Unusual Animal Careers
A Series about Careers with Animals
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Unusual Animal Careers Part Nine
Animal Education Careers
Animal careers, animal schools, & animal courses are just a few topics you will find here. You can read about careers with animals, discover animal programs, and enroll in unique animal career seminars. This is part nine in an unusual animal career series. In this section you will learn about animal educational positions.
The first parts of this series briefly discussed types of careers and which ones might be appropriate for you, how to begin researching those career options, and how to find specific information in the area of your interest to help you further clarify your goals and contacts. Now the series is discussing both domestic and exotic animal work and how to begin to get practical experience and prepare for that career. The next few articles will take a closer look at different roles and what kind of training or education is necessary for them.
To simplify some of this information it has been grouped by similar categories. Many of the roles I am familiar with will be listed here. Many will not! Specialty roles of marine mammalogist, primatologist, etc., fall into some of the categories listed or would require I write a book on the subject! Unique training for some areas not listed will be included in another section. If you see any additions to jobs and want to provide me with a description and the related educational aspects please contact me.
Certainly all of the options will not be here but those that are can help you find related areas of interest or spark another thought to something similar. Since the career field is changing so fast, many new positions will crop up every year.
Education
The education department of any facility has a very demanding and diversified role. Members of this department provide visitors and students with information about animals and plants along with education about conservation and other global concerns.Roles in this area will include giving tours, conducting behind-the-scenes tours, presenting special classes for special need groups and a variety of ages, on-site and off-site presentations, field trips, animal exhibit graphics, and multimedia programming. Some programs also maintain their own animals for this type of work.
Science Writer, Instructional Designer
These can be freelance or institutional positions. Both require a talent for communication and expression.The Science Writer will research, write, and edit a variety of works. This may include exhibit graphics, brochures. curriculum materials, information booklets, animal fact sheets, and other materials needed. This person will oversee projects in all stages When needed the role will also search, find and develop current reference material for other department staff members.
Instructional Designers research and write information for classes, education, show scripts, and other presentations, and will sometimes conduct classes for students and teachers. Usually they will create the curriculum and information resources in conjunction with the specific department staff. Other roles include providing instructional workshops, professional presentations to outside groups, and specially needs/challenged classes.
Bachelor's degree in education and a teaching credential is the minimal recommendation for these roles. Also, a degree in biological sciences or certification in technical writing may be an asset. Work experience in writing, editing, and proofreading, print production and related roles is a plus.
Educator
These are the people who present educational programs to people who come to the zoological park or aquarium and to special groups. Many will be required to narrate and answer questions at animal exhibits at certain animal presentations. They also provide guided tours or programs to schools and other groups both onsite or offsite.Associates degree is the minimum required but studying for a higher degree in biological sciences, education or related degree is recommended. Additional skills in public speaking and diplomacy are strongly encouraged.
About this animal career specialist: Since 1978 Diana L. Guerrero has worked professionally with both wild and domestic animals. Guerrero has been affiliated with, and certified by, a variety of animal programs in the USA and Europe. Based in California, she writes, consults, and speaks. Information on her animal career programs, training courses, and her books {What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality (SkyLight Paths, 2003), Blessing of the Animals (Sterling, 2007), Help! My Pet is Driving Me Crazy (Guerrero Ink, 2007), Animal Disaster Preparedness for Pet Owners & Pet Professionals (Guerrero Ink, 2007)} can be found in this web site and in the shop. Questions for Guerrero should be submitted via the blog comments or membership forum.
