Career as a Habitat Designer

Categories:

Art & Design/ Zoos, Aquariums, Museums and Theme Parks

Focus:

Most zoos and parks where animals are kept in constructed enclosures have to focus on several factors when housing animals, including animal behaviour, safety, comfort, conservation, breeding, rehabilitation, as well as visitor experience. Habitat Designers therefore need to focus on ensuring that the habitat provides an enriched artificial zone (including feeding areas, plants, enrichment spots and access points) that mimics the natural Environment as closely as possible.

Daily Tasks:

• Study particular animal species’ habitats in the wild for the purposes of enhancing or recreating those habitats in a controlled environment
• Design habitat space based on research and needs outlined by curators, zoologists, veterinarians, biologists or other experts
• Use different computer-aided design software
• Write and present design proposal
• Choose construction material, plants and landscape features
• Prepare site for animals
• Oversee and participate in the construction of all structures
• Administrative duties including assisting with budget development and detailed record keeping of all activities
• Assist biologists or zoologists with habitat management and maintenance

Where they work:

Environment –

Habitat designers work equal parts outside and indoors. They also need to spend some time in the field to understand and learn more about the natural environment certain animals life in, so that it will reflect in the designed habitat.

Places of Employment –

Habitat designers may work for large firms that specialize in architectural designing; be permanently employed by zoos, aquariums, marine parks, animal parks, theme parks, museums, and wildlife conservation centers; or freelance on contract.

Average Salary:

The average annual income is around $63,000 per year, or $30 per hour.

Promotion:

Advancement in the field typically depends on work experience. First year practitioners often begin on a part-time basis, fitting their training commitments around other work demands. Promotion to senior levels are available in all related careers. The levels of each promotion might differ from organization to organization, but generally are the following:

Intern > Junior Designer > Senior Designer > Manager

Difficulties:

A career in design and construction always includes long hours and tight deadlines. Habitat Designers might need to oversee the entire project, making sure everything runs smoothly, and being versatile when things go wrong. They might also be required to travel long distances and work in adverse weather conditions to finalize contracts.

​Future Growth and Possibilities:

With growing public interest in seeing zoo animals housed in natural looking and well-designed exhibits, the prospects should be good for those entering the zoo design niche of the landscape design market.