Wonder What It’s Like to Be a Zookeeper…And Other Jobs? #WorkforceStories
Have you ever wondered what it was like to have different jobs? I remember looking at all the different job types when I went to school and I remember researching which ones matched my talents, interests and personality. As an adult, I often wonder what goes into the different jobs out there as well.
I was recently introduced to Kronos, the leader in workforce management solutions. With tens of thousands of customers worldwide, Kronos helps their clients manage time and attendance records, worker’s schedules, absence records, HR and payroll, hiring, and labor analytics solutions and services.
Kronos has published the “1 in one hundred million” Web Series – a site devoted to sharing the personal stories of people who do the many important and too-often unrecognized jobs upon which we all rely. From their very first days, Kronos solutions have always focused on the work that people do. That’s why they’re proud to celebrate these special individuals who reflect the character, the commitment, and the passion of today’s workforce.
You can subscribe to the “1 in one hundred million” Web Series for free and watch every month as a new episode is aired featuring a different worker. In the video series, ordinary people in the workforce are featured and they tell their stories.
o Ep: 1 – Firefighter
o Ep: 2 – Trauma Nurse
o Ep: 3 – Produce Manager at grocery store
o Ep: 4 – Union Electrician
o Ep: 5 – Hotel Front Desk Agent
o Ep: 6 – Restaurant Server
o Ep: 7 – Teacher
o Ep: 8 – Baseball Bat Maker, was MLB pitcher
o Ep: 9 – Major in National Guard, works security for major events
o Ep: 10 – Justina Pratt: Safe Start Swimming Instructor at the YMCA, Lake Nona, FL
o Ep: 11 – Royce / Alligator Wrangler
o Ep: 12 – Shannon NeSmith / Truck Driver
o Ep: 13 – Zach Feary Stern Pinball, Chicago
o Ep: 14 – Jenny Theuman, Zookeeper
These are some really inspirational episodes and gave me a better view into the lives of these different jobs. One episode that really resonated with me was Episode 14, which was about Jenny Theuman – the Zookeeper. Jenny Theuman never imagined she’d be a zookeeper.She never knew zookeeping was a job when she was younger and she struggled in school. After high school, she pursued a career in culinary arts, but cooking just didn’t inspire her. When a college counselor suggested zookeeping, she was instantly intrigued. She did an internship at the zoo and fell in love with it. Now, thirteen years later, Jenny’s grateful to have found her dream job. While zookeeping is hard work – and constant action – Jenny’s passion for her profession has only increased with time. “I’ve been excited every day,” she says. And her dedication is strong as ever: “They’re living, breathing animals,” she says with a smile. “They need you to stick around and finish what you’ve started.”
Jenny received her master’s in zoo administration through a partnership program with Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Breaking into to the field can be difficult, it’s very competitive, but Cosley Zoo cannot think of anyone more passionate and articulate than Jenny. “She is the epitome of a dedicated worker. This is a way of life for her and not a job.” A day on the job for a zookeeper? Eating, cleaning, training, enrichment, repeat! The day is over until everything is finished. She often unintentionally monopolizes conversations of responses when she says she is a zookeeper. In fact, people are surprised about the science involved in her job – conservation efforts, recovery efforts. The experience with the animals at the zoo can have an emotional impact on people as well. They make a connection and then share their experiences back with Jenny, which is exciting an emotional as well. The best parts about her job is that she is never finished learning… there is always an opportunity to learn more. To be a good zookeeper you need a sense of humor, to be a good problem solver, want to learn, and own good pair of boots.
Be sure to head on over to the “1 in one hundred million” Web Series and check it out for yourself!
Did you have any idea what it was like to be a zookeeper? What episode did you like the most? What job would you like to learn more about?
my parents used to take us to the St. Louis zoo quite regularly and we visited the children’s zoo where zoo keepers offered us that very idea of what it would be like to be a zoo keeper.
I did a field trip with a school group a few years ago that included a behind the scenes at the zoo. It was fascinating and I learned a lot about their jobs. I love the idea of this expose of all the jobs you listed. One can never really know all that is involved.
i think being a zookeeper would be very interesting
This is really great. Working in a zoo must be fulfilling. I’m very familiar with kronos, we use that at work as well. It definitely makes everything easier.
There are so many jobs that I would never think of doing. It’s good to know that there is a website like Kronos that allow us to learn about these unrecognized jobs.
I always wonder about the zoo an various other career . A sense of humor is part of requirement …Well I guess I can become a zookeeper. Kronos familiar used at work thanks for sharing your story.
I never really gave it much thought, but I bet it’s an animal lovers dream to work at a zoo.
What a great series, to find out what people’s jobs are really like 🙂 Very interesting x
I have not heard about this web series 1 in One hundred million. I am interested to know about all other jobs that are barely recognized. I think being a zookeeper would be a fun job for real animal lovers.
I’ve always thought it would be awesome to volunteer with the grands at a zoo. The nearest one to us is way too far though.
I did have a vague familiarance with what being a zookeeper might be like. I volunteered at a conservacy that took care of hurt animals years ago. 🙂
My kids would love to see this. It is so important to learn about all the different jobs out there.
I love the 1 in 100 million series. I think it’s important for all of us to remember the people who do so much good behind the scenes.
This is my favorite episode. I love animals, so I think it was great to get a peak at what it’s like to be a zookeeper.
I love that they’re highlighting all of these different occupations. It sounds like Jenny found her dream job.
I’m sure each of the stories in this web series are so super interesting! They are also a great way for kids to become interested in a career or a teen to get a look at their desired job choice firsthand.
When I was a kid, I visited the zoo at least once a week and got to see how the zookeepers did their jobs. This is a nice reminder. The series about jobs would be good for high school students, as well, so they have an idea of what’s involved.
I thought of being a zookeeper as a child. It’s definitely a career for animal loves.
I’ve always been curious has to what a zookeeper does. I will have to watch that episode! Would also love to see a day in the life of a firefighter!
This is really cool, and a great series! I tend to get stuck in my bubble, and it’s good to see who makes the world go round!
This is interesting. It’s like you get a sneak peek into someone elses worklife.
I went to the zoo once as a kid and for a brief moment wanted to be a zookeeper. Lol. I loved the way they were with the animals.
This is a great web series. So interesting to see how others work. I love the zoo, but a little afraid of a lot of animals!
I always wanted to be a zookeeper growing up. I’d love to volunteer at my local zoo.
Wow I had no idea about what all went into being a zookeeper. I really love this series! Merry Christmas and Happy New year!
What a cool series. I’d love to share this with my family so we can all see the work that goes into these jobs. I would have loved to have been a zookeeper. With three kids, I feel like I’m getting a glimpse into the life!
This looks fab. A zookeeper must be a fascinating job – I love animals. Kaz
That sounds like a really interesting series. I always wonder how people end up in their professions, and I also like to learn about what their typical day is like.
Love this !! I recently just posted about how there is no way I could be a social worked. 🙂
I toyed with the idea of becoming a vet, a zoo keeper sounds like a close runner up to that! I would love everything about it, except for the poop of course, I could live without the poop part! 🙂
Growing up I wanted to be a vet as I’ve always loved animals! This looks really neat – I’m fascinated with learning about other people’s lives, their jobs included.