Zoo keeper, zoo salary

Salary and Working Conditions for Animal Caretakers at a Zoo

Working as an animal caretaker at a zoo involves taking care of the daily needs of the animals, such as feeding, cleaning their environments, and monitoring their health. It is a profession that requires both passion and knowledge about animals.

Salary Statistics for Animal Caretakers, Zoo

The average salary for an animal caretaker at a zoo is 27 800 kronor per month. It is worth noting that the average salary for women in this profession is 27 700 kronor per month. Unfortunately, specific salary information for men in this profession is not available. Compared to the previous year, the average salary has decreased from 25 000 to 27 800 kronor.

Education and Qualifications

To become an animal caretaker at a zoo, a high school education with a focus on animal care is usually required. Many employers also prefer to hire individuals who have further education in animal husbandry or zoology, which can be obtained through college or university studies. Practical experience, such as volunteering at a zoo or internships, is also highly valuable.

Certifications and Courses

There are several certifications and courses that can be helpful in improving your chances of getting a job as an animal caretaker. Examples of these include courses in animal health, animal training, and animal psychology.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

As an animal caretaker at a zoo, you have a variety of job duties. These include preparing and feeding the animals, cleaning their enclosures, and administering medication when needed. You also monitor the animals' health and behavior to ensure they are well. Other responsibilities may include assisting veterinarians with treatments and educating visitors about the animals.

Key Qualities and Skills

To succeed as an animal caretaker, you need to have a strong love for animals and good physical condition, as the work is often physically demanding. You should also be detail-oriented, patient, and have good communication skills, both to work effectively with colleagues and to interact with visitors.

Job Market and Conditions

The job market for animal caretakers at zoos is relatively small, and competition for jobs can be tough. Therefore, it is important to have both relevant education and practical experience to improve your chances of getting a job. Some employers offer benefits such as paid training and courses to further develop their employees' skills.

Benefits

Benefits for animal caretakers at zoos may vary depending on the employer. Some zoos offer paid training and courses to help their employees develop their skills. Other possible benefits may include discounted or free entry to the zoo for employees and their families.