A Guide to Careers at t he Zo o

A Guide to Careers at t he Zo o WORKING ON THE WILDSIDE

Dear Student, As you get ready to begin your career, we want to help you get a great start! Many of you contact the Seneca Park Zoo each year asking questions like, How do I become a veterinarian? or How can I get a job working with the animals? or What kinds of jobs are there at the Zoo? We put this guide together to help you find the answers to these questions and give you information about where to go next. Working on the Wild Side: A Guide to Careers at the Zoo gives you profiles of many different jobs. It also gives you a list of resources to go to for even more information. One of the most important sections of this guide is called How can I get involved? This section tells you about all the ways you can get involved right here at the Seneca Park Zoo. Volunteering at a zoo is one of the best ways to get experience and to learn whether working in a zoo is what you really want to do. Who knows? You could be the next great Zoo Director or the next great lion scientist! Whatever your hopes and dreams... remember, the Education Department is always here to help you. Feel free to write us an e-mail (education@senecazoo.org) or call (585-336-7213) with any questions. Best Wishes with your Career Search, The Seneca Park Zoo Education Department INDEX Directors: Who leads the zoo to new heights and keeps things running smoothly? There are a few ways to organize the operations of a zoo. Some zoos are run by the government, like a county or a city; some zoos are run by a non-profit organization, like a society or a Friends of group and some zoos, like the Seneca Park Zoo, have a shared organizational structure. Executive Director of the Zoo Society..... Page 5 Zoo Director....... Page 6 Animal Care: Who takes care of the animals? Assistant Zoo Director........ Page 7 General Curator..... Page 8 Veterinarian........ Page 9 Veterinarian Technician...... Page 10 Zoo Keeper.......... Page 11 Business Operations: Who watches the budget and makes sure that bills are paid? Associate Director........... Page 12 Accountant/Finance Coordinator.......... Page 13 Data Manager........ Page 14 Communications: Who informs the public about the zoo and its programs? Communications Director............ Page 15 Group Sales Coordinator............ Page 16 Office Manager and Receptionist.......... Page 17 Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator......... Page 18 Volunteer Coordinator...... Page 19 Education: Who helps the public learn about the animals and the environment? Director of Education and Interpretation........ Page 20 Education Animal Trainer.......... Page 21 Education Programs Coordinator......... Page 22 Educator.......... Page 23 2 3

INDEX CONTINUED DIRECTORS Facilities: Who keeps the zoo grounds looking good and working well? Supervisor of Facilities and Grounds........... Page 24 Gardener............ Page 25 Life Support Technician......... Page 26 Maintenance Worker........... Page 27 Security Guard.......... Page 28 Fundraising and Development: Who raises funds for programs? Director of Development........... Page 29 Events Coordinator.......... Page 30 Grant Writer........... Page 31 Guest Service: Who welcomes and serves the visitors? Director of Guest Services.......... Page 32 Food Service Manager........... Page 33 Membership Coordinator............ Page 34 Guest Service Host............. Page 35 ZooShop Manager............. Page 36 Where do I go from here? How can I get involved?............. Page 37 Resources and information........... Page 38 Executive Director of Zoo Society Directs the non-profit partner of the zoo, which includes overseeing admissions, business operations, development, education, food service, fundraising, public relations, membership, marketing and visitor services. Implements protocols and procedures for the zoo. Must be able to manage and motivate people. Marketing and fundraising skills are needed. Bachelor s degree and several years of managerial experience is necessary. Master s degree is beneficial and usually preferred. 4 5

DIRECTORS ANIMAL CARE Oversees aspects of operations at the zoo. Zoo Director Helps create and organize new exhibits and programs. Many years of management experience at a zoo is required. Background work as a zoo keeper is beneficial. Bachelor s degree in biology, zoology or a related field is required. Assistant Zoo Director Assists with management of the zoo. Supervises and directs animal management. Implements protocols and procedures for the zoo. Must have a passion for education, conservation and animals. Experience in the zoo field with animals is important. Bachelor s degree in biology, zoology or a related field is necessary. 6 7

ANIMAL CARE ANIMAL CARE General Curator Oversees the animal collection and manages animal records. Runs daily animal care operations and supervises the zoo keepers. Works with the various departments to improve exhibits and ensure animal health and visitor interests. A background of working with animals is necessary. Must be able to manage and work with diverse groups of people. Bachelor s or Master s degree in biology, zoology, animal behavior or a related field Experience in the zoo world is necessary. Veterinarian Responsible for the health of all the animals. Provides emergency and preventative care for animals. Supervises the health care staff. Experience in working with exotic animals is necessary. Needs to attain DVM (Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine) from a school accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. 8 9

ANIMAL CARE ANIMAL CARE Veterinary Technician Aids the Veterinarian in the medical care of sick animals and preventive care for the rest. Maintains animal health, pharmacy and lab records. Must be comfortable/confident helping to assist when animals are sick or injured. Experience in working with exotic animals is preferred. Needs to attend a two-year accredited Veterinarian Technician school and pass the exam. Zoo Keeper Takes care of animals by feeding them and cleaning their enclosures. May specialize in a few types of animals and provide enrichment for them. Train animals to do behaviors that encourage the use of the animal s adaptations and promote health, along with making medical checks easier. Must enjoy working closely with animals. Organizational skills are necessary. Experience in caring for animals is important. Bachelor s degree in biology or a related field is preferred. 10 11

