4-H Animal Science Resource Blog

STEM Connections, know-how & Inspiration

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So You Want to Work in a Zoo?

November 6, 2020

This past July, 4-H Program Associates Amelia Valente and Brittany Rigg held a S.T.E.P (Short Term Exploratory Program) called Career Detectives. The mission of this program was to expose youth to zoo careers they might be interested in pursuing. Participants virtually connected with several professionals in the field, including Zoo Keepers, Behavioral Specialists, Water Quality Technicians, Diet Specialists, and Herpetologists. These discussions provided members an understanding of the types of careers available and the types of undergraduate degrees to pursue. The members thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the professionals appreciated sharing their knowledge!

The capstone requirement for this program was to create a one-page info sheet about a career of interest. Below are five examples. Check it out – maybe you will discover your future career too! Learn more about careers by looking into the Association for Zoos and Aquariums.

Capstone Project #1

Capstone Project #2

Capstone Project #3

Capstone Project #4

Capstone Project #5

A very special thank you to all of the members who participated: Paul C., Brayden C., Rose F., Claire F., Russel G., Christian L., Scout L., Kayla M., Kristen M., Naomi M., Isabela S., Cat S., Julianne S., Liam W.  Stay tuned to Rutgers 4-H from Home for more programs like this!

By Amelia Valente, Ocean County 4-H Program Associate, Rutgers Cooperative Extension.

Filed Under: Alpaca/Llama, Career Profile, Dairy Cattle, Dog, Goat, Herpetology, Horse and Pony, Poultry, Rabbit/Cavy/Small Animal, Sheep, Swine Tagged With: careers, Habitat Specialist, Herpetologist, Ichthyologist, Nutritionist, Zoo, Zoo Curator, Zoo Keeping

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A Project of New Jersey 4-H Youth Development

New Jersey 4-H provides educational outreach programming for youth in grades K-13 (one year out of high school) through 4-H clubs, special interest programs, school enrichment, afterschool programs, and overnight camping.

Regardless of the subject matter – whether it be science, healthy living or citizenship, 4-H uses a learn-by-doing approach to help youth learn responsibility, community awareness and character development.

New Jersey 4-H Youth Development is a department of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.

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