Zoologist
Job Summary
Responsible for observing, researching, and studying the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. Collects samples, analyzes data, creates theories, and works with officials to preserve wildlife.
Primary Responsibilities
- Observe and study the structure, embryology, evolution, classification, habits, and distribution of all animals, both living and extinct.
- Oversee the care and distribution of animals in a zoo.
- Performs fundraising and public relations.
- Determine the best way to contain the animals, maintain their habitats, and manage the facility.
- Provide the daily care of feeding, cleaning, and monitoring the animals and their habitats.
- Design the zoo’s budget.
- Write articles for scientific journals and inform reporters for stories.
- Locate potential mates for zoo animals.
- Make the arrangements for an animal’s transport to a museum when it dies.
- Prepares the food according to each animal’s specialized diet.
- Supervises the animals and records their activities continuously.
- Answer the patrons’ questions and tactfully keep them from feeding or teasing the animals.
- Study the origin and development of species as well as their habits, behaviors and interactions.
- Research the development of animal diseases.
- Work outdoors in the field and in laboratories using a wide variety of scientific equipment.
- Conduct field research in remote areas and harsh climates.
- Do research to learn how animal diseases develop and how traits are passed from generation to generation.
- Study the life functions of a single animal, such as an insect, as well as the behavior of whole colonies of ants or flocks of birds.
- Dissect and examine animal specimens.