Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Career Overview

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.

Also Known As

• Conservation Biologist
• Fish and Wildlife Biologist
• Fisheries Biologist
• Wildlife Biologist

Alternate Job Titles

• Animal Behaviorist
• Animal Biologist
• Aquarist
• Aquatic Biologist
• Behaviorist
• Cell Biologist
• Conservation Biologist
• Cryptozoologist
• Dolphin Researcher
• Entomologist
• Ethologist
• Field Naturalist
• Fish and Wildlife Biologist
• Fish Biologist
• Fish Conservationist

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

• Develop, or make recommendations on, management systems and plans for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.
• Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
• Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
• Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
• 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.
• Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
• Perform administrative duties, such as fundraising, public relations, budgeting, and supervision of zoo staff.

Emerging Responsibilities

As this field evolves, you may also:

• Use advanced technologies, such as GIS, remote sensing, and drone technology, for wildlife tracking, habitat mapping, and population studies.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

• Biology
• English Language
• Customer and Personal Service

Essential Skills

Success in this career requires strong skills in:

1. Reading Comprehension
2. Active Listening
3. Speaking
4. Critical Thinking
5. Complex Problem Solving
6. Judgment and Decision Making
7. Writing
8. Science
9. Coordination
10. Active Learning

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

• Oral Comprehension
• Deductive Reasoning
• Oral Expression
• Written Expression
• Written Comprehension
• Inductive Reasoning
• Information Ordering
• Speech Clarity
• Problem Sensitivity
• Speech Recognition

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

• Intellectual Curiosity
• Dependability
• Attention to Detail
• Innovation
• Integrity

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

• Achievement
• Recognition
• Working Conditions
• Independence
• Relationships

Education & Preparation

Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree

Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years

On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year

Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Technology You'll Use

Popular Technologies & Software

• ESRI ArcGIS software
• Microsoft Access
• Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office software
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Project
• Microsoft Word
• Python

Tools & Equipment

• 35 millimeter cameras
• Adjustable widemouth pliers
• Aerial nets
• Air compressors
• All terrain vehicles ATV
• Animal transmitters
• Animal traps
• Archery bows
• Axes
• Benchtop centrifuges
• Benthic samplers
• Binoculars
• Boat trailers
• Bongo nets
• Calorimeters

Work Environment

• E-Mail
• Telephone Conversations
• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
• Contact With Others
• Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

Salary & Job Market

Salary Percentile	Annual Wage
Entry-Level (10th percentile)	$48,240
Median	$72,860
Top Earners (90th percentile)	$113,350

Workers Employed Nationally: 16,920

Related Careers

If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:

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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.