Become a Zookeeper

The Zoo Animal Technology A.S. degree is designed to prepare students to go directly to work in the animal care field. We assign students the role of zookeeper at our AZA-accredited Teaching Zoo. Through classroom education and hands-on experience in our zoo, students are exposed to most aspects of daily operations of a zoo and are ready for employment upon graduating.

The Zoology A.A. degree is basic university transfer degree and equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. The specific zoology track helps guide students through transfer requirements for your chosen college or university.

Yes. The Zoo Animal Technology program requires that students work and take classes during the summer term. Depending on when you begin the program you may work one or two summer terms.

Yes. The animals need daily care and the SF Teaching Zoo is open to the public seven days a week. We treat weekends and holidays like a regular weekday. You are required to work one weekend day per week. If a holiday falls on a day you are normally scheduled, you are required to be here. You will work through semester breaks and summer. There will be no time during your five consecutive semesters in which you will be able to go home for an extended period. Absences, other then a few designated sick/vacation days, will affect your grade.

Your zoo schedule is between 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and is demanding, so part-time jobs must be flexible. Evening and weekend positions work the best. Your weekend, holiday and break work will be scheduled ahead of time so you will be able to arrange your job around your zoo schedule. Typically, employment in the service industry (restaurants, etc.) has the most flexible hours. Veterinary offices have also been a source of employment for many of our students.

SF will accept transfer credits from another accredited institution as long as they are the same or similar to our general education requirements. You must make a "C" or better in order to transfer the credits. If you have questions on what will or will not transfer contact the program advisor at zooadvisor@sfcollege.edu. If possible, please make sure your official transcripts are on file with SF’s Office of the Registrar.

An approximate cost for in-state students, including fees, supplies, books and all general education classes is about $10,000. For out-of-state students the approximate cost would be about $28,500. Please visit our program page for additional information regarding total program cost: sfcollege.edu/programs/3106.

Apply for financial aid well in advance (at least six months before entering program). Visit the Financial Aid website here: sfcollege.edu/fa.

No. Fortunately, Gainesville is a college town and finding suitable housing is not too difficult. There are numerous apartment complexes in the area and most of them cater to the needs of students.

Based on our last survey, our placement rate is 85 percent. Professors give students the tools to help find employment in the field including doing mock interviews, showing students how to construct a professional resume, and how to write a cover letter. We participate in an internship programs program that hire five students, as well as host a career day for all our graduating seniors. We host zoos and aquariums from around our area to interview students for open positions they may have. We also have extensive contact with many zoos throughout the country and they keep us up-to-date on their job openings which we send to students/graduates consistently. Students should treat their time in this program like a job. Staff gives truthful recommendations to inquiring employers.

If you have not passed College Composition 1 (ENC1101) and College Algebra (MAC1105) with “C” or better in college or through and AP course, you will need to take a placement test.