Zoologist

Zoologists study the anatomy, behaviour, classification, evolution and distribution of animals. They work with animals in the laboratory, in captivity or in their own habitats. Examples of the work of zoologists include animal conservation and welfare, controlling pests and diseases, drug development and testing and improving livestock in agriculture.

Attributes: patient, resilient, communicative

Useful links:

Vet

Veterinary physiotherapists work alongside veterinary surgeons to help reduce pain, improve mobility and prevent recurrence or injury in animals. The most common animals referred for physiotherapy are horses and dogs including working animals such as race horses and greyhounds. Other animals such as cats and some farm or zoo animals may require physiotherapy. Veterinary physiotherapists will plan exercise programmes, use manual and electro-therapy methods to reduce pain and help with movement, apply massage and hydrotherapy techniques and give advice on changes to animals’ environments.

Attributes: creative, committed, passionate

Useful links:

Surgeon

A surgeon cuts the human body to remove diseased tissue or organs, to repair body systems, or to replace diseased organs with transplants. Surgeons correct physical deformities, repair bone and tissue after injuries, or perform preventive or elective surgeries on patients. Surgeons work with all types of tools, from scalpels to calipers and it is important that the surgeon fully understands all of the aspects of the tools used. Surgeons oversee the administration of medications as needed throughout the surgery and must be knowledgeable of the various types of medications used and the potential reactions when they operate on a patient.

Surgeons specialise in different types of operations, for example eye-surgeons, orthopaedic surgeons (bones) and brain surgeons.

Attribute: collaborative, resilient, hard-working

Ornithologist

Ornithologists are a type of zoologist who study ornithology, the branch of science devoted to birds. They study the physical appearance, behaviour, songs, flight and migration patterns of birds and also look at the conservation of birds and their habitats. Ornithologists observe, survey, record and report on the behaviour and activities of birds.

Attributes: curious, self-motivated, patient

Marine Biologist

Marine Biologists study all of the creatures that live in the oceans. They can choose to specialise in a specific area such as large ocean animals, all the way down to microscopic organisms. Marine biologists may look at how factors such as the weather, illness, pollution or over fishing affect marine organisms. Much of a Marine Biologist’s work involves research, observation and data collection, and may also involve scuba diving to collect specimens.

Attributes: organised, resilient, observant

Useful links:

Herpetology Veterinarian

Herpetology veterinarians specialise in the care of reptiles and amphibians. As with a general veterinarian, herpetology veterinarians diagnose and treat sick and injured animals, perform operations, carry out tests such as blood analysis, X-rays and scans, provide care for an animal in veterinary hospitals and carrying out regular health checks for reptiles. Herpetology veterinarians also need to supervise veterinary nurses and support staff and communicate with pet owners.

Attributes: passionate, communicative, hard-working

Animal Technologist

Animal technologists work in research and development laboratories where they are responsible for the care of animals such as rats and rabbits, which are used in labs for medical and pharmaceutical research. As well as ensuring the welfare, food, hygiene and health of the animals meets the required standards, an animal technologist also needs to make sure that the lab environment meets the requirements of the experiments to be conducted. An animal technologist will also take samples, make observations and make detailed records of changes in animal behaviour.

Attributes: resilient, committed, open-minded

Plant Geneticist

Plant geneticists conduct research to improve existing plants and crops, as well as create new varieties of plants and crops. They improve characteristics of plants and crops, such as appearance, nutritional value, size, drought resistance and increased levels of disease tolerance. This is vital to the agricultural industry in order for market requirements and consumer demands to be met and to increase and maintain yields in important crops. The work of a plant geneticist includes crossing plants to produce new breeding material for field and glasshouse trials and analysing and scientifically assessing plant breeding in laboratory and field trials.

Attributes: curious, observant, self-motivated

Irrigation Engineer

Irrigation is the process of transporting water safely from one location to another, usually for agricultural purposes. An irrigation engineer designs irrigation systems and oversees their construction or implementation. They construct irrigation systems such as dams, canals, and ditches, according to type of soil, climatic characteristics, water supply and return flow. If a system fails to work, or if performance is sluggish, the irrigation engineer will diagnose and fix the system. An irrigation engineer also conducts research on problems of soil drainage and conservation, applying knowledge of civil engineering.

Attributes: resilient, self-motivated, collaborative

Botanist

Botanists study plants including algae, fungi, lichens, mosses, ferns, conifers and flowering plants. They study their physiological processes such as photosynthesis at the molecular level, the evolutionary history and relationships of plants, or their current relationships with their environments. They may focus on the agricultural applications of plants used for food, fuel, turf, and cover crops, studying their responses to stresses from pests, disease, and climate variations. They may study the conservation of native species, reducing the invasion of non-native exotic plants, and improving the clean air and erosion protection they provide. Their research is involved in enhancing crops, developing medicines, cleaning up contaminated sites, and even powering our cars.

Attributes: hard-working, resilient, creative