| |
|
| Many of you already know about our great
education programs. Your kids have enjoyed Zoo Camp or
preschool programs. Your family has listened to the educational
stories while riding the monorail. Or maybe your kids
talked non-stop about the Zoomobile visit to their school.
It takes many people and lots of planning to produce our
education and outreach programs. In addition to knowing
everything about the animals, they prepare lesson plans,
write stories and scripts, create fun classroom activities,
lead tours, and in some cases bring the animals to you.
A zoo educator's day is always different. One day
they may be encouraging preschoolers to touch a snake
and describe how its skin feels. The next day they
could be demonstrating the importance of dolphin blubber
for a group of fourth graders. On a third day, they
might be explaining the concept of biodiversity to high
school students or adult visitors. Zoo educators
use a wide variety of interpretive tools including live
animals, biofacts, crafts and activities to help zoo visitors
better understand the amazing world of animals and how
humans can help conserve wildlife.
|
“The variety in each day, I never know what I may be doing…bail
hay into the hay barn, sing animals songs with preschoolers, spend the day at
my computer, or watch a calf being born at the farm.”
Melanie Sorensen, Education Coordinator
Read more quotes |
Animals as roommates when we're on the road —the Opossum is my least
favorite roommate because she usually goes to the bathroom about 3:00 AM and
then makes noise until I get up and clean her crate for her.
Kevin Wier, Supervisor, Zoomobile Program
Read more quotes
|
Zoo Educator:
Most Zoo educators have four year degrees in
Biology, Zoology, environmental education or outdoor education.
Many have teaching degrees as well. The number one qualification
is that you have to like kids! While zoo educators work
with all ages - our number one audience are kids in preschool
through 6th grade.
Having experience with animals also helps as many of our
educators handle animals in the classroom such as snakes,
insects, and small mammals. Enthusiasm and energy are very
important. Our teachers create magical learning environments
where students can discover how amazing animals really are.
One of the best ways you can find out if zoo education is
right for you is to give it a shot. If you are a younger student
take a class or two at your local zoo and see if you like
it. For older students, many zoos (including the Minnesota
Zoo) have teen volunteer programs where you can assist zoo
educators and help younger kids learn. If you are already
in college - consider applying for an internship in the education
department. This is a great way to gain experience and network
with zoo professionals. Zoo education is an exciting and growing
field. If you like both kids and animals - this might be the
perfect job for you!
Zoomobile Naturalist
The job of being a Zoomobile Naturalist involves lots of
combinations. You are both a zookeeper and a teacher,
an educator as and an entertainer, a people person and an
animal person. Preparation for a career in this field would
begin in High School taking and doing well in science and
communication related fields.
A 4 year college degree is necessary. The specific degree
isn’t crucial but something with heavy emphasis on animal
science, natural resources, biology, ecology, education, communications,
even marketing because you will be marketing the zoo and its
animals in everything you do.
As far as experience goes, it’s never too early to start
volunteering and seeking out internships at zoo’s, nature
centers, veterinary clinics, animal rehabilitation clinics.
Public speaking is also an area where you will want to try
and accumulate some experience.
The most important combination of skills for a Zoomobile
Naturalist is to have some knowledge of animals, environment,
and conservation and the ability to communicate that knowledge
in an interesting way. You can have all the facts and figures
in the world but they won’t mean much if people don’t
want to listen to you.
Opportunities at the Zoo
Internships
Career Days
Volunteer
Current job openings at the Minnesota Zoo
|
|