zookeeper

The work

Zoo keepers look after animals in zoos, safari parks and specialised collections. They often work with a particular type of animal or in a specific section of the zoo.

Their work involves:

• cleaning out pens and cages
• providing fresh bedding and water
• preparing food and feeding animals 
• checking for signs of distress, disease or injury in animals
• helping to care for sick animals under the direction of a vet 
• checking enclosures, cages and barriers for signs of wear or damage
• answering visitors’ questions and sometimes giving talks or lectures.

Keepers are supervised by a head keeper or curator.

Hours and Environment

Because zoo animals need to be looked after seven days a week you wiil usually work on a shift system which includes weekends and bank holidays. Senior zookeepers may be on a call-out rota.  

Depending on the type of animals, you could spend a lot of time outside in all weathers. Some parts of your work, such as cleaning out cages and enclosures, are likely to be dirty and smelly.

You will need a driving licence for work in safari parks.

Skills and Interests

To be a zoo keeper you should:

• have a strong interest in looking after animals 
• be confident working with animals of all types
• be observant
• be physically fit
• be safety-conscious.

Entry

You may not need any particular qualifications to become a zookeeper, although some employers may expect you to have GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) or equivalent qualifications, sometimes including English and a science subject.

For all zoos, it will be an advantage if you have experience of working with animals. Most zoos have volunteer programmes, and you might be able to get experience by getting involved in one of these. The programmes are popular, so you might have to join a waiting list. Visit the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) website for a list of zoos - there is a link to the website in Further Information below. 

You can find out about other  opportunities for voluntary work with animals from Volunteering England or Volunteer Scotland. See Further Information below for contact details.

You may find it useful to do a course in animal care or animal management before looking for work. Courses include:

• BTEC First Diploma and National Certificate/Diploma in Animal Care or Animal Management
• City and Guilds National Certificate and Advanced National Certificate in Animal Care
• NVQ Levels 1 and 2 in Animal Care.

You should check with colleges for their specific entry requirements - for some courses you might need GCSE/S grades or equivalent qualifications or relevant experience (paid or voluntary).

You may be able to get into this job through an apprenticeship scheme. Funding for apprenticeships is available for 16-24 year olds and some over-25s. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. For information about apprenticeships in other parts of the UK, see Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Training

When you start work as a zookeeper you will receive practical on-the-job training.. 

You might be able to work towards NVQs/SVQs in Animal Care. These cover the whole of the animal care industry, but at levels 2 and 3 you can do optional units in Zoos/Wildlife Establishments. 

When you have worked as a zookeeper for at least a year you can do a two year part-time block release foundation degree in Zoo Resource Management  at Sparsholt College in Winchester .  You should contact the college for entry requirements. Please see the Further Information section for contact details.

You can do foundation degrees and degrees in Animal Management at some colleges and universities.

For information about foundation degrees see Foundation Degree Forward

To search for colleges and universities offering foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)

Opportunities

Keepers work in zoos, safari/wildlife parks, bird collections and aquariums.

There are always very large numbers of applicants for each vacancy. Employers may keep waiting lists of suitable applicants.

In larger zoos you may be able to progress from keeper to head keeper. When you have extensive experience and/or a degree you might be able to become a curator. In smaller zoos you are likely to have less opportunities for promotion, so you may need to move to another zoo to get a job with more responsibility.

Some zoos take part in keeper exchange programmes, so there may be opportunities to work abroad.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Starting salary are likely to be around £10,500 a year.
Experienced zoo keepers can earn up to around £15,000.
Highest salaries may be around £21,500.

Free or subsidised accommodation may be provided in some jobs.

Further information

Lantra House
Stoneleigh Park
Nr Coventry
Warwickshire
CV8 2LG
Tel: 0845 707 8007
Sparsholt
Winchester
SO21 2NF
Tel: 01962 776441

WoW Careers Services Can Help You Prepare The Perfect CV or Provide Further Advice On This Career Path For More Information Call Us On 0845 224-2613 or Claim Your FREE CV Review Today.

Back

 

© & TM 2007-2008 WoW4 Limited | wowme@wowmycv.co.uk | Counties & Towns | Links | Call Us On: 0845 224-2613