The Program.

Transfer Information

Learning Outcomes

Degree Requirements.

For More Information.

JCC Online Catalog

SUNY General Education Requirements.

Animal Management Program HomePage

New York State Zoo
Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Animal Management, A.A.S.
HEGIS Code 5403

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

To learn more about the Animal Management program and see what students in the program are doing, go to the official Animal Management website. This site has information such as frequently asked questions, a list of upcoming events and more!

Zoo and aquarium employees have the opportunity to educate the public about the critical need for the conservation of wildlife and wild land. This responsibility assures an interesting and rewarding career, but the profession requires more than a commitment to conservation. It requires hard work and an education.

Animal Keepers are directly responsible for the care of animals and their enclosures. Job duties and titles vary by employment location, but there are several responsibilities all keepers have in common: they clean enclosures, prepare diets, and monitor behavior of the animals. Keepers feed, water, groom, and exercise animals. They also provide the animals with enrichment activities. Animal caretakers must be alert to behavioral changes that could indicate illness or injury. They sometimes assist in research studies and give interpretive lectures to the public.

Much of the work may be physically demanding. Keepers generally work outdoors in all kinds of weather. Animals require attention 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most full-time keepers work about forty hours per week, some work fifty hours per week or more. It takes a special kind of dedication to provide care for captive animals.

In spite of the odd hours and hard work, keeper jobs are at a premium and the rewards are great. Competition is fierce, but the job outlook is good as opportunities continue to expand. Applicants with educational credentials coupled with hands-on experience and skill will enjoy enhanced employment opportunities, particularly if they are willing to explore job availabilities throughout the country.

The Animal Management degree may lead to employment in public and private zoos, aquariums, animal attractions, boarding kennels, and other animal care facilities. The degree can also serve as a stepping stone for study in bachelor degree programs in biology or zoology. Salaries for zoo and aquarium employees vary depending on the institution and its location. Institutions located in metropolitan areas generally offer higher salaries. An animal keeper's salary can range from minimum wage to more than $30,000 a year, depending on skills and tenure.

This program does not prepare students for the Veterinary Technician profession.

THE PROGRAM

This degree program is designed to train students for employment as zookeepers, zoo educators, or in other animal care related positions. It can also prepare them for further studies in biology or zoology. The program will provide students with a realistic perspective of the duties and job of zookeeper by offering hands-on experience in domestic and exotic animal management through clinical laboratories each semester. The New York State Zoo at Thompson Park and the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse are the primary clinical sites and provide students with the opportunity to work alongside zookeepers. veterinarians, curators, educators, and administrators. Experience at other animal care facilities will provide a broad learning experience. Course work will focus on zoo animal management, but the care and management of domestic species will also be used to illustrate the fundamental principles of animal husbandry and provide additional hands-on experience. While not required as part of the program, summer internships at other animal facilities are encouraged and may be facilitated. The program will also provide coursework that focuses on animal biology, behavior, and nutrition. Additional general education courses add breadth to the program.

Students planning to enter JCC’s Animal Management program should have developed strong written and analytical skills. High school preparation should include three or more years of math and English. Some students may require skill building before entering the program.

Graduates planning to continue their education can focus on one of several baccalaureate degrees including, but not limited to, zoo management and environmental studies. The animal management program will provide valuable experience for any individual entering an animal related career. However, careful transfer planning is recommended to maximize transfer credit. Clinical and seminar courses are unique to this program and may not transfer to other schools.

Students graduating from the Animal Management program with an A.A.S. degree will meet the following learning outcomes:

• obtain a broad understanding of animal care theory, including animal husbandry, exhibitry, terminology, behavior, training, genetics, reproduction, nutrition, conservation, and research;
• gain valuable hands-on experience working with domestic and exotic animals;
• be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

All degree requirements and courses listed are effective Fall of 2009 and are subject to change.

* Chosen from the following Biology courses with the assistance of an advisor: BIO 111, BIO 112, BIO 131*, Bio 132. BIO 112 is the preferred choice.

Advising Notes:

• * Course will transfer into Canton Veterinary Technician Program
• ** AMG 275 & AMG 276 Internships can be done in Semester 2, Summer Semester, or Semester 3
• *** Recommend PSY 133 Introduction to Psychology; PSY 133 will transfer to Canton Veterinary Technician Program
• ## Recommend general education course; depending on choice, course may transfer to Canton Veterinary Technician Program

The curricula offered by the College require certain Liberal Arts core courses in the area of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Science or Mathematics. The following indicates areas of study acceptable in meeting these requirements.

For further information regarding this program, please contact any of the following faculty: 

Dr. Mark Irwin, Assistant Professor of Biology 
(315) 786-2342  mirwin@sunyjefferson.edu

Dr. Monica G. LeClerc, Associate Professor of Biology
(315) 786-2343 mleclerc@sunyjefferson.edu

Dr. Todd Vincent, Assistant Professor of Biology
(315)7862517  tvincent@sunyjefferson.edu

For application and admissions information please contact: 
admissions@sunyjefferson.edu
Admissions Office (315) 786-2277 
  (or Toll Free 1-888-435-6522. Ask for Admissions.)
Jefferson Community College 
1220 Coffeen St. 
Watertown, NY  13601 
www.sunyjefferson.edu