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

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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

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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

Nurse

Nursing is generally regarded as a caring profession but the majority of a nurse’s technical responsibilities involve an area of science. These duties may include monitoring, recording and reporting on patients’ medical information, symptoms, vital signs and changes in patients’ conditions including during anaesthesia. Nurses order, interpret, and evaluate diagnostic tests and may conduct specified laboratory tests. They are responsible for preparing sterile rooms, instruments and equipment and can prescribe or recommend medication or other treatment such as physiotherapy.

Attributes: self-motivated, communicative, open-minded

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

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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

Herpetologist

A herpetologist is a zoologist who studies reptiles and amphibians, looking at behaviours, geographic ranges, physiologies, development and genetics in order to understand their ecological niches, the ecosystem services they supply, and the challenges they face. Many herpetologists focus on conservation of these species while others use them to assess overall environmental conditions in a particular area. Herpetologists study animals in the wild, where they determine or assess potential threats from pollution, invasive species, disease, and other factors. Herpetologists plan and manage disease control and conservation programs and conduct environmental or wildlife impact studies.

Attributes: patient, curious, observant

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

Soil Scientist

A soil scientist studies the upper few meters of the Earth’s crust in terms of its physical and chemical properties, distribution, genesis and morphology, and biological components. Soil scientists work in both the office and field. They analyse and determine the characteristics of different types of soils. Soil types are complex and the geographical areas a soil scientist may survey are varied. They use aerial photos and satellite images to research the areas and use computer and geographic information systems to analyse the geomorphology, topography, vegetation and climate to discover the patterns left on the landscape. Soil scientists often work in areas such as wetlands, conservation, crop consultant, farming or hydrology.

Attributes: hard-working, observant, patient