MSU Extension 4-H Careers & Entrepreneurship

When one thinks of jobs and careers with animals, they might first think of animal production, research and veterinary care. But opportunities are much broader than that when you include all the caretakers and staff that work with fish, amphibians, aquatic species and everything in their living environments. Whether thriving as a pet, part of landscape, living in nature or through production farming as a food source, these creatures bring together the previously mentioned plus animal and plant sciences, biology, zoology, fisheries and wildlife, environmental sciences and more.

According to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) “all zoo and aquarium employees have the opportunity to educate the public about the critical need for the conservation of wildlife and wild lands.” This responsibility ensures an interesting and rewarding career, but the profession requires more than a commitment to conservation - it requires hard work. Zoo and aquarium employment is not always glamorous. Much of the work requires physical strength, as well as the ability to make detailed observations and keep information up to date. It takes a special kind of dedication to provide care for captive animals that require attention 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in all types of weather.

The AZA website also includes a list of related jobs and careers with brief descriptions of each. AZA says that “although practical experience with animals may sometimes be substituted for academic training, most entry-level keeper positions now require a four-year college degree.” The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates “overall employment of animal care and service workers is projected to grow 15% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.” Entry level positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, experience with animals and on the job training.

Want to learn more? 4-H can help develop or enhance the life skills needed to be successful with these types of jobs and careers. This includes things like following directions, problem-solving, attention to detail, social and communication skills, keeping records and teamwork. If a job or career working with aquatic animal health is of interest to you, explore these pre-college events and programs to build your awareness and experience:

• World Food Prize Michigan Youth Institute
• 4-H Exploration Days
• 4-H Animal and Veterinary Science Camp
• 4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resources Camp
• Wild Spartans Series

Michigan State University Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development help to prepare young people for successful futures. As a result of career exploration and workforce preparation activities, thousands of Michigan youth are better equipped to make important decisions about their professional future, ready to contribute to the workforce and able to take fiscal responsibility in their personal lives. For more information or resources on career exploration, workforce preparation, financial education or entrepreneurship, contact 4-HCareerPrep@msu.edu.