Zoo Section Leader Personal Service Workers

The science of applying animal anatomy, physiology, ecology, and behaviour in a particular practical context.

Recommended Books

1 book

The Principles of Applied Zoology

Robert a Wardle

2026

Universally recognized animal welfare needs as applied to species, situation and occupation. These are: need for a suitable environment need for a suitable diet need to be able to exhibit …

Recommended Books

1 book

Zoo Animal Welfare

Paul Rose, Zoe Newnham, …

2025

Aspects of how different animal species are fed and provided water. Different types of animal food, the quality criteria for animal food and methods to feed and give water to …

Physical, behavioural and environmental signs of health and ill health in various animals.

Administer specific drugs for synchronisation of breeding cycles to animals in accordance with veterinary and owner instructions. This includes the safe use and storage of drugs and equipment and record …

Administer animal medical interventions, including the treatments performed, medicines used, and assessments of the state of health.

Observe and evaluate the behaviour of animals in order to work with them safely and recognise deviations from normal behaviour that signal compromised health and welfare.

Assess the nutrition status of animals, diagnose dietary imbalances and prescribe correction.

Evaluate the management of a wide range of animals including the care, welfare and housing environment of animals in a zoo, wildlife park, stable, farm or animal research facility.

Assess the needs of the offspring and juvenile animals. Take appropriate action without delay in case of problems with the health of the offspring or juvenile.

Direct, control or restrain some or part of an animal's, or a group of animals', movement.

Lead events by managing budget, logistics, event support, security, emergency plans and follow up.

Delegate activities and tasks to others according to the ability, level of preparation, competence and legal scope of practice. Make sure that people understand what they should do and when …

Fix and schedule professional appointments or meetings for clients or superiors.

Lead, supervise and motivate a group of people, in order to meet the expected results within a given timeline and with the foreseen resources in mind.

Make sure animal enclosures such as habitats, terrariums, cages or kennels are in the appropriate and hygienic condition. Clean the enclosure and provide new bedding material if called for.

Regularly inspect and perform all required activities to maintain the equipment in functional order prior or after its use.

Produce and maintain records of work performed.

Plan and use appropriate biosafety measures to prevent transmission of diseases and ensure effective overall biosecurity. Maintain and follow biosecurity procedures and infection control when working with animals, including recognising …

Plan and use appropriate hygiene measures to prevent transmission of diseases and ensure an effective overall hygiene. Maintain and follow hygiene procedures and regulations when working with animals, communicate site …

Ensure clear and effective channels of communication across all departments within the organisation and support functions, both internally and externally ensuring that the team is aware of the standards and …

Monitor animals' physical condition and behaviour and report any concerns or unexpected changes, including signs of health or ill-health, appearance, condition of the animals' accommodation, intake of food and water …

Provide an enriching environment for animals to allow the expression of natural behaviour, and including adjusting environmental conditions, delivering feeding and puzzle exercises, and implementing manipulation, social, and training activities.

Administer emergency treatment to prevent deterioration of the condition, suffering and pain until veterinary assistance can be sought. Basic emergency treatment needs to be done by non-veterinarians prior to first-aid …

Provide food and water to animals. This includes preparing food and water for animals and reporting any changes in the animal feeding or drinking habits.

Evaluate the domain of the animal including the quantification of ventilation, space and living quarters and measure them against the "five freedoms": freedom from hunger or thirst, freedom from discomfort, …

Assist veterinarians by preparing both the animal and the equipment for medical procedures, and providing care and support to the animal undergoing a medical procedure.

Chairing a meeting for a group of people, in order to formulate plans and decisions that are carried out by the company.

Follow the zoo safety rules and regulations in order to ensure a safe working environment while working with the zoo animals, and to ensure the safety of zoo visitors.

Supervise, instruct and plan work for teams or individual members of the team. Set up time schedules and make sure they are followed.

Manage zoo staff, including zoo keeping staff at all levels and/or veterinarians and/or educators and/or horticulturalists.

Organise zoological exhibitions and the display of live animals and zoological collections.

Promote good practice and work with compassion to sustain and promote high standards of animal welfare at all times by adapting personal behaviour and managing environmental factors.

Be aware of the natural behaviour of animals and adapt captive environments to encourage this behaviour. This may involve changes to environments, diets, group compositions, husbandry routines etc.

Assist with the transportation of animals, including the loading and unloading of animals, the preparation of the transport vehicle, and maintaining the wellbeing of the animal throughout the transport process.

Plan, monitor and report on the budget.

Make the necessary preparations to conduct a training session. Provide equipment, supplies and exercise materials. Ensure the training runs smoothly.

Train animals to facilitate their routine husbandry, for treatment, and/or public demonstrations.

Conduct ecological and biological research in the field and in controlled conditions, using scientific methods and equipment.

Create clear, accountable, safe working protocols according to recognised zoo guidelines.

Assess the training needs of the animal and select appropriate methods and activities to meet training objectives.

Plan and operate processes involved in the transportation of animals. This includes planning activities such as selecting the form of transportation, planning the route, and preparing documentation. It also encompasses …

Speak about your work to different kinds of audiences. Illustrate aspects depending on the audience and the occasion.