Do these things help you in a job interview and what is this?

[MrPlatypus]

Hey guys i'm new to this site and i'm a wannabe Zookeeper, so please no hate! Thank You!

I was just wondering would any of these things help me stand out from the crowd at a job interview for a job in a zoo?

Tractor license
First aid certificate
Shooting license

I also heard that some places do summer courses for certain topics, like "Practical Incubation" or "Wildlife Rehab". Does anyone know where these courses are held and what courses would help me?

I also want to know what a Taxon Advisory Group is and how to get involved with it?

Thanks guys i really appreciate this!

 

[MrPlatypus]

Seriously no one wants to help me

 

[CGSwans]

I would guess all three qualifications would be of benefit, particularly first aid. Then the gun license and tractor license in that order. Most zoos don't use tractors, let's be honest, but I don't think having it would be a *bad* thing.

Expect questions about whether you're a hunter, if you have a gun license.

I can't tell you anything about those courses. I didn't look to see where you are located but there will be websites in your country that index courses. Search for "wildlife" related courses and see how you go.

A Taxon Advisory Group is made up of zoo staff who specialise in the management of a particular group of animals (primates, for instance, or reptiles). They typically have responsibility for working with zoos to set priorities for regional collection planning across zoos, and will oversee breeding programs for managed species.

Best of luck. I'm not a zoo professional, just an enthusiast, so don't treat what I say as gospel. Just informed opinion.

 

[Hix]

Re the tractor license - depends on the zoo. If you are working in a large open range zoo like Whipsnade, a tractor license may well be of benefit for a keeper. Not so much in a city zoo like Regents Park. If you were working as ancillary staff at the zoo (they usually have labourers and buiders etc) then it might help, especially if the license can be used for other heavy vehicles like front-end loaders.



Hix