applied zoology
The science of applying animal anatomy, physiology, ecology, and behaviour in a particular practical context.
Zoo section leaders are responsible for managing and leading a team of zoo keepers. They will carry out daily care and management of animals as well as, in cooperation with colleagues, long term management and organisation of the species and exhibits in their section. They are also accountable for various aspects of staff management for the keepers in their section. Depending on the size of the zoo and animal section they may have additional responsibility for appointing staff and budgeting.
Competences and skills
42 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 4 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
2 competencessigns of animal illness
Physical, behavioural and environmental signs of health and ill health in various animals.
Cross-sector
2 competencesanimal nutrition
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 animals.
animal welfare
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 normal behaviour patterns need to be housed with, or apart, from other animals need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.
green
Essential skills and competences 28 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
20 competencesadminister drugs to facilitate breeding
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 keeping.
administer treatment to animals
Administer animal medical interventions, including the treatments performed, medicines used, and assessments of the state of health.'
apply animal hygiene practices
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 hygiene controls and protocols to others. Manage the safe disposal of waste according to destination and local regulations.
assess animal behaviour
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 animal nutrition
Assess the nutrition status of animals, diagnose dietary imbalances and prescribe correction.
assess environment of animals
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, freedom from pain, injury or disease, freedom to express normal behaviour, freedom from fear and distress.
assess management of animals
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.
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assist in general veterinary medical procedures
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.
care for juvenile animals
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.
- Scope note
- This may include any methods for artificial rearing.
control animal movement
Direct, control or restrain some or part of an animal's, or a group of animals', movement.
- Scope note
- "Restrain" includes physical and mechanical means, and/or the use of chemical means under veterinary direction.
follow zoo safety precautions
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.
maintain animal accommodation hygienic
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.
manage animal biosecurity
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 potential health issues and taking appropriate action, communicating site hygiene control measures and biosecurity procedures, as well as reporting to others.
manage teamwork
Plan the working schedule of a group of people in order to meet all time and quality requirements. Supervise, support and instruct members of a team. Provide feedback to teams and individuals on work carried out.
manage zoo staff
Manage zoo staff, including zoo keeping staff at all levels and/or veterinarians and/or educators and/or horticulturalists.
organise zoological exhibitions
Organise zoological exhibitions and the display of live animals and zoological collections.
promote animal welfare
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.
green
provide an enriching environment for animals
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.'
provide first aid to animals
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 provided by a veterinarian. Non-veterinarians providing emergency treatment are expected to seek treatment by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
- Scope note
- Administer emergency treatment to prevent deterioration of the condition, suffering and pain until veterinary assistance can be sought.
provide nutrition to animals
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.'
Cross-sector
8 competenceschair a meeting
Chairing a meeting for a group of people, in order to formulate plans and decisions that are carried out by the company.
coordinate events
Lead events by managing budget, logistics, event support, security, emergency plans and follow up.
fix meetings
Fix and schedule professional appointments or meetings for clients or superiors.
lead a team
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.
maintain equipment
Regularly inspect and perform all required activities to maintain the equipment in functional order prior or after its use.
maintain professional records
Produce and maintain records of work performed.
manage a team
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 objectives of the department/business unit. Implement the disciplinary and grievance procedures as required ensuring that a fair and consistent approach to managing performance is consistently achieved. Assist in the recruitment process and manage, train and motivate employees to achieve/exceed their potential using effective performance management techniques. Encourage and develop a team ethic amongst all employees.
monitor the welfare of animals
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 and environmental conditions.
green
Optional skills and competences 10 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
5 competencesassist in transportation of animals
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.
breed reptiles
Prepare a suitable environment for reptile breeding. Select and prepare the appropriate terrariums for specific kinds of reptiles. Monitor the reptile's growth and health and ensure correct feeding. Identify when the reptiles are ready for trade, consumption, scientific or other purposes.
design training programmes for animals
Assess the training needs of the animal and select appropriate methods and activities to meet training objectives.
manage the transportation of animals
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 preparation activities undertaken prior to transportation, such as completing paperwork and labelling, and selecting and preparing the appropriate transport container according to the species, age, weight, and number of animals, the duration of the journey, and the food and water requirements.
train livestock and captive animals
Train animals to facilitate their routine husbandry, for treatment, and/or public demonstrations.
Cross-sector
5 competencesconduct ecological research
Conduct ecological and biological research in a field, under controlled conditions and using scientific methods and equipment.
green
create safe working protocols
Create clear, accountable, safe working protocols according to recognised zoo guidelines.
manage budgets
Plan, monitor, report on the budget and prepare set production budgets.
organise training
Make the necessary preparations to conduct a training session. Provide equipment, supplies and exercise materials. Ensure the training runs smoothly.
speak about your work in public
Speak about your work to different kinds of audiences. Illustrate aspects depending on the audience and the occasion.