BIAZA Public Access

Careers in Zoos

In Britain, there are about 350 zoos, safari parks, bird gardens and aquariums open to the public. They employ approximately 3,000 people in full-time positions. BIAZA represents around 70 of these collections and is the professional zoo body for the British Isles.


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Jobs in zoos that involve animal work include the animal keepers, education staff, researchers and vets. Some larger collections employ field biologists who work on field projects sponsored by the zoo.

Zoo Keepers

Zoo keeping is a popular job so there is tough competition for places. However, entry requirements vary for individual collections. Gain as much work experience as possible. This will give you an insight into the daily tasks a zookeeper will undertake.

To download the BIAZA directory of those collections offering volunteer and work placements – click here .

BIAZA Directory of Volunteer & Work Placements

Qualifications

People working with animals can be very well qualified, even up to PhD level. In general, however, a position as a trainee zoo keeper requires at least five GCSEs as a minimum requirement. Some zoos require GCSE English and evidence of some biological study. Many trainee keepers are university graduates.

There are also an increasing number of animal based courses on offer. The course content will vary between institutions. Many have work placement modules allowing you to experience animal keeping as part of your course. Click here for the BIAZA directory of colleges offering animal based courses .

UK Land Based Colleges Key Contacts

Important issues to consider

	Working with animals is often very routine and can be physically demanding
	Working hours can vary considerably and can be quite unsociable. This may involve working weekends and Bank holidays
	Hands on work can be dirty and smelly.
	You may be working with sick or injured animals and even humanely kill them
	Make sure you don’t have allergies to animals/fur/feathers as this could affect your health and your job if you are working in close proximity to animals.
	Positions working with animals are often low paid compared to other employment sectors
	Working with animals also involves a great deal of interaction with the public sector. You must be able to communicate to a wide section of people
	As your career progresses, you will need team management skills or be responsible for training other members of staff.

Zoo Education

As collections move into the 21st Century, education plays a key role in all zoo or aquarium practice.

Seasonal education assistants

These positions usually run through the busy summer season with duties involving delivering presentations, leading sessions and tours for visiting school groups and assisting with fundraising activities and other events. These posts are advertised locally and nationally during spring for the forthcoming season. Minimum wage usually applies.

Explainers/Presenters

These posts focus on interactions with the public, delivering formal and informal talks around the collection. They are often seasonal and minimum wage usually applies.

Education Officer

This role varies between collections but it can include teaching Keystage 1-4 sessions, delivering presentations and lectures, animal outreach to surrounding schools and groups, fundraising for conservation campaigns and running summer schools/activities. Completion of a degree is essential and a PGCE is very desirable. These positions are advertised locally, nationally and on the BIAZA vacancies section. Wages vary (£12,000- £18,000 per annum).