What does a Conservation Officer at the zoo do on a daily basis?

Question

I like animals and was wondering what jobs there are to do at a zoo (apart from being a zookeeper) and what these jobs involve and if they are fun and rewarding. Does anybody know what it is like to work at a zoo? I would really appreciate any advice....

Answer 1

yea, it is really cool to work at a zoo. Because you get to interact with other animals and you get to know them better.

Answer 2

Every summertime i work at private parks and zoo's talking about conservation and giving minor lectures to children and their families.

I also work as a volunteer as much as possible at an endangered species breeding programme centre (Big Cats only), they are actually helping me through my studies and with any other things i need , so it is worth finding a sponsor programme you can get on.

Here is an example of a day:

When i am on-site and working with the animals i start about 6am with food prep (the lions or snow leopards can wake me normally about 4am)  and my day ends about 6pm onwards, but i then go and spend more time bonding with the cats when there is no one around, so i might not come back from seeing them till about 9pm. When i am there i live on site with a couple of keepers.

The best attitude to have is "i can do anything" i mean that in the sense just get stuck in, do what ever is necessary and needed from you, plus a bit extra. You could be picking up tiger poo one minute and the next working on the website, or showing a group of teachers around. No day is the exact same.

Working with animals is not a job, it really is a way of life, something you feel passionate about.

I do all this for free, just for the love of it.

I am a student too; biological sciences and wildlife education.

Of course, i will go for a research degree as well after, the more educated with experience in this field the better, regardless what anyone says..

The pay is not great but then i am lucky as i have already trained for one career and have that as a freelance option to tide me over. This second degree and career is purely a calling, something i wish i did when young but i chased money instead. At last i came to my senses and before i was 28 too, so i get to have many years working in a field i am completely passionate about.

A few Zoo (there are loads more and each place has specific openings) Jobs for you to think over. Not all you can go straight into, but you will get an idea:

Director/Chief Operating Officer

Executes policies as directed by the governing authority. Responsible for the institution's operation and plans for future development.

General Curator

Oversees an institution's entire animal collection and animal management staff. Responsible for strategic collection planning.

Animal Curator

Manages a certain portion of an institution's animal collection; i.e., mammals, birds, fish,reptiles, etc.

Veterinarian

Responsible for the healthcare program for the animal collection and the maintenance of health records.

Veterinary Technician

Assists the veterinarian and provides care to the animals under the supervision of the veterinarian.

Registrar

Maintains computer records on the animal collection and applies for permits and licenses to hold or transport animals.

Curator/Coordinator/Director of Research

Supervises research projects, serves as liaison between the institution and the academic community, and publishes articles in scientific journals.

Curator/Coordinator/Director of Conservation

Oversees the institution's conservation activities, including field projects. Serves as liaison with government wildlife agencies and other conservation organizations.

Conservation Biologist/Zoologist

Provides scientific and technical assistance in the management of the animal collection and assists in conducting various research or field conservation projects.

Head Keeper/Aquarist

Supervises a section or department of the institution; provides training and scheduling for keepers.

Senior Keeper/Aquarist

Provides primary animal care for a department.

Keeper/Aquarist

Provides daily care to the institution's animals, including diet preparation, cleaning, general exhibit maintenance, and record keeping.

Operations Director/Manager

Responsible for the daily operation of the institution's physical plant and equipment.

Curator of Exhibits

Creates exhibits and assists in the design of graphics.

Curator of Horticulture

Responsible for the botanical collection and its application to the animal collection, as well as daily maintenance of the institution's grounds.

Curator of Education

Plans and implements the institution's education programs.

Public Relations/Affairs Manager/Director

Promotes the institution, its mission, and its programs to the public via the media.

Development Director/Officer

Develops and manages fund-raising activities which can include writing grant proposals and attracting corporate sponsors, as well as soliciting private donations.

Marketing Director/Manager

Creates advertising campaigns and other activities to increase public awareness of the institution.

Membership Director/Manager

Responsible for maintaining and increasing institution memberships for families and individuals and designing special events for members only. May also be in charge of "adopt-an-animal" programs to raise funds.

Volunteer

Duties may include diet preparation, small animal care, teaching educational programs, leading group tours, and staffing special events.

Junior Keeper

Some institutions offer a summer program for high school students who wish to volunteer in a zoo or aquarium setting. Duties are often similar to those of other volunteers, but they are supervised much more closely.

Answer 3

*  A conservastion officer is a game warden.  He checks hunting licenses.  I'm not sure he's the best zoo employee.