JOB Talk: with a zookeeper
JOB Talk: with a zookeeper
Name/age: Jenny Dvorak, 24
Occupation: Zookeeper
Employer: Natural Science Center of Greensboro
Years in industry: Two
Salary range: $18,000 to around $38,000, depending on experience and the size and location of the zoo
What does your job entail? “My job is to make the animals in my care as content as possible by cleaning the animal exhibits, providing proper feeding and daily enrichment, observing and knowing the normal behaviors of the animals, positively training animals to make husbandry and vet procedures easier, and anything else dealing with the day-to-day living of the animals,” Dvorak says. For example, she’s currently using positive reinforcement to train a porcupine, Gwen, to get into a carrying crate for future visits to the veterinarian. Dvorak uses a clicker, similar to what is used to train dogs, to get Gwen to respond to commands. If the porcupine does respond, Dvorak rewards it with peanuts, raisins or bananas. She also works with other animals, such as tigers, wolves and anteaters.
Dvorak continues: “Zookeepers are also responsible for educating the public about the animals and the conservation issues facing them and the rest of the earth’s wild places, as well as explaining the importance of AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) zoos and aquariums.”
How did you become involved in this line of work?
“I have always felt very attached to wildlife, conservation and the outdoors. I grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin and knew that I had to be around animals, so I went to college at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo in Gainesville, Fla. To me being a zookeeper just makes sense; I would do it even if I didn’t get paid.”
What training or education is required?
“Most zoos require a two- or four-year degree in zoology, biology or animal science. However, experience working with animals is essential to get a zoo job, so most people getting into the field find themselves volunteering or taking internships first.”
Dvorak earned an associate degree in zoo animal technology after five semesters at Santa Fe College. There are only a handful of community colleges in the country that offer a curriculum in zoo science, but one of them is in the Triad. Davidson County Community College offers a five-semester zoo and aquarium science program, which combines classroom work with co-ops at local and regional zoos and wildlife facilities.
Dvorak says degree programs are very competitive, and there are often waiting lists to enter. She waited about a year and half to get into school, but she was hired at the Natural Science Center just after graduating.
What does it take to do your job successfully?
“Passion and dedication. Patience with animals, good physical health and good communication skills. Also, a willingness to continue to learn and improve husbandry and enrichment procedures.”
What’s most challenging about your job?
“When an animal is sick or scared, you can’t just ask them what’s wrong. The work is physically demanding and can be draining, and you must work outdoors in all weather conditions.”
Dvorak says about half the day is spent cleaning animal cages and night houses.
What is most rewarding?
“Getting to work so closely with such unique and amazing animals, and knowing that the animals in your care are content. There is no better feeling than when an animal recognizes you and comes over to the fence to greet you. Also, all visitors want to have some sort of connection with the animals, and when they do, there is something really exciting about seeing it.”
Any advice for someone interested?
“Start volunteering somewhere with animals — a shelter, wildlife center or zoo. There are lots of people who want to work with animals and often not a lot of positions are available, so be prepared to work hard and get dirty. Remember to have a positive attitude.”
Have an idea for Job Talk? Contact Patrick Collins at 412-5934 or pcollins@news-record.com.
Job Talk: Jenny Dvorak zookeeper
Jenny Dvorak, a zookeeper with the Natural Science Center in Greensboro, feeds treats to the red-ruffed lemurs and mongoose lemurs at the center.
Nancy Sidelinger Special Sections Photographer
