I don't quite have a typical work day. Some days I spend all day out in the field doing radio telemetry and locating and observing birds. Other days I spend all day writing proposals for grants and doing GIS analysis. It's always different, and I love it that way!
CAREER
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$64,650
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+0.7% (little or no change)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Do
Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.
Other Job Titles Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists May Have
Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Fisheries Biologist, Wildlife Biologist, Zoologist
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
As a grad student, half the year I'm in the field (driving airboats and playing with wading birds) every day collecting data for my research. The other 6 months, I'm in the office writing reports and compiling data.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Make recommendations on management systems and planning for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.
- Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
- Disseminate information by writing reports and scientific papers or journal articles, and by making presentations and giving talks for schools, clubs, interest groups and park interpretive programs.
- Check for, and ensure compliance with, environmental laws, and notify law enforcement when violations are identified.
- Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Bachelor's degree (42%)
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Doctoral degree
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
Graduate
Certification / License
Wildlife Biology
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Graduate
Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management
Doctorate
Wildlife Biology
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
GIS, bird identification by sight and sound, bird banding, outdoors experience, orienteering.
As many different field tech jobs as you can find with as many different taxa as you can find. That helps you figure out what interests you the most.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
Go to college. Study Biology or Natural Resources or Environmental Sciences.
College Students
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
