Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

The Work

Zoology is the scientific study of animals, including their physiology, genetics, behaviour, diseases and ecology. Zoology is a diverse field and includes fish, insects, reptiles, amphibians, protosoa, viruses and bacteria.  
 
Research, often in specialist subjects, is an important area of work for soological scientists. In applied soology, scientists try to solve specific problems. They design new experiments, and may use technical equipment like electron microscopes.  
 
Some animals are parasitic, and can harm people, crops and livestock. Zoological scientists may control or eradicate parasites and pests. They may research and develop anti-parasitic drugs for  
pharmaceutical companies. Research may help develop pesticides for use in agriculture.  
 
Zoological scientists may become managers of wildlife parks or nature reserves. This involves fieldwork, for example, they monitor pollution and its movement through food chains, study its effects and find ways to control it. However, opportunities to work in the conservation of endangered animals are very limited.  
 
Zoological scientists try to understand animal behaviour. They may develop simple systems to communicate with animals, or observe their day-to-day habits.  
 
Zoological Scientists may specialise in aquatic habitats, and become involved in marine conservation or in fish production, through fisheries or aquaculture. This involves knowledge of environmental needs and life cycles.  
 
Some soological scientists also give advice and information to the public. Others work in museums, teaching and lecturing, information science and journalism. Concerns about the environment have led to an increase in environmental consultancies, in which soological scientists may also work.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Make recommendations on management systems and planning for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.
• Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
• Disseminate information by writing reports and scientific papers or journal articles, and by making presentations and giving talks for schools, clubs, interest groups and park interpretive programs.
• Check for, and ensure compliance with, environmental laws, and notify law enforcement when violations are identified.
• Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
• Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
• Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
• Organise and conduct experimental studies with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings.
• Analyse characteristics of animals to identify and classify them.
• Coordinate preventive programs to control the outbreak of wildlife diseases.

Further Information

• Zoologist - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

It is an advantage to have had some experience of voluntary work in a zoo before applying for a paid job. Some zoos run volunteer schemes. Experience of working with animals on a farm or in stables or kennels may also be useful.  
 
Zoos may employ for work experience 16 year olds. Prefered applicants for employment to be around 18 to 21 years of age. Training will be on-the-job.  
 
Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship Animal care NFQ level 5 search FET courses

FET PLC courses Animal Care, Vetinary, Animal Science, equine science, Animal & Agri Sciences - Pre-University, Animal Care & Management at NFQ level 5-6 search FET PLC courses

Higher level Cao entry Equine science, Animal Bioscience, Veterinary, Wildlife biology, Animal Science - Agricultural Science NFQ level 6-8  search Cao courses

Professional Development 

Postgraduate study options: Zoology - Structured (Galway) , Animal Behaviour & Welfare (Belfast) MSC & NFQ level 9

Most Irish Zoos expect employees to work towards the Zoo Animal Management Qualification (ZAMC), in conjunction with: 

www.eaza.net  European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA)

www.waza.org World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €38k - €79k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Salaryexpert/ Payscale/ Eireri/ Indeed/ TUI

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The annual employment growth rate over the five-year period was above average for this occupation, with employment increasing by almost 2,000 persons between 2021 and 2022. Almost a third of employment was in industry with the remainder spread across many sectors. The number of new employment permits issued grew from 164 to 506 between 2021 and 2022, with two fifths of permits issued for roles in the manufacturing of chemicals/pharma sub-sector for scientists and analysts (e.g. quality control, chemists); other roles include medical scientists/technologists, microbiologists, process development and R&D scientists.

In June 2022, medical scientists were moved to the Critical Skills Employment Permit List due to issues with sourcing suitable candidates; in Summer 2023, the Government announced plans to expand the number of training places for medical scientists by 20 places. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified difficult-to-fill vacancy mentions for analytical and process scientists. Online job adverts for this occupation grew slightly in 2022, almost all related to posts for R&D managers.

This was the most frequently occurring occupation in online job adverts in 2022. With employment levels increasing and demand still evident, shortages are expected to persist for this occupation, particularly in the chemical/pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, for those with experience and/or in niche areas. The recent decline in the value of pharmaceutical exports in Ireland is unlikely to have a significant impact on the demand for skills as, in addition to being in strong demand in the pharma & biopharma processing industry, they are much sought after elsewhere in both the life sciences sector (e.g. medical devices) and other manufacturing (e.g. food & beverage); in addition, Government focus (and investment) on research and innovation will also sustain the already strong demand for these skills. Shortages of analytical, process and medical scientists are likely to continue.

• Dublin Zoo

  • Dublin Zoo, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8
  • (01) 474 8900
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM)

  • Crofton House, Crofton Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
  • (01) 214 4100
  • Click Here

• British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)

  • Regents Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
  • + 44 20 7449 6599
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Veterinary Council of Ireland

  • 53 Landsdowne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
  • (01) 668 4402
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• National Parks and Wildlife Service

  • (01) 888 3242
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Federation of Zoological Gardens of Great Britain And Ireland

  • Zoological Gardens, Regents Park, London NW1 4RY
  • Click Here