Animal lovers in college always want to work in places that give them an opportunity to care for their favorite animals. This could be a wildlife sanctuary, a zoo, or a veterinary center. However, these jobs often come with significant risks, especially when you are dealing with wild animals or aggressive species. In this article, we will consider some of the most fulfilling yet safest job opportunities you can explore.
Zookeeper
This is one of the most accessible jobs at the zoo. It usually involves the daily care and well-being of the animals. You will be charged with feeding them, cleaning them, cleaning their habitats, and keeping them engaged when necessary. Zookeepers usually have the closest bonds with animals and are often at the forefront of animal conservation efforts and animal training. They may also be charged with implementing zoo marketing strategies. You should expect to earn between $45,000 - $65,000 as a zookeeper. Keep in mind that taking care of the animals, even with the products provided by the zoo, comes with some risk. Just ensure you talk to a lawyer if you ever have to file a defective product lawsuit because of your job.
Zoo Educator
This is one of the most common job opportunities at American zoos. The role involves creating and delivering zoo educational programs. A typical example of such a program would be the speech tour guides give visitors at the zoo. Topics could range from the zoo's history to information about the animals and other interesting attractions in the facility. The salary for these expectations may range from $40,000 to $60,000, depending on qualifications and experience.
Conservation Biologist
You can take things further by opting to become a conservation biologist. While they may not be involved in the daily care of animals, they work behind the scenes to create and implement conservation efforts. The goal is to come up with ways to save endangered species. They work closely with researchers, nonprofits, and governmental conservation organizations to come up with actionable strategies to save animals. It may be something as simple as recommending the best food for a specific breed or something as complicated as researching cross-breeding endangered species. Salaries for conservation biologists range from $60,000 - $90,000.
Veterinarian
These experts are responsible for the medical health and well-being of the animals at the zoo. Their job description includes testing, diagnosis, and treatment of ill animals. They may also handle surgical procedures either at the zoo or at a good veterinary center. Apart from providing treatment, veterinarians also suggest strategies to manage multiple preventable illnesses. The zoos in the United States have these experts on retainer, and their salaries can range from $49,500 - $294,000.
Horticulturist
Not every job at the zoo involves working with animals and the job of a horticulturist is one of such. A horticulturist is charged with designing, planting, and maintaining the landscape of the zoo. They also plant flowers in the gardens at the zoo. As a horticulturist, you will need to make the zoo look as naturalistic as possible for the comfort of the animals and to ensure the visitors like the environment.
Conclusion
There you have it. These are five of the best jobs you can get at zoos in the United States. Remember that you'll need a degree in the relevant field to secure most of these jobs. You will also need to be fluent in English and have some work experience.
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