animal evolution
The evolutionary history of animals and the development of species and their behaviour through domestication.
Zoo educators teach visitors about the animals living at the zoo/aquarium as well as other species and habitats. They provide information about management of zoos, its collection of animals, and wildlife conservation. Zoo educators can be involved in both formal and informal learning opportunities ranging from production of information signs at enclosures to delivering classroom sessions linked to school or university curricula. Depending on the size of the organisation the education team may be a single person or a large team. Consequently the optional skills required are very broad and will vary from organisation to organisation. Zoo educators also promote conservation efforts. This can involve work within the zoo but also in the field as part of any zoo outreach project(s).
Competences and skills
32 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 3 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
3 competencesapplied zoology
The science of applying animal anatomy, physiology, ecology, and behaviour in a particular practical context.
zoo community
Zoo and aquarium community on a local, regional and global scale. Zoo membership associations, their guiding principles and how this might affect management of individual institutions within the wider community.
Cross-sector
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Essential skills and competences 12 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
4 competencesconduct educational activities
Plan, perform and supervise educational activities for a variety of audiences, such as for school children, university students, specialist groups, or members of the public.
educate people about nature
Speak to a variety of audiences about e.g. information, concepts, theories and/or activities related to nature and its conservation. Produce written information. This information may be presented in a range of formats e.g. display signs, information sheets, posters, website text etc.
green
establish educational network
Establish a sustainable network of useful and productive educational partnerships to explore business opportunities and collaborations, as well as stay current about trends in education and topics relevant to the organisation. Networks should ideally be developed on a local, regional, national and international scale.
study topics
Carry out effective research on relevant topics to be able to produce summary information appropriate to different audiences. The research may involve looking at books, journals, the internet, and/or verbal discussions with knowledgeable persons.
Cross-sector
8 competencesapply teaching strategies
Employ various approaches, learning styles, and channels to instruct students, such as communicating content in terms they can understand, organising talking points for clarity, and repeating arguments when necessary. Use a wide range of teaching devices and methodologies appropriate to the class content, the learners' level, goals, and priorities.
- Scope note
- This includes the use of teaching devices such as diagrams and other visual aids.
build community relations
Establish affectionate and long-lasting relationships with local communities, e.g. by organising special programms for kindergarden, schools and for dissabled and older people, raising awareness and receiving community appreciation in return.
communicate with target community
Identify and implement the best channels of communication for the community you are looking to work with.
coordinate educational programmes
Plan and coordinate educational and public outreach programs such as workshops, tours, lectures and classes.
coordinate events
Lead events by managing budget, logistics, event support, security, emergency plans and follow up.
develop educational resources
Create and develop educational resources for visitors, school groups, families and special interest groups.
ensure cross-department cooperation
Guarantee communication and cooperation with all the entities and teams in a given organisation, according to the company strategy.
fix meetings
Fix and schedule professional appointments or meetings for clients or superiors.
Optional knowledge 2 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
1 competenceanimal training
Animal responses to specific conditions or stimuli. Animal behaviour, ethology, learning theory, training methods, equipment, as well as communicating and working with animals and humans.
Cross-sector
1 competenceecology
The study of how organisms interact and their relation to the ambient environment.
green
Optional skills and competences 15 competences
Occupation specific
2 competencesdevelop craft activities
Develop craft related activities for use with members of the public e.g. face painting, colouring in, mask making. Where possible ensure these activities are linked to relevant educational outcomes.
supervise craft activities
Supervise craft related activities for use with members of the public e.g. face painting, colouring-in, mask making, ensuring that these activities are carried out safely.
Sector-specific
6 competencescontrol 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.
integrate community outreach
Integrate community outreach within conservation projects to encompass knowledge, social and emotional aspects of learning and engagement.
integrate content into output media
Compile and integrate media and text content into online and offline systems, such as websites, platforms, applications and social media, for publishing and distribution.
digital
manage volunteers
Coordinate a staff of volunteers. Manage their tasks, recruitment, programmes and budgets.
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.'
train livestock and captive animals
Train animals to facilitate their routine husbandry, for treatment, and/or public demonstrations.
Cross-sector
7 competencesbrief volunteers
Brief volunteers and introduce them into the professional work environment.
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.
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.
manage budgets
Plan, monitor, report on the budget and prepare set production budgets.
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
speak different languages
Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.
research
use learning strategies
Use different channels of perception, learning styles, strategies and methods to acquire knowledge, know-how, skills and competences.