students/roles/animal_programs/animal_programs.html

http://disney.go.com/disneycareers/wdwcareers/internship/animal_programs.html#animal_behavior

https://disney.recruitmax.com//main/careerportal/default.cfm

Market Title - Animal Programs/

Answer 2

I can't speak for this zoo specifically, but in general the most important thing for becoming a zookeeper is to gain experience with animals. Most zoos are more interested in this than in qualifications, and volunteering at a zoo or animal sanctuary is a good way of getting that experience. I used to be a zookeeper and got the job without any qualifications other than G.C.S.E.s. Having higher qualifications is no guarantee of getting the job (my boss told me he's had people come in with degrees who didn't know which end an elephant craps out of!), and not having them is no guarantee you won't get the job.



You also need to be able to work hard, not mind getting dirty (and I mean REALLY dirty!), and deal with people, in the shape of the public - this often requires a good deal of patience, as you will be asked the same question literally hundreds of times every day, and must always be polite however rude people are to you and however busy, tired and frustrated you are.



I should just point out that TV. shows about zoos paint a very unrealistic picture of what the job of being a zookeeper entails, making it appear that things like hand-rearing baby animals and knocking animals out for medical procedures happen every day. In reality, these things happen only rarely. The work is physically very hard, and you must work outdoors in all seasons and weathers. There is often little interaction with the animals you care for - the majority of the job is cleaning (picking up faeces, sweeping up straw, window cleaning, etc.). You also often do not have a choice as to which animals you work with - most zoos will simply take you on as a keeper and place you where you are needed, though you can request to work with certain animals if and when a position with them becomes available.



Also, a zookeeper's pay is generally quite poor - I earned minimum wage. Many people want to work with animals, so they don't need to tempt workers with high pay. The hours are long and you may not be paid for any overtime worked - in the zoo I worked at, you were paid only between 8am and 5pm, even if you arrived at 6.30am and didn't leave til 7pm. You are also required to work weekends and public holidays without additional pay. It is definitely not a job you do for the money.

Answer 3

You could probably get a job there with no more than a HS diploma. How much education does it take to shovel manure? That said, you would go further if you had a degree or two in zoology or animal husbandry.

Answer 4

a degree in zoolgy. the best colledge for it would be Texas AtM