Http://www.aza.org/ForEveryone/Careers/ Positions
Listed below are some positions in zoos and aquariums and a brief description of duties. Not all positions are found in all facilities, and responsibilities often vary.
Director/Chief Operating Officer
Executes policies as directed by the governing authority. Responsible for the institution's operation and plans for future development.
Assistant Director
Assists the director and assumes charge in the director's absence.
Finance Manager/Director
Manages the institution's finances, including payment of bills, purchasing,investments, and the preparation of financial statements.
General Curator
Oversees an institution's entire animal collection and animal management staff. Responsible for strategic collection planning.
Animal Curator
Manages a certain portion of an institution's animal collection; i.e., mammals, birds, fish,reptiles, etc.
Veterinarian
Responsible for the healthcare program for the animal collection and the maintenance of health records.
Veterinary Technician
Assists the veterinarian and provides care to the animals under the supervision of the veterinarian.
Registrar
Maintains computer records on the animal collection and applies for permits and licenses to hold or transport animals.
Curator/Coordinator/Director of Research
Supervises research projects, serves as liaison between the institution and the academic community, and publishes articles in scientific journals.
Curator/Coordinator/Director of Conservation
Oversees the institution's conservation activities, including field projects. Serves as liaison with government wildlife agencies and other conservation organizations.
Conservation Biologist/Zoologist
Provides scientific and technical assistance in the management of the animal collection and assists in conducting various research or field conservation projects.
Head Keeper/Aquarist
Supervises a section or department of the institution; provides training and scheduling for keepers.
Senior Keeper/Aquarist
Provides primary animal care for a department.
Keeper/Aquarist
Provides daily care to the institution's animals, including diet preparation, cleaning, general exhibit maintenance, and record keeping.
Operations Director/Manager
Responsible for the daily operation of the institution's physical plant and equipment.
Curator of Exhibits
Creates exhibits and assists in the design of graphics.
Curator of Horticulture
Responsible for the botanical collection and its application to the animal collection, as well as daily maintenance of the institution's grounds.
Curator of Education
Plans and implements the institution's education programs.
Public Relations/Affairs Manager/Director
Promotes the institution, its mission, and its programs to the public via the media.
Development Director/Officer
Develops and manages fund-raising activities which can include writing grant proposals and attracting corporate sponsors, as well as soliciting private donations.
Marketing Director/Manager
Creates advertising campaigns and other activities to increase public awareness of the institution.
Special Events Manager/Coordinator
Develops and implements events to attract visitors throughout the year.
Membership Director/Manager
Responsible for maintaining and increasing institution memberships for families and individuals and designing special events for members only. May also be in charge of "adopt-an-animal" programs to raise funds.
Gift Shop Manager
Manages staff and all aspects of gift shop operation from buying products to designing shops.
Visitor Services Manager
Supervises the staff and facilities that cater to the visiting public including concessions and restrooms.
Personnel Manager/Director
Responsible for all personnel matters including payroll, insurance, and tax matters.
Volunteer Coordinator
Responsible for recruiting and maintaining a staff of volunteers/docents. Duties include scheduling docents for on- and off-grounds activities and keeping docents abreast of new developments to relate to the public.
Docent/Volunteer
Duties may include diet preparation, small animal care, teaching educational programs, leading group tours, and staffing special events.
Junior Keeper
Some institutions offer a summer program for high school students who wish to volunteer in a zoo or aquarium setting. Duties are often similar to those of other volunteers, but they are supervised much more closely.
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/kids/job_profiles.htmlhttp://www.seaworld.org/career-resources/info-books/zoo-careers/index.htmhttp://www.aazk.org/zoo_career.php