BUSINESS OPERATIONS BUSINESS OPERATIONS Accountant/Finance Coordinator Supervises the business operations at the zoo. Associate Director Supports staff with questions about health benefits, vacations and overtime. Works with staff members who are having work-related problems or difficulties. Must be able to manage and work with diverse groups of people. Accounting and human resource skills are necessary. Bachelor s degree preferably in business, and personnel skills, is necessary. Verifies and analyzes information input into the accounting system. Coordinates and performs daily accounting function. Summarizes and processes employee payroll and maintains time-off records. Must enjoy working with numbers, be proficient in math, organized and detail-oriented. Good analytical and problem solving skills are important. Competency in accounting softcare. Previous book-keeping or accounting experience is preferred. Bachelor s degree in accounting, business or a related field is required. 12 13

BUSINESS OPERATIONS COMMUNICATIONS Data Manager Enters and reports gift and mailing information. Maintains the database, register system and Web site. Must be able to work efficiently with computers. Must work well with others. Needs to have experience with computer science and finance. Bachelor s degree in accounting and IT experience is necessary. Communications Director Keeps the media and public informed about zoo events and news. Produces the Zoo s member magazine and maintains the Web site. Researches and implements marketing campaigns. Produces fliers, labels, ads and other graphic materials. Must have great public relations skills. Knowledge of radio, television and social media outlets is preferred. Bachelor s degree in communication/journalism, public relations or a related field is required. 14 15

COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS Office Manager and Receptionist Group Sales Coordinator In charge of selling and generating more group sales for the zoo. Promotes group sales to corporations, businesses, sport teams, etc. Actively helps in the creation of group packages for bulk sales. Must have great organizational and communication skills. Bachelor s degree in business, marketing, public relations or a related field is required. Office managers work in all departments at the zoo. Reserves programs for customers, answers phones and makes sure the office runs smoothly. Helps the Director with meetings and reports. Manages office expenses. Needs to have experience with computer software. Must be organized and knowledgeable about what happens within his/her department. Good customer service skills are necessary. Must have an administrative background and accounting experience. 16 17

COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator Manages the Zoo s social media, including Facebook, blogs and eblasts. Captures photos of people enjoying the Zoo both at events and during the day. Assists with press releases, press conferences and media on grounds. Great communication and persuasive skills are necessary. Media experience is preferred. B.A. in communication/journalism, public relations or a related field is required. Recruits volunteers for events. Volunteer Coordinator Maintains contact between the zoo and its volunteers. Should be comfortable with public speaking and be able to multi-task. B.A. in English, public relations, communications or a related field is necessary. 18 19

EDUCATION EDUCATION Director of Education and Interpretation Helps generate the content for educational programs. Supports staff, helps find resources and leads department improvements. Helps plan, design and evaluate the labels and interactives of exhibits. Offers help and support to the Education Department s staff. Great planning and budget skills are necessary. Bachelor s degree in education, science, museum studies or a related field is necessary, along with managerial experience. Master s degree in education or zoology is beneficial. Education Animal Trainer Responsible for training animals and training staff to work with the animals. Must be very comfortable while working with many different people and animals. Experience in handling and training animals is necessary. Bachelor s or Master s degree in Biology or another related field is necessary. 20 21

EDUCATION EDUCATION Education Programs Coordinator Coordinates the development of new educational opportunities both onsite and offsite. Designs and delivers educational programs, while evaluating existing programs. Must be organized and be comfortable around different people and animals. Bachelor s degree in education or biological science is required. Knowledge on various audiences and learning styles is necessary. Master s degree is beneficial. Educator Presents a variety of education programs both at the zoo and in schools, senior centers, festivals and other offsite areas. Must enjoy helping all age groups learn. Must enjoy handling a variety of animals. Excellent public speaking skills are necessary. A degree in education and/or science is preferred. 22 23

FACILITIES FACILITIES Supervisor of Facilities and Grounds Oversees the day-to-day operations of all buildings and grounds. Sets schedules for maintenance workers and manages the grounds. Ensures the facilities are clean, safe and working. Ensures animal life support systems are safe and working Must be knowledgeable in several different building trades. Should be well-versed in electrical and mechanical maintenance. Biology or chemistry background is preferred. Gardener Maintains the beauty of the zoo s gardens and grounds. Plants and nurtures onsite botanicals. Must enjoy working outdoors. Should have a green thumb. Botanical knowledge and love for plants is necessary. 24 25

