Zoologist
A zoologist is a specialized scientist dedicated to studying various aspects of animal life, including their structure, origin, behavior, and ecological impacts. Their work encompasses monitoring animal populations, assessing the effects of environmental changes, and exploring the interactions between species and their habitats. Zoologists often focus on specific animal groups, such as mammals, birds, or reptiles, and may engage in diverse activities ranging from field research to laboratory analysis.
These professionals typically work in a variety of settings, including academic institutions, government agencies, and zoos, where they may contribute to education, wildlife conservation, and policy development. A substantial part of their role involves conducting research, taking field samples, and documenting findings for scholarly publication. Education for aspiring zoologists usually requires a strong background in biological sciences, culminating in advanced degrees. The occupation not only demands a passion for animals and the outdoors but also involves collaboration with fellow scientists and engagement with the public to promote wildlife appreciation and environmental stewardship.
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Subject Terms
Zoologist
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Zoology, Biology, Animal Behavior, Research (field and laboratory), Environmental Studies
Earnings (Yearly Median): $67,430 per year $32.42 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. Zoologists study animals' structure, origin, epidemiology, behavior, and life processes. In addition to studying animal anatomy and physiology, they monitor and inventory animal populations, explore the impact of industrial development on animals’ natural habitats, and analyze the relationship between animal species and their immediate environments. Zoologists are usually classified by the animal groups they specialize in studying, such as mammals (mammalogy), birds (ornithology), fish (ichthyology), reptiles (herpetology), or the study of certain aspects of animal life, such as the development of animals from fertilized cell to birth or hatching (embryology). Zoologists conduct research and laboratory work. Most zoologists are college or university professors, although government agencies, zoos, or private companies employ many.
Work Environment. Zoologists work in offices, laboratories, academic buildings, government agencies, private companies, natural animal habitats, and zoological parks. Although they spend time in laboratories, offices, and classrooms, they must also spend a great deal of time outdoors conducting research, hiking rough terrain, and working in different weather conditions to study animals in their natural habitats.
Occupation Interest. Most zoologists love the outdoors. Zoologists are highly educated experts in their particular sub-field of animal research. They also do important work to help the rest of the world understand and appreciate wildlife. Some are professors, teaching others while conducting their own research. Others work in zoos and animal sanctuaries, sharing their knowledge and love of animals with the general public. Still others contribute to efforts to protect the environment, working for not-for-profit or government agencies and providing input on policies safeguarding threatened species and their habitats.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. A considerable portion of the work performed by zoologists is research or laboratory work. Zoologists set up observation camps in the field to study animals in their natural habitats, take photos, take samples, and keep daily records of animals’ interrelationships, development, and health. In the laboratory, they dissect animals, prepare tissue slides, study samples, and classify species. They also write reports and articles for their employers and publication in scholarly journals. As biological scientists, zoologists may be invited to present their findings at academic and environmental conferences.
When they are not in the field or laboratory, most zoologists are university or college professors committed to both research and teaching responsibilities. Some zoologists work in zoos, animal sanctuaries, and nature preserves. Government agencies hire others to study how animals and their habitats are affected by pollution and industrial development and make recommendations on how to protect these species better. Pharmaceutical and biological supply companies employ zoologists to conduct applied research.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. When conducting research in the field, zoologists often travel to remote locations in all types of terrain and weather conditions, sometimes to areas where their research puts them near a frightened animal. Zoologists work in a much more controlled and safe environment in the laboratory.
Human Environment. Depending on their job specialization, zoologists interact with many different people. When traveling to animal habitats to research the field, they may work with guides and local residents; they work with lab technicians, graduate students, and interns in the laboratory. At zoos, they work with zookeepers, veterinarians, and the general public. In government agencies, zoologists interact with elected as well as appointed officials, public administrators, and fellow scientists. In private organizations, they work with executives, other scientists, and administrators.
Technological Environment. Zoologists use traps, nets, and other devices to capture live specimens in the field. They also use special containers and other sampling equipment. Zoologists use microscopes, reactive chemicals, and other test equipment and substances in the laboratory. Additionally, zoologists should be competent with modeling, map-generating, and database computer software.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students interested in pursuing a career in zoology should take courses such as biology, physics, chemistry, physiology, and other sciences. They should also take math courses, including algebra and geometry. Computer science skills are critical to the recording and sharing of scientific data.
Postsecondary. A doctoral degree is required for most positions in zoology, so it is critical to earn a bachelor’s degree in a biological science and plan for continued study in master’s and doctoral programs within the natural sciences.
Related Occupations
Bibliography
"Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 6 Sept. 2023, www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/zoologists-and-wildlife-biologists.htm. Accessed 28 Sept. 2023.