How to Be Naturalist Keeper - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 26, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The effects of climate change on biodiversity can be devastating. Increasing global temperatures, melting glaciers and rising sea levels are all contributing to changes in ecosystems and habitats around the world. As habitats are altered and disrupted, species are forced to adapt or relocate, leading to an overall decrease in biodiversity.

higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leads to increased ocean acidity, which can disrupt or even destroy coral reefs, essential habitats for a variety of marine life. As these habitats are destroyed, the biodiversity of the affected ocean regions is significantly reduced. Consequently, it is essential that humans take steps to reduce their carbon footprint and limit their emissions of greenhouse gases in order to help preserve biodiversity and ensure the health of our planet's ecosystems.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. Naturalist Keepers usually hold a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in a field such as zoology, ecology, biology, environmental science, or another related field.
Obtain Relevant Work Experience. Naturalist Keepers typically have at least one year of experience in a role related to the care and maintenance of animals and plants. This could include positions such as animal caretaking, veterinary assistant, zoo keeper, park ranger, and many other positions.
Obtain Certification. Many states require Naturalist Keepers to obtain certification in order to work in the field. This requires completing a state-approved course and passing an exam.
Apply For Jobs. Once you have the necessary education and experience to be a Naturalist Keeper, you can begin applying for jobs. You can find job openings on websites such as Indeed, Monster, and LinkedIn.
Complete On-the-Job Training. Once you have been hired for a Naturalist Keeper position, you will likely need to complete an on-the-job training program. This could include topics such as safety protocols, animal handling techniques, and plant identification.
Maintain Certifications. To keep your Naturalist Keeper certification active, you may need to complete additional courses or take tests in order to maintain your certification.

In order to stay ahead and efficient as a Naturalist Keeper, it is important to stay organized, keep up with trends in the field, and invest in the right tools and resources. Being organized means having a clear plan of action that outlines the tasks that need to be accomplished, and creating a timeline to ensure they are completed on time. Keeping up with trends in the field will help keepers stay informed on the latest developments and research, and can help them identify potential opportunities.

Investing in the right tools and resources, such as reliable equipment and software, can help keepers work more effectively, saving time and money. By following these steps, Naturalist Keepers can stay ahead and efficient in their field.

You may want to check Lodge Keeper, Bird Keeper, and Innkeeper for alternative.

Job Description

Lead Naturalist Keeper: Responsible for leading and managing the daily operations of the naturalist keeper staff, including supervising and training staff, developing and implementing animal husbandry protocols, and monitoring animal health and welfare.
Animal Caretaker: Responsible for providing daily care for the animals, including cleaning habitats, preparing food, administering medical treatments, and monitoring animal health and behavior.
Educator: Responsible for creating and delivering educational programs about the animals in the zoo, including public talks, demonstrations, and interactive activities.
Exhibit Designer: Responsible for designing and building exhibits to create naturalistic environments for the animals that meet the needs of the animals and maximize public viewing opportunities.
Research Assistant: Responsible for conducting research on the animals in the zoo, including collecting data on behavior, diet, reproduction, and health status.
Vet Technician: Responsible for providing medical care to the animals, including performing routine check-ups and diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries.
Nutritionist: Responsible for developing diet plans and recipes for the animals to ensure they receive the proper nutrition.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of animal behavior and biology
Ability to recognize signs of health and illness in animals
Knowledge of animal husbandry techniques
Ability to observe and document animal behavior
Skill in handling and restraining animals
Ability to use tools and equipment related to animal care
Ability to provide enrichment activities for animals
Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, other staff and the public
Ability to adhere to established health and safety protocols
Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Having the right skillset is essential for a Naturalist Keeper, as it is their job to provide care and management for a variety of animals and plants. The most important skill for a Naturalist Keeper to possess is an understanding of animal behavior, including knowledge on how to recognize signs of stress or illness in animals. This skill is necessary in order to be able to provide the best possible care to the animals in the keepers care.

having good organizational skills helps the keeper to keep track of daily responsibilities and appointments. They must also have an in-depth understanding of the health needs of their animals, and be able to properly administer any necessary treatments. Lastly, a commitment to safety is also essential for a Naturalist Keeper, as they must ensure that the animals and plants in their care are safe at all times.

These skills are essential for a successful Naturalist Keeper, as they allow them to provide the best possible care and management for the animals and plants they are responsible for.

Collection Keeper, Grocery Keeper, and Property Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with animals?
What techniques do you use to ensure animal safety?
How do you maintain a safe and productive environment for both animals and visitors?
How do you handle difficult situations involving animals?
What strategies do you employ to monitor and protect animals in your care?
How have you incorporated education and conservation into your work as a naturalist keeper?
What experience do you have with handling hazardous materials or using specialized equipment?
What methods do you use to assess the health of animals in your care?
How do you collaborate with other zookeepers and staff to ensure the best possible care for the animals?
How would you handle an animal that is exhibiting signs of distress or illness?

Common Tools in Industry

Hand Lenses. Magnifying lenses used to observe small details of specimens. (eg: examining a butterfly)
Tweezers. Tool used to pick up or manipulate small objects. (eg: picking up a beetle)
Forceps. Tool used to securely hold and move specimens. (eg: handling a snake)
Nets. Device used to capture and contain specimens. (eg: trapping a bird)
Scales. Tool used to measure weight and size of specimens. (eg: weighing a frog)
Data Loggers. Electronic devices used to track environmental information. (eg: measuring air temperature)
Computer Software. Application used to store and analyze data collected from specimens. (eg: recording bird migration patterns)
GPS Units. Portable devices used to locate and track specimens in the wild. (eg: tracking a turtle)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Zoo Keepers
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
International Species Information System
Association of Field Ornithologists
International Union for Conservation of Nature
Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles
National Audubon Society
The Wildlife Society
National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association
Safari Club International

We also have Bakery Keeper, Dairy Keeper, and Archive Keeper jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Taxonomy. The science of identifying, naming, and classifying organisms in an ordered system.
Biodiversity. The variety of life on Earth, including species, ecosystems, and genetic variation.
Ecology. The scientific study of the interactions between living organisms and their environment.
Conservation. The management and protection of natural resources such as plants, animals, habitats, and ecosystems.
Endangered Species. A species whose numbers are so reduced that they are at risk of extinction.
Habitat. The area or environment in which an organism lives.
Behavioural Ecology. The study of how an organisms behaviour is adapted to its environment.
Ecosystem. A system composed of living organisms and their nonliving environment, interacting as a unit.
Natural Selection. The process by which organisms best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
Evolution. The process by which new species arise from existing ones over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Naturalist Keeper?

Naturalist Keeper is a web and mobile app that allows users to record and track their observations of nature. It helps users to identify and learn about the plants and animals around them.

How does Naturalist Keeper work?

Naturalist Keeper uses your location and time of day to suggest nearby species for you to observe, as well as a library of over 850,000 species to search through. You can then add your observations, photos, and notes to create a digital field guide of your discoveries.

How much does Naturalist Keeper cost?

Naturalist Keeper is free to use with no additional cost.

What features does Naturalist Keeper offer?

Naturalist Keeper offers features such as species identification, virtual field trips, tracking of observations, and the ability to create a digital field guide. It also has a built-in social platform that allows users to share their observations and connect with other naturalist enthusiasts.

What are the benefits of using Naturalist Keeper?

Using Naturalist Keeper can help people gain a better understanding of the natural world around them by providing access to a wealth of information on species identification and behavior. It can also help to foster a sense of community and connection with others who share a passion for nature.