Which involve an understanding of living things

Science and Technology Careers

Cynthia schultz

Zoo KeeperIf you've always liked visiting the zoo, have a general love of all kinds of animals, and don't mind their smell, becoming a zookeeper may be the ideal career for you.

Zookeepers look after the daily needs of animals in zoos. They are the people you see feeding the animals, washing them, cleaning their cages, and at times even cleaning their ears and brushing their teeth! Each zoo usually hires a few zookeepers. Each

keeper looks after certain animals in the zoo, perhaps safari animals, wild cats or even just snakes.

On an average day, zookeepers prepare the different foods for the animals they are responsible for and feed them according to the animals’ meal schedules. These meals may be given several times throughout the day. The animals' cages need cleaning, which is done in between feeding times. Cleaning cages can be a messy, smelly job.

At times, there may be extra duties such as repairing cages. Zookeepers may have to fix wire fences to keep the public away from the tigers and lions or put up signs telling the public not to feed the monkeys.

While the zookeepers are working at these tasks, visitors to the zoo may ask zookeepers a lot of questions about the animals. Zookeepers must know the answers to these questions. Also, they are responsible for making sure certain zoo rules are followed. For instance, if someone is feeding popcorn to the monkeys, a zookeeper must tell the person not to do this, and why.

Zookeepers also keep records of the animals' feedings, and watch animals' behaviour. If a zookeeper notices that an animal is behaving unusually, he or she tells tell the zoologist, who will examine the animal for signs of illness or injury. Animals sometimes get sick, and zoologists may direct zookeepers to administer medicine to animals.

Education

In addition to experience working with animals, most zoos require their zookeepers to have a formal education. To work in some zoo positions, a degree in biology or zoology may be required, while in others a diploma in veterinary technology or animal care will be sufficient. Zoos provide new employees with on-the-job training.

If you would like to advance to the position of zoologist (a scientist who studies animals), you will need to get a master’s degree or PhD in zoology. This requires many years of study at university.

Working Conditions

Zookeepers work exclusively for zoos. They may work primarily in cages with animals, or may be outdoors educating the public. Others may work in offices taking care of administrative duties.

They generally work 40 hours a week; however, there may be some part-time shift work available. Because animals often need round-the-clock care, some zookeepers may have to work evening and weekend shifts.

Zookeeping is a very physical job, and zookeepers work outdoors in all kinds of weather. The job involves a lot of walking and other strenuous physical activities, such as cleaning animal cages, and even bathing large animals. Imagine giving an elephant a bath!

This job can be dangerous at times, as zookeepers are prone to scratches and bites from animals. It can also, of course, be a rather dirty job, especially when cleaning cages.

Regardless of which area of the zoo he or she works work in, a zookeeper may also spend time speaking with the public, teaching them about the animals and answering any questions visitors have.

Video on a zoo keeper:

http://www.pcsscreston.ca/Career-Cruising/careers/449.htm

PaleontologistMost people think of dinosaurs and the Flintstones when they hear the word paleontology, yet it is actually the study of fossils. A fossil is defined as any trace of a past life form, such as bones, shells, plants, tracks, trails and even coprolites (fossil feces), which may be preserved.Paleontologists study fossils that existed as life forms in

geologic and prehistoric times to try and reconstruct the history of the Earth by comparing the fossils to existing life forms today. Some people confuse paleontogists with archaeologists and anthropologists, however the main difference is that paleontology does not usually deal with artefacts made by humans. The basis of this discipline is rooted in geology and all natural formations from the Earth.

Paleontologists study fossils for a variety of purposes, like establishing relative age, petroleum exploration and the study of evolution and ancient environments. Interestingly, there are a number of natural resources derived from fossils, including coal, oil and peat, which come from fossil plant material and hence the name fossil fuels. Paleontologists who work in the petroleum industry use fossils to interpret sequences of sedimentary rocks and make accurate geological maps, which are essential for finding oil, water and minerals. Studying and identifying rock layers that contain fossils requires an in-depth knowledge of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rock.Different areas of study paleontologists may

decide to specialize in are vertebrates, invertebrates, micropaleontology, paleobotany, taphonomy, biostratigraphy and paleoecology. Each of these names sounds very scientific, however they are important to study since they lived on this world before any of us did.

Another area that paleontologists focus their studies on is determining the age of fossils. They usually use one of two systems of dating: absolute or relative. Absolute dating estimates the age of a rock or fossil in years. This is usually done by measuring the amounts of a radioactive isotope and its decay product, thereby yielding a constant answer. Relative dating does not rely on knowing the actual numerical age of the rocks, but arises from the observation that different layers of sedimentary rock contain different fossils, and they should be dated accordingly. This allows fossil-bearing rocks to be dated on the basis of its fossil age, such as the Ordovician, Cambrian or Silurian periods.

