Careers in Animal & Conservation Education
Animal and Conservation Education careers are a great fit for people who want to save wildlife or the environment. These careers are also good for people who aren't sure what they want to do but know they love animals and nature. Talents and interests run the gamut when looking at potential careers in this field. Positions from animal trainer to mammal keeper to photographer and Web master can be included under the banner of animal and conservation education careers.
Other People Are Reading
-
Preparation
-
Preparing for a career in wildlife and conservation education takes time. The best way to prepare is to study natural sciences, such as biology, zoology and ecology. You don't have to wait until high school or college to begin studying, either. You can begin at any time by reading about animals and their habitats. More specifically, in grade school, children should master science and math; in high school, a challenging math and science curriculum is the best way to prepare for college courses. Once in college, a focus on the sciences is necessary, such as biology, microbiology, physics, zoology, organic and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry and genetics. A graduate degree, either a master's or doctorate, is required for many positions.
Beyond Books
-
In addition to book learning, first-hand experience through volunteering or working with animals, is key to achieving a career in animal or conservation education. Many zoos have volunteer opportunities for people interested in caring for animals. Many businesses, such as Walt Disney World, have internships available for people to get some hands-on experience in animal and conservation education.
-
Jobs
-
Direct animal care and conservation jobs aren't the only ones available for people who are interested in protecting animals. Jobs also are available with private sector advocacy groups, such as the National Wildlife Federation and the Nature Conservancy. These groups raise money, lobby and promote special projects aimed at preserving or restoring habitats. Also, teachers from kindergarten through high school plant the seeds of conservation, encouraging students to choose career paths that intersect with animal and conservation education.
Occupational Outlook
-
The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks hundreds of jobs in the United States, both by wage and by outlook. Zoologists, for instance, make an average of $58,000. Conservation scientists earn an average of $60,000, while animal scientists bring in an average of $61,600. The job outlook for conservation scientists is for slower than average growth, expecting to grow just 5 percent until 2016. Animal care and service workers, though, are expected to have a faster than average job growth rate, with a 19 percent increase until 2016. However, those who become veterinarians can expect a much faster than average growth rate -- 35 percent -- by 2016.
Today's Jobs
-
A quick look at Indeed.com in September 2009 showed more than 100 jobs available across all sectors in animal and conservation education. For instance, an Education Coordinator at the Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum was listed with a salary of $30,936 to $53,580. A Senior Veterinarian at Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay will earn between $88,627 and $110,784. A Wildlife Biologist III in Alaska, $53,000; Naturalist for Fairfax County, Virginia, $15 an hour; and a Natural Resources Specialist for the U.S. Army in Garrison, Texas, $46,650 to $73,329.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit keithc/morguefile.com
