Jobs zoo

Zoos have a wide range of employment available, from animal curators to development officials to public relations directors. Read on to find out who does what.

Veterinarian

Responsible for the animal collection's healthcare program and the upkeep of health records.

Veterinary Assistant

Assists the veterinarian and cares for the animals under the doctor's supervision.

Curator of Animals

Manages a portion or the all of an institution's animal collection. There may be a curator of animals or a curator of rainforest species, for example.

Biologist/Zoologist for Conservation

Scientific and technical aid is provided in the care of the animal collection, as well as assistance in the performance of different research or field conservation programs.

Keeper/Aquarist

Daily care for the animals in the facility, including feed preparation, cleaning, general display upkeep, and documentation.

Registrar

Keeps computer records of the animal collection and applies for permissions and licenses to keep or transport animals.

Curator in Chief

Oversees the whole animal collection and animal management personnel at a facility. In charge of strategic collection planning.

Director of the Zoo

Policies are carried out as ordered by the ruling authority. In charge of the institution's operations and future growth goals.

Assistant to the Director

Assists the director and takes over in his or her absence.

Manager/Director of Finance

Manages the institution's money, including bill paying, buying, investing, and financial statement production.

Exhibits Curator

Creates displays and aids with visual design.

Horticulture Curator

In charge of the botanical collection and its application to the animal collection, as well as daily grounds care at the institution.

Education Curator

Plans and executes the educational programs of the institution.

Manager/Director of Public Relations/Affairs

Through the media, promotes the institution, its goal, and its activities to the general public.

Officer/Director of Development

Develops and supervises fund-raising initiatives such as grant writing, securing corporate sponsors, and collecting private contributions.

Marketing Manager/Director

Creates advertising campaigns and other promotional efforts to raise public knowledge of the institution.

Manager/Coordinator of Special Events

Creates and executes activities to attract tourists all year.

Manager/Director of Membership

Responsible for maintaining and promoting family and individual memberships in the institution, as well as arranging unique activities for members exclusively. To collect finances, they may also be in charge of "adopt-an-animal" campaigns.

Manager of a Gift Shop

Manages personnel and all elements of gift shop business, from product purchasing to store design.

Manager of Visitor Services

Supervises the workers and facilities that serve the general public, such as concessions and bathrooms.

Manager/Director of Human Resources

In charge of all personnel affairs, including payroll, insurance, and taxation.

Coordinator of Volunteers

Responsible for recruiting and retaining a volunteer/docent staff. Duties include arranging docents for on- and off-site programs, as well as keeping docents up to date on any developments that affect the public.

Docent/Volunteer

Diet preparation, small animal care, presenting educational programs, giving group tours, and staffing special events are all possible duties.

Curator/Coordinator/Research Director

Supervises research initiatives, acts as the institution's contact with the academic community, and publishes publications in scientific journals.

Conservation Curator/Coordinator/Director

Oversees the conservation operations of the institution, including field projects. Serves as a link between government wildlife authorities and other conservation groups.

Aquarist/Head Keeper

Supervises a unit or department of the institution; provides keepers with training and scheduling.

Keeper/Aquarist Senior

Primary animal care is provided for a department.

Manager/Director of Operations

In charge of the physical plant and equipment at the institution on a daily basis.