Living Collections- Assistant Animal Keeper
Danielle Grinstead
Living Collections- Assistant Animal Keeper
About the Position
Among the world’s largest science centers, The Boston Museum of Science sees nearly five million people per year. The Museum of Science offers an array of career opportunities such as customer service and animal care. As an accredited zoo by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the museum is home to over 150 species in their Live Animal Care Center and Carden Walk & Insect Zoo. The Assistant Animal Keeper will be responsible for providing daily care to a variety of animals and habitats. In addition, the Assistant Animal Keeper will also be expected to provide an exceptional visitor experience by upholding high professional standards. The position will require regular development and presentations of the museum’s living collection via programs and interpretational activities.
Question & Answer
How did you find this position?
I found this position by typing “Entomology” on Indeed.
Summarize the Minimum Qualifications in your own words and emphasize the skills relevant to language majors.
The minimum qualification are to have at least 6 months experience in animal care. In terms of education, it is expected you have at least a Post-high school coursework, technical degree, associate’s degree, business or vocational certificate. Since you will be working with animals it is expected you can work with domesticated and non-domesticated animals. Also important is the ability to interact with and communicate efficiently with guests. Seeing as the museum attracts lots of tourists from all over the world, knowing a foreign language can help make their experience more enjoyable.
Summarize the Preferred Qualifications in your own words and emphasize the skills relevant to language majors.
Though the Preferred Qualifications were not explicity given, I made inferences based on the given responsibilities of the position. Thus, one will need public engagement skills, organizational skills, physical stamina, team collaboration, animal care knowledge and willingness to clean.
What are some other skills that are important for success in this field?
Some other important skills are critical thinking, teamwork, application of knowledge (concerning the species) in real-world settings (to the public), including civic skills. Creative thinking in regard to planning and developing programs. Ability to communicate/work with people from different cultural backgrounds (tourist, co workers, reaching out/networking to outside sources). Ability to integrate ideas/info across settings and context.
What might be helpful to prepare for a language major to prepare for this field or position?
Since a language skill is not the most prominent skill necessary for an assistant animal keeper position, some things that may be helpful to prepare are a bachelor’s degree in an animal-related field such as animal behavior, animal science, zoology, biology, etc. Furthermore, an associate’s degree: From a college that specializes in zoology or internships that will help you develop animal handling and observation skills are also important.
How is proficiency in another language useful or important in this position?
Knowing another language will be useful when interacting with the public in case you have a visitor whom English is not their first language, to enrich their experience. Also if the position requires working with foreign colleagues domestically and internationally this can help facilitate collaborations.
How is the ability to communicate and work with people from different cultural backgrounds useful or important in this position?
Having the ability to communicate and work with people from different cultural backgrounds is useful and important because it makes the working environment more inclusive and welcoming. In addition, you can get perspectives on how people from different backgrounds handle animals and can help with innovation in regards to animal care.
Anything else interesting to share about the position?
Some additional information about this position is that you will need to create and present 2+ interactive programs or interpretations weekly. Plus, you will have to monitor public interactions within the Garden Walk and Insect Zoo for up to two hours daily.
