Also called: Zoo Gardener, Browse Specialist
Grows the plants that make zoo exhibits look wild and that animals eat.
Plants a rainforest exhibit with species that are safe if a gorilla takes a bite, harvests fresh "browse" branches for giraffes, and grows bamboo for red pandas.
Estimate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate or bachelor's in horticulture, or on-the-job training.
Ways in: 2-year college, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Horticulture.
Growing about average. Steady.
Low risk for 10 years. Smart irrigation helps, but planting, pruning and growing browse for animals stays outdoor, hands-on work.
Classes: Agriscience (FFA), Biology, AP Environmental Science, Horticulture CTE.
Official data: O*NET occupation 37-3011.
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