Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Careers
Zoologist and wildlife biologists are scientists that study how wildlife interacts with their environment. They also study how humans impact wildlife and their natural habitats. The type of work that they do determines the type of setting in which they are found, from working outdoors to in the lab.
Wildlife biologists can work in field research, labs, universities, government agencies, state agencies, or for private companies. Most work full-time and the setting they work in often determines what their schedule is like. For example, those in field research may not have a typical 9-5 schedule since they may be studying nocturnal animals.
Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Career Snapshot
Further details on a career as a zoologist and wildlife biologist are listed below (statistics from the May 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):
is the average annual salary for zoologists and wildlife biologists.
increase in employment between 2014 and 2024.
have a Master’s degree while 48% have a Bachelor’s degree.
Zoologist/Wildlife Biologist Education
Typically, zoologists and wildlife biologists must hold at least a bachelor’s degree. To be more involved in research or teaching, a master’s degree or Ph.D. is required. To graduate from a bachelor-level program, most colleges require practical field experience gained through an internship. There is no certification exam required to become a wildlife biologist.
Zoologist/Wildlife Biologist Job Duties
The job duties are dependent on the type of setting the wildlife biologist works in. For example, a biologist working out in the field may spend days monitoring wildlife and keeping a log of behaviors. In contrast, a wildlife biologist working in a lab may use computer software to analyze disease patterns. Those working in education may split their days between education future biologists and doing research projects.
Zoologist/Wildlife Biologist Salaries
The average salary of a zoologist and wildlife biologist is $59,680, according to U.S. BLS.gov May 2015 reports. Those who work in federal government settings or in research positions typically make a higher salary than those in educational-type settings such as universities.
Zoologist/Wildlife Biologist Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), the field of wildlife biology is expected to grow approximately four percent from 2014 to 2014. As the world’s population continues to grow, humans will continue to impact their environment. Biologists will be needed to study these effects to be able to protect wildlife and their natural habitats.
Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Skills & Traits
| Zoologist/Wildlife Biologist Skill Set: | Required Abilities: | Tools Used by Zoologist/Wildlife Biologist: | Typical Work Activities: |
|---|---|---|---|
| • Active Listening • Science • Critical Thinking • Reading Comprehension • Writing | • Oral Comprehension • Written Comprehension • Oral Expression • Written Expression • Problem Sensitivity | • Commercial fishing nets • Entomological catching equipment • Specimen collection container • Water samplers | • Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings • Getting Information • Working with Computers • Communicating with Others |
Related Careers
Animal Care & Service Workers
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Biological Technicians
Bachelor’s Degree
Veterinarians
Doctoral Degree
