You might believe that a career in zoology is ideal for you if you have a passion for animals. But to become a zoologist, you need more than just a passion for animals. Zoologists study, analyze and observe wildlife to develop preservation strategies. They require the physical stamina to work in the field, as well as aptitude in science, thinking, and communication.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, you must have a bachelor’s degree in zoology or a closely related field to be eligible for entry-level positions. Additionally, you might be interested in pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree with a focus on one of the many zoologist specialties, such as mammology, entomology, ornithology. You will spend the majority of your time in math and science classes while you are studying. Additionally, you will probably complete an internship and carry out population studies and field research.
Zoologists carry out research and experiments, such as taking blood samples from wild animals to track diseases or observing animal herds to track population trends. Zoologists must be adept at using scientific principles and techniques to solve problems. Knowledge of geographic information systems, modeling software, and other sophisticated tools for tracking migratory animals are necessary skills for wildlife biologists. Additionally, complex data analysis calls for proficiency with advanced math and statistics.
An ability to critically think or use sound reasoning to draw inferences from test results and scientific observations is a necessary skill for zoology. They must also come up with the best solutions for threats to wildlife such as disease, habitat loss, and others. They must use logic to assess the merits and drawbacks of concepts. To make judgments and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a course of action, they must combine data from various sources.
Zoologists must focus while conducting research and come up with fresh solutions to persistent issues. Zoologists use deductive reasoning, or the capacity to apply general principles to particular situations, to come up with logical conclusions. Additionally, they employ inductive reasoning, which is the capacity to connect disparate pieces of knowledge to derive generalizations.
Communication is an essential zoology skills. Zoologists give presentations to colleagues, managers and lawmakers. They educate the public on wildlife conservation and management. They write scientific papers and reports to explain their findings. Within the various zoologist specialties, they collaborate with other scientists in research teams to track the effects of the environment on animal populations. For instance, a team led by an entomologist in California might investigate the declining numbers of migrating monarch butterflies.
Physical endurance is essential, according to Unity College. Many zoologists work in the field for weeks or months at a time, carrying heavy equipment and gathering data while researching animals in their natural habitats. Zoologists often travel to remote locations to conduct field research. Depending on their area of expertise, they might require diving and swimming abilities.
- Communication skills. …
- Critical-thinking skills. …
- Emotional stamina and stability. …
- Interpersonal skills. …
- Observation skills. …
- Outdoor skills. …
- Problem-solving skills.
Examples of wildlife biologist skills
The precise skills a wildlife biologist possesses frequently depend on their location, specialty, job title, experience, and seniority, but some abilities are relevant to the entire industry. The following are some key competencies that wildlife biologists find useful:
What are wildlife biologist skills?
Wildlife biologists pursue their work every day using their unique skills as wildlife biologists. This could include technical skills particular to their position as well as soft skills that are helpful in many careers. They enable wildlife biologists to successfully carry out their duties, which may include performing research on wildlife populations and habitats, creating plans to save endangered species, tagging and monitoring animals, restoring ecosystems, researching how diseases affect animals, educating the public, and publishing academic research.
How to improve wildlife biologist skills
You can take into account the following strategies to advance your abilities as a wildlife biologist:
1. Earn a degree
Earning a bachelor’s degree is one of the best ways to broaden your understanding of wildlife biology and conservation. A major in zoology, conservation, biology, or wildlife biology is an option. You can gain a better understanding of biological science, conservation strategies, and research techniques by taking these courses of study. A bachelor’s degree is frequently required for entry-level positions in the field of wildlife biology, in addition to helping you to develop expertise. Candidates for senior positions and in-depth research positions frequently need to continue their education by obtaining a master’s or doctoral degree. D. in a field related to wildlife biology.
2. Do research
You can become knowledgeable about zoology and conservation through independent study. You might think about researching the local animal population using printed or digital resources, or by subscribing to academic journals and other publications that cover wildlife biology, such as the Wildlife Society’s magazines and journals. Making introductions to regional experts or academics in the wildlife and conservation fields could also be useful for learning more about their work and discovering nearby educational opportunities. Consult the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) if you want to learn more about the laws and regulations that deal with wildlife. S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.
3. Find an internship
A good way to learn more about the field of wildlife biology, make connections, and gain experience with the fieldwork and research procedures is through an internship. Universities, governmental organizations, parks, and conservation societies are just a few of the organizations that might offer internships. If you are a college student, you might think about asking your instructors or advisors if they are aware of any internship opportunities. If your school doesn’t offer any internship opportunities, look into possibilities with the following businesses:
4. Spend time outdoors
As a wildlife biologist, you’ll probably spend a lot of time outside investigating the ecosystems and local animals. Participating in wilderness excursions and other outdoor activities may be beneficial to getting ready for this and improving your outdoor skills. Trips to campgrounds, hiking and backpacking, snowshoeing and winter camping, rock climbing, navigation classes, rafting or canoeing, and other outdoor activities may be included. These pursuits can be enjoyable and increase your comfort level in the great outdoors.
5. Attend conferences
Meeting other professionals and learning more about the field of wildlife biology can both be accomplished by attending conferences, seminars, and lectures. You can search for events at your university, such as guest speaker appearances, or think about researching upcoming events through professional societies. The Wildlife Society, The Zoological Association of America, The Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and The International Congress for Conservation Biology are a few of the organizations that host conferences on wildlife biology.
Wildlife biologist skills in the workplace
There are many ways to advance your abilities at your current job if you don’t yet work as a wildlife biologist:
How to highlight wildlife biologist skills on a resume
You can emphasize your skills in the following ways in interviews, cover letters, and resumes:
Highlighting wildlife biology skills on a resume
When writing a resume, there are several ways to emphasize your knowledge of wildlife biology:
Highlighting wildlife biology skills in a cover letter
In addition to your resume, writing a cover letter can be an effective way to highlight your qualifications. It frequently provides an opportunity for you to introduce yourself to potential employers and to share information that doesn’t fit into the resume format. After the introduction, you might want to include anecdotes about previous projects you’ve worked on and a description of your greatest successes. You may also use a cover letter to describe your career goals and show that you are knowledgeable about the organization you are applying to.
Highlighting wildlife biology skills in an interview
Finding a job in wildlife biology frequently requires interviews, and showcasing your abilities during the interview process can help you stand out from other applicants. If the interviewer asks you about your abilities or experience, think about illustrating your responses with specifics of your responsibilities and anecdotes from previous jobs. This can help demonstrate your real-world experience in wildlife biology.
Essential Skills for Wildlife Biologists
FAQ
What skills do you need to be a field biologist?
As a field biologist, you must be able to work outside in a variety of weather conditions, recognize local species, have excellent communication skills, and be willing to travel when necessary in order to perform your duties and responsibilities.
What skills does a zoologist need?
- Conduct census projects, research studies, and complex data analysis.
- Study ecosystems.
- Trap, tag, or relocate animals for conservation purposes.
- Develop land and water use plans.
- Work to save endangered species.
- Evaluate the impact of commercial ventures on local wildlife.