FACILITIES FACILITIES Life Support Technician Maintains pumps and filters that supply water to animal exhibits. Maintains the appropriate temperature, humidity and filtration systems for the zoo and its buildings. Performs inspections and preventative or emergency maintenance for all life support equipment. Must have knowledge of hydraulic recirculation systems and biological, mechanical and chemical filtration systems. Prior life support experience in a zoo is preferred. Maintenance Worker Ensures the cleanliness of the zoo and buildings. Cleans facilities and repairs any electrical, mechanical, or plumbing issues within zoo grounds. Needs to be able to lift heavy loads and work outside in all types of weather. Carpentry, electrical, plumbing and mechanical skills are necessary. 26 27

FACILITIES FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT Security Guard Ensures the safety and security of the zoo and buildings. Checks locks, enclosures and premises regularly. Works many evenings and nights. Flexible work schedule is required. Prior security work is preferred. Raises money for the zoo. Organizes fundraising events. Director of Development Provides overall leadership and management for fundraising. Use of marketing and sales techniques, as well as familiarity with non-profit management is necessary. Must be knowledgeable about the zoo and its community. Bachelor s degree in business, finance, economics or related field is necessary. 28 29

FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT Organizes and manages fundraising events. Events Coordinator Collectively coordinates with co-workers in the development process of events. Must have good communication, organization and teamwork skills. Prior experience with event management is required. A degree in marketing, public relations, hospitality or a related field is a plus. Grant Writer Researches potential grants that may benefit the zoo. Meets with funders and funding agencies to prepare grants. Writes grant proposals to corporations, foundations and government departments. Professional writing and organization skills are necessary. A bachelor s degree and writing experience is recommended. 30 31

GUEST SERVICE GUEST SERVICE Director of Guest Services Creates events to enhance the experience of zoo members and guests. Oversees database management for the Zoo Society. Organizes and manages special events for members. Must enjoy working with other people. Computer competency and database literacy is essential. Should have a bachelor s degree and years of customer service experience. Food Service Manager Manages the restaurants and oversees the staff. Manages catering and special events at the zoo. Ensure food supplies are stocked while cleanliness and safety is maintained in the restaurant Must like cooking, managing people and working in customer service. 32 33

GUEST SERVICE GUEST SERVICE Membership Coordinator Guest Service Host Meets and greets members. Sells and renews memberships for the zoo. Supervises the admissions staff. Must be computer literate and savvy with money. Excellent customer service skills is required. Could work in several areas such as admissions, food services, and gift shop. Makes sure guests are satisfied. Must work well with public and other staff. Must be organized, punctual and able to multi-task. Customer service experience is preferred. 34 35

GUEST SERVICE WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE? How can I get involved? There are two ways to get involved in helping the Zoo and learning more about the jobs at the Zoo. You can spend some of your summer helping visitors learn about animals and the environment as a ZooTeen. The ZooTeens program gives young adults ages 13-18 an opportunity to explore their interests in ecology and conservation. The unique training ZooTeens receive engages them not only in the sciences, but also provides multiple activities that can foster self-esteem, encourage positive social interactions and help develop specific zoo-related interests. OR... You can work with other people like you for a worthwhile conservation cause as a general volunteer. The zoo needs a lot of help from people like you who have some extra spare time. Whether you need volunteer hours for graduation or just want to be more involved with the zoo community, this may be for you. While general volunteering does not involve the handling of exhibit or educational animals, we still need your help in maintaining and creating an environment that welcomes our visitors and enhances their zoological experience. To learn about all the opportunities for teens at the Seneca Park Zoo, go to our Web site: www.senecaparkzoo.org/teen-programs.aspx Greets visitors. Stocks merchandise and tracks sales. Cleans store and straightens merchandise. ZooShop Manager Must like working with diverse groups of people. Bachelor s degree, good customer services skills and experience in retail is necessary. 36 37

WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE? For information about how to get the education and experience you need for a career at a zoo, check out the following resources: Association of Zoos and Aquariums www.aza.org Association of Fundraising Professionals www.afpnet.org American Association of Zoo Keepers www.aazk.org Animal Behavior Management Alliance www.theabma.org Antioch University Conservation psychology and conservation biology www.antiochne.edu Canisius College Animal behavior/zoos www.canisius.edu Cornell Veterinary Medicine College www.vet.cornell.edu/ Santa Fe College s Teaching Zoo Zoology Degree www.sfcollege.edu America s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College Animal Science Degree www.moorparkcollege.edu International Zoo Educators Association http://www.izea.net/ Niagara County Community College Animal Management Associate s Degree www.niagaracc.suny.edu Jefferson Community College Animal Management Associate s Degree www.sunyjefferson.edu Rochester Institute of Technology Zoology Internship http://www.rit.edu/cos/biology/zoointernship.html AAB Pre-vet Summer Intern Fellowship at Seneca Park Zoo www.senecaparkzoo.org Medaille College Veterinary Technology Degree www.medaille.edu/veterinary-technolgy 38 39

Copyright 2014 Seneca Park Zoo www.senecaparkzoo.org Photos by Vasiliy Baziuk, Pam Cowan, Janet Dray, Gary Eisenhart, Jeff Gerew, Travis Geske, Marie Kraus, Kelli O Brien, Hugh Scolton, Brian Sheets, Meredith Wesson-Roth and Jewels White.