Wildlife Biologist
A Wildlife Biologist is a scientist dedicated to studying the origins, physiology, behavior, life cycles, and habitats of various animal species. Their work involves researching critical aspects such as diseases, nutrition, genetics, and territorial behaviors to promote the conservation of wildlife and their habitats. Wildlife biologists often find themselves in diverse environments, conducting field studies in remote locations, as well as working within laboratories and offices. They play a crucial role in advising businesses and government agencies on how to protect animal habitats from impacts resulting from human activity.
This profession typically requires a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or environmental science, with many positions favoring those with advanced degrees. Daily tasks may include surveying animal populations, examining the effects of pollution, and communicating findings to the public and stakeholders. Wildlife biologists are analytical and detail-oriented, and their work often involves collaboration with other scientists and organizations. As advocates for wildlife conservation, they contribute to the understanding and protection of animal species and their natural environments.
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Subject Terms
Wildlife Biologist
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Biology, Life Sciences, Environment, Conservation, Animal Behavior, Advocacy, Agriculture
Earnings (Yearly Median): $70,600 per year $33.94 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 3% (As fast as average)
Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Wildlife biologists are scientists who study the origins, physiology, behavior, life cycles, and habitats of animals. Wildlife biologists research various aspects of animal species, including diseases, nutrition, genetics, and territory. Through their studies, these scientists work to protect animals’ natural habitats. As a result, wildlife biologists are also called upon to provide recommendations on protecting animal habitats.
Work Environment. Wildlife biologists may conduct their research in the field, often in remote locations, but they also have considerable contact with many people. Environmental companies and consulting groups are increasingly seeking out wildlife biologists in their efforts to comply with government regulations. Other major companies, such as lumber businesses, chemical manufacturers, and ranchers, employ wildlife biologists for similar reasons. Many zoos and nature centers also hire wildlife biologists to provide better information about the species under their care.
Occupation Interest. The field of wildlife biology attracts individuals who are interested in studying animals and concerned with their conservation. They enjoy working in remote locations to study their subjects’ behavior and then report it to their superiors or the public. However, they also work in the public eye, offering their expertise to businesses, government agencies, and other groups to protect animal habitats from natural and manufactured dangers. Wildlife biologists are analytical, attentive to detail, and well-organized.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Wildlife biologists spend much of their career in the field, studying animal species and their habitats. The biologist surveys the species’ numbers, studies their behavior, examines their genetic profiles and life cycles, and observes their relationships with other animals. Wildlife biologists also examine disease outbreaks and the impacts of pollution, human activity, and development on wildlife and their habitats. Additionally, wildlife biologists may work in a laboratory or other controlled environment, conducting behavioral experiments on live animals. They write research papers and conduct studies based on their field and laboratory research to create greater awareness of specific species.
In addition to their scholarly research, wildlife biologists may work as experts for zoos and nature conservancies, for both profit and non-profit businesses and organizations, and the government. They represent a wide range of industries, from logging to commercial fishing. In this capacity, wildlife biologists use their scholarly expertise and research to provide recommendations to these entities or industries. Such advice can help these organizations understand how the presence of wildlife in a habitat will impact the organization’s activities or how the organization’s expansion (or human activity in general) into that habitat will affect wildlife and their habitats. The biologists speak to groups about their findings, assist in filing environmental compliance reports, and help organizations or local agencies adjust their policies to protect these habitats if necessary.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Wildlife biologists often work in the field, studying animals in their natural habitat. Such locations can leave biologists vulnerable to animal attacks, injuries from traversing remote terrain, or extreme weather conditions. Biologists also work in animal-oriented parks and institutions, such as wildlife sanctuaries and zoos. Other biologists work in a laboratory and office setting, conducting controlled experiments and writing reports and scholarly articles.
Human Environment. Although wildlife biologists conduct a great deal of field research, they have considerable contact with other people. As experts in their fields, they frequently present their findings and recommendations to their immediate supervisors, employers, peers, and the general public. Wildlife biologists also often work in teams with fellow biologists and other research scientists as they conduct research and experiments.
Technological Environment. Wildlife biologists employ technology during their research, from water samplers, specimen containers, and fishing nets to satellite-based technology and computer hardware. They should also be proficient with analytical tools such as microscopes. When compiling data, wildlife biologists use computer software to create models and maps, manage databases, and author research papers. Additionally, they may rely on off-road vehicles, boats, and other modes of transportation while working in the field.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students interested in becoming wildlife biologists are encouraged to study such scientific areas as biology, chemistry, mathematics, geography, and earth science. Additionally, they will benefit from studying computer science, statistics, and even communications, which will help them later compile data and present their findings to others.
Postsecondary. Wildlife biologists obtain a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as biology, ecology, or environmental science. Employers often prefer candidates with credits in wildlife subjects such as animal ecology, mammalogy, and ornithology; botany or related plant sciences; and zoology. Many organizations and agencies require that candidates obtain a master’s degree and prefer individuals with a doctorate in a related field. Additionally, they expect that candidates have considerable training in specific fields, such as ornithology, animal ecology, population dynamics, or zoology. Students interested in becoming wildlife biologists should consider pursuing volunteer and internship positions at their academic institutions.
Related Occupations
− Botanist
− Forester and Conservation Scientist
Bibliography
"Careers in Wildlife Biology." US Forest Service, www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/biological-physical-resources/wildlifebio. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.
"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023 19-1023 Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists." US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes191023.htm. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.
"Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/zoologists-and-wildlife-biologists.htm. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.