Zoos. Working at most zoos will surround you with wild animals, however, don't expect to have much contact with many of the animals. They typically are not handlable. Focus is on care, education, and study. Lots of hard work and very rewarding. There are AZA (American Zoo and Aquarium Association) members that will periodically have job openings that do not require a college degree. But the odds are that without a degree, you will not get the position because of the fierce competition. Pensacola Junior College offers a two-year associate degree program in Zoo Animal Technology that combines academic courses on campus with practical, hand-on classes at AZA-member The ZOO in Gulf breeze, Florida. If you're interested, contact the Dept of Biological Sciences at (850) 484-1168 and request an application packet.
Veterinary. Exotic vet work is highly specialized. Vet school, in general, takes as long or longer than medical school. There are many different species to learn about. Working with exotics is a relatively new field and they are learning more and more. Most exotic vets have a domestic practice and do exotics on-call. Some do exclusive exotic work for a zoo. You have to take into consideration that it can be frustrating because, as opposed to the trainer/handlers, the animals are very negative toward the vet. Conditioning tells them that every time this guy comes around, they aren't feeling well or it's going to be an uncomfortable/scary experience. Extremely challenging and rewarding, and less competitive than less specialized careers.
Rehabilitation/Research. This is the field that is a labor of love. Low pay, high expenses. Most rehabbers are non-profit organizations and are often focusing on fund raising. Breaking into this field is simplest by contacting the local wildlife rehabber in your area and doing volunteer work. Research includes getting grants to study and/or write about wildlife.
Trainer/Handler. These positions are generally in fields such as parks that hold animal shows, circuses, and filmwork. The training required to get there primarily is experience. By starting low (cleaning cages or working consession stands) and working your way up to apprenticeship. Most trainers appreciate teaching their employees with their own methods. Therefore, it requires the least amount of schooling. However, it also requires much time spent doing work for little or no pay in the beginning years.
Government Jobs. On a national level there is the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Animal Welfare Division of the U.S.D.A. Every state has a "Fish & Game" department (each state has their own title for it). And counties have Animal Control offices. All of these dept's employ biologists, wardens, veterinarians, etc. Generally, they will all require a college degree. Contact the gov't agency and request their hiring requirements, proceedures, and available openings.