Education

The minimum requirement for paleontologists is a bachelor's degree in geology, coupled with a master's degree in paleontology. Since few universities offer degree programs in paleontology, it is important to do research ahead of time and find a school that offers the programs and courses that interest you. Paleontology is usually available through geology programs and advanced courses may be offered in the undergraduate program. A PhD is almost always necessary for any serious professional career in paleontology, such as research, fieldwork and teaching at the graduate level. Students are urged to take courses in geology, evolution, ecology, English and mathematics to broaden their backgrounds.

Skills and Interests

What characteristics does it take to become a paleontologist? Besides having a passion for fossils and discovering ancient natural artifacts, they should have good communication skills, an open, inquiring, analytical mind, along with an aptitude for mathematics and science. They should have logical decision-making skills, and be able to visualize three-dimensional objects from two-dimensional drawings.

Paleontologists must be able to work both independently and in a team environment. They must be flexible because they have to work in isolated locations, often under harsh conditions. Their work requires a great deal of precision along with problem solving, concentration, developing innovative approaches, and taking charge of situations.

Tasks

•Study fossilized remains of plants and animals found in geological formations to trace evolution and development of past life and identify geological formations according to nature and chronology •Recover and assemble fossilized specimens, note their positions, and classify them according to their botanical or zoological family and probable age •Prepare treatises on findings for future scientific study, or as an aid to location of natural resources, such as petroleum-bearing formations •May organize scientific expeditions and supervise removal of fossils from deposits and matrix rock formations•May specialize in study of plant fossils •May specialize in study of fossilized micro-organisms •Paleontologists do not have typical workdays. For one thing, they are employed in different fields, from teaching to museum work. Therefore they should be able to adapt well to a variety of working conditions. They spend a great deal of time in the field and should really enjoy being outdoors, along with enduring rough or uncomfortable situations. Indoor work is usually spanned over standard office hours, with longer hours if research and deadlines persist.

Workplaces

The majority of paleontologists work as university professors that teach paleontology and geology courses. Some work solely as researchers, only teaching occasionally or hiring PhD students to assist them with their research. A smaller number of paleontologists work in museums (often in the dinosaur department) and help consult and interpret exhibits. Some paleontologists also work for government surveys, usually in geological mapping or other applied geological problem solving. Finally, a group also works in the petroleum industry, helping geologists and engineers find sources of oil.

Opportunities

Paleontologists with master's degrees can become museum preparators and industrial paleontologists. If you want to teach at the university level or become an academic researcher, a PhD is mandatory. Paleontologists can also move into other speciality areas of geology and focus on mineralogy, hydrology or petrology. 

Video on Paleontologists

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRuK62LZgj8

Wildlife BiologistWhat they do:

They conduct studies on wildlife and habitat in order to develop conservation and resource management plans. They provide consultation to companies conducting environmentally sensitive projects and raise public awareness about wildlife conservation. Education:

A bachelor's degree in biology or related disciplines, most positions require a master's or doctorate degree. A post-graduate degree, often with specialization in ecology, fisheries or mathematics.

Where they work:

Their work involves a mix of outdoor and indoor activities. Fieldwork may involve working independently in remote locations. Indoor tasks are performed in laboratory and administrative settings.

Specific Work Places:

•Environmental and ecological consulting firms •Resource industry firms •Universities •Non-governmental organizations •Provincial/territorial and federal governments as internal staff or external consultants

Job Duties:

•Collect and classify plant and animal specimens•Conduct ecological research and environmental impact studies•Plan and execute programs for wildlife conservation and population management, including hunted wildlife species•Present research results and recommendations for resource management•Provide consultation on wildlife population planning for reclamation projects•Deliver public presentations on wildlife conservation management and regulations•Supervise technicians and scientists•Coordinate and participate in public awareness programs•Other fields of work may include technical sales and inspection

Skills

Research & Analytical• Data collection, compilation, and analysis

Information Management• Critical thinking: evaluating data• Integrating diverse inputs (seeing "the big picture")• Self-learning – assimilating and applying new

knowledge

Field Work• Outdoor skills (orienteering, navigation, survival,

mountaineering, etc.)

Project Management• Innovating, designing and developing, concepts,

inventions, technologies, etc.• Developing project/program proposals• Managing and administering projects.• Dealing with unexpected/critical events (trouble-

shooting)• Assessing/estimating the value, quality and

significance of projects

More Skills

Public Relations• Developing partnerships/networks with other

stakeholders

Problem-solving• Recognizing one's own technical limitations and

seeking specialists when needed• Analyzing a case or situation and recommending

solution(s)

Written Communication• Technical or scientific writing

Verbal Communication• Interpreting and presenting information to suit

the target audience

Computer• Word Processing (MS Word, Word Perfect, etc.)• Databases

Video on Wildlife Biologists:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPZs6rfaPbc