South Dakota Career Testimonial
Jaime Stricker,
Zoo Educator
Bramble Park Zoo, Watertown, SD
Wow, wouldn’t it be cool to work at a zoo?! With only 218 accredited zoos internationally, the applicants for these jobs far outnumber the positions available. One has to be willing to relocate and work their way up from the bottom. That is exactly what Jaime Stricker of the Bramble Park Zoo in Watertown, South Dakota did.
Jaime has been the Zoo Educator with Bramble Park Zoo since January 2001. Bramble Park Zoo is a 15-acre facility and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which means it meets the highest standards in animal care, research, conservation and education. The Zoo is home to over 500 animals representing 120 different species.
In order to find a full-time year-round position in a zoological facility, Jaime applied to and interviewed with many facilities in the United States. “Everyone asks me, ‘Why did you choose South Dakota?’” Although not a native of South Dakota, her answer is always the same, “I love the great quality of life, the opportunities I can provide my family… and the pay was higher here! I love working in the Watertown community because even though it is small enough to create relationships with the school district, early childhood learning centers, families and businesses it is still large enough to have a diverse zoological facility and to reach thousands of individuals with our education and conservation messages.” Jaime also says, “My job is so rewarding because it is my passion, I love the outdoors and I love sharing information with everyone I encounter. I always wanted to be like Jack Hanna when I grew up and I am living my dream here in South Dakota!”
According to Jaime, being a Zoo Educator has many benefits. “Every day is new and exciting and working with the animals and youth is especially rewarding. It is fun to help people learn about and appreciate these special living beings with whom we share our world.”
In the role of Zoo Educator, Jaime is responsible for developing and presenting all on-site tours, outreach programs, summer classes, camps, guest lectures and teacher workshops. She also coordinates and markets special events, such as Party for the Planet, Zoo Boo, Breakfast with Santa and Free Days. Jaime is involved in the hiring of interns throughout the year and in overseeing volunteers and adult docents. Because of the diverse responsibilities involved with her job, Jaime must be flexible and able to adapt to change.
Jaime welcomes questions from those interested in informal science and environmental education. She can be reached at jstricker@watertownsd.us. For additional information, visit www.aza.org and www.brambleparkzoo.com.