Sam Sheriff, Conservation Educator at Colchester Zoological Society
Explore the wild world of animal conservation with Sam Sheriff, Conservation Educator at Colchester Zoological Society.
Why do I love my job?
I love my job because I get to be around amazing animals every day and share my passion for them with people of all ages. One of the best parts of my role at the zoo is how diverse it is. In one day, I might speak to a class of Year 1 pupils about African animals, and then later talk to a group of Year 11 students about how zoos operate as a business. No two days are ever the same, which makes it exciting and great fun. I also really enjoy being involved in developing new educational projects at the zoo. I am always thinking of creative ways to inspire visitors to care about nature and to understand the important work zoos do to protect endangered species.
What did I love doing at school?
I always really enjoyed PE and history. Working with animals can be very physically demanding so I feel that served me well and history is something that I have always found really interesting!
Childhood hobbies?
I have always loved football and have played for a Sunday league team from when I was 6. This is a hobby that I still do now! I also played cricket in the summer and just generally being outside in all weathers!
How to get into the sector?
After leaving school at 16, I studied ‘Animal Management’ at college for two years. As part of the course, I volunteered at a local zoo twice a week, gaining hands-on experience with animals. I then went to university to study ‘Zoo Management’, where I realised I wanted to work with people as well as animals. I completed a teaching qualification alongside my degree to move into zoo education. After graduating, I worked as a forklift driver while waiting for the right opportunity. Eventually, a role became available with the education team at Colchester Zoological Society, and that’s how I became a Conservation Educator!
Related jobs?
Zookeeper, teacher, conservation scientist, environmental educator, park ranger
Career high?
A career high for me would be seeing the success of our Home Education programme, which I have been coordinating since I started working at the zoo. Seeing so many home educated children come and enjoy the sessions that we offer is very rewarding!
Top tip: If you want to work with animals, get work experience any way you can. This might be volunteering at a stables working with horse, or a kennels working with dogs etc. Any experience is good experience and will serve you well when you are looking for a job in the future. - Sam Sheriff, Conservation Educator at Colchester Zoological Society
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