Careers With Wild animals

Are you a student considering a career in animal care, science or wildlife conservation? Would you like to know more about what it's like to work at the National Zoo? Join us for an upcoming career event, where you'll have the opportunity to hear from leaders in the fields of animal care, science, education, and sustainability.

Please check back in the coming months for information about future programs!

Video Series: The Secret World of Zoo Jobs

Want to know what it's really like working at the National Zoo? Then come along with us as we go behind the scenes in our video podcast series, Other Duties as Assigned: The Secret World of Zoo Jobs!

In each video, a different staff member will take you behind the scenes of his or her job and answer questions asked by curious students as we explore the complexities of animal care and wildlife conservation.

Join Kenton Kerns, Sarah Putman, Jen Daniels, and Craig Saffoe to learn more about what it really means when you say "I want to work at a Zoo."

These videos were generously funded by a grant from the Smithsonian Women's Committee.

Academic Training

The best way to begin a career working with animals is to expand your general understanding of animals and the habitats in which they live. To do this, many people study natural sciences, such as biology, zoology, and ecology, in high school and college. You can begin at any time by reading all you can about animals and habitats. You can also look into taking classes offered by your local zoo or natural history museum.

Grade School: For children who think an animal-related career is an exciting possibility, working hard in all subjects in school is the best way to start. A good understanding of science and math concepts will help students continue to master those subjects in subsequent years.

High School: Taking a challenging math and science curriculum (biology, chemistry, physics, calculus, etc.) is the best preparation for college-level math and science courses.

College: Courses in biology, microbiology, physics, zoology, botany, anthropology, organic and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, and genetics are suggested or required in most animal-related degree granting programs.

Graduate School: A master's degree or Ph.D. in zoology, wildlife management, anthropology, or a similar field, or a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) is required for many positions.

Extracurricular Experience

In addition to having an academic background in these areas, knowledge and interest in animals, shown through work and/or volunteer experience is helpful and often essential for success in an animal-centered career. Following your personal interests is especially important in choosing the kind of experiences to involve yourself in.

Why Formal Education Is Not Enough

Exposure to a specific field of animal work and the people who perform jobs in animal-centered organizations will help you clarify your goals, narrow your focus, and ultimately help you choose the best career for you. The more you know about what positions exist, the easier it will be for you to plan your course of study. Usually your professional degree is the key qualification for any career related to animals.