The responsibilities of collection managers and curatorial assistants include the direct care and use of specimens, as well as the acquisition of new specimens. Scientific preparators need specialized training and experience with a wide range of preservation techniques. Salaries and promotions for curatorial research positions in major museums parallel those for university faculty. Zoos Zoos provide job opportunities for students trained in ornithology and related fields. The continued growth of zoos will increase this segment of the job market.
Positions are available as curators and several levels of keepers.
Fewer than 50 bird-oriented curatorial positions exist in North American zoos. However, each curator may supervise 4-20 keepers. Education divisions at zoos offer opportunities similar to those at museums. Veterinarian positions at zoos require a veterinary degree. Salaries of positions at zoos are slightly lower than those for corresponding positions at museums.