The Undergraduate Program in Wildlife and Conservation Biology is created to give students the opportunity to gain a broad biological, sociological, economic, and political foundation in wildlife and natural resource management, to develop technical lab and field skills in a laboratory-intensive curriculum, to learn how to manage traditional game, non-game, and threatened and endangered species, and to become certified as a wildlife biologist. “.
*The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the federal government is the source of the representation. The website links are offered as a resource and do not provide a comprehensive view of a particular industry or location. Researching various sources and talking to experts in the field are advised to gain a thorough understanding of a chosen industry.
What are careers in wildlife biology?
With a degree in wildlife biology, you can find employment in the field. People in these positions frequently assist endangered species of animals in surviving by working with animals. Animal species that are endangered face threats to their existence. Animals and organisms from all kinds of different climates and classifications, such as birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and even plants and fungi, can be considered wildlife.
People with a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology typically select a specialization or a field of expertise. They can complete training to become specialists in fields like toxicology, which is the study of how chemicals affect living things, and limnology, which is the study of lakes and other freshwater bodies, and continue their education to earn a master’s or doctoral degree.
Careers in wildlife biology
Careers in wildlife biology typically involve researching the habitats and life cycles of wild animals while also preserving and advancing their welfare. These individuals typically use scientific techniques, such as carrying out experiments, gathering and analyzing biological data, and producing reports. Here are some careers in wildlife biology:
A game warden, also known as a wildlife law enforcement officer, patrols parks and wildlife refuges to make sure that hunters and other visitors are abiding by the law regarding hunting, conservation, and the environment. They are responsible for checking hunting permits and enforcing hunting area restrictions. Those in this position can instruct hunters in safety procedures and inform the public about protecting wildlife and natural habitats.
Primary responsibilities: A wildlife caretaker, also known as a wildlife rehabilitator, provides medical attention and rehabilitation to sick or injured wild animals. With the ultimate goal of releasing healthy wild animals back into their natural habitats, those in this position can collaborate with veterinarians and other wildlife specialists to care for injured or sick animals. Keepers of wildlife should be familiar with first aid and possess the ability to maintain composure around various wild animals.
Primary responsibilities include caring for animals used in laboratory settings. They make sure that animals like mice, rats, dogs, cats, reptiles, and monkeys are treated properly and morally. Animal technicians also carry out clerical tasks like gathering information, keeping records, and arranging supplies in addition to feeding and watering animals and cleaning and disinfecting living spaces.
Writing articles about wildlife for magazines, newspapers, and other publications is the primary responsibility of wildlife journalists. People who fill this position can write stories about threatened species, environmental issues, sustainability, and ecosystems. A wildlife journalist stays current on environmental news and is knowledgeable about how nature works scientifically.
An animal trainer’s main responsibilities are to control animals’ behavior and train them to feel at ease around people. They can train animals for performances and entertainment at zoos or other animal parks. For instance, aquarium animal trainers can teach dolphins tricks so that guests can pet and ride them.
Investigators of wildlife crimes, such as the trafficking of exotic pets, poaching, oil spills, and illegal hunting practices, are known as wildlife forensics specialists. They collaborate with wildlife law enforcement officers and examine evidence of crimes, such as animals and animal products, using scientific and chemical methods. For instance, given that the sale of elephant ivory is prohibited in many nations, they might need to determine whether a material is ivory.
Wildlife photographers’ main responsibilities are to capture, edit, and publish excellent images of wild animals in their natural habitats. Photographs are frequently used by those in this position to increase public awareness of environmental issues like endangered species, melting glaciers, and wildfires. Working with journalists for environmental magazines or other organizations is an option for wildlife photographers.
A fish hatchery technician’s main responsibilities include caring for and breeding fish at the facility. These people assist in the production and marketing of many different types of fish, such as shellfish, trout, and bass. Fish hatchery workers are in charge of ensuring the health of the fish by feeding them, keeping their tanks clean, keeping track of bacteria levels, and monitoring water temperatures.
Zoo veterinarians’ main responsibilities include providing medical care and services to the animals kept in zoos. They are in charge of determining symptoms, carrying out examinations, collecting samples, dispensing medications, offering medical treatments, dressing wounds, and performing surgeries on domestic or exotic animals. Additionally, zoo veterinarians provide routine medical care for animals, such as teeth cleaning and diet planning.
Studying wild animals, plants, and other organisms that reside in the ocean and other saltwater habitats is the primary responsibility of marine biologists. They frequently focus on a particular subject, like mammalogy or microbiology People in this position gather specimens, carry out scientific experiments, conduct research on issues like coral reefs, animal migration patterns, and underwater ecosystems, and evaluate the results.
Primary responsibilities: Teaching biology, wildlife, and environmental conservation to students in elementary school, high school, college, or graduate school They discuss issues like extinction-threatened species, natural disasters, pollution, and sustainability tactics. For the purpose of facilitating learning, those in this position are in charge of creating lessons and assisting students with scientific experiments.
A wildlife biologist’s main responsibilities are to study wild animals and how they interact with their environments. People in this position may conduct animal studies in a lab, a zoo, or in the creatures’ natural outdoor habitats. Governments and other organizations can use the assistance of wildlife biologists to manage wildlife habitat, which involves safeguarding and preserving biodiversity and natural resources like forests and rangelands.
An environmental scientist’s main responsibilities include studying the environment and threats to the health of the environment and wildlife, such as air and water pollution, mining, and deforestation. They are also referred to as conservation biologists or conservation scientists. People in this position gather information, conduct research, and write reports based on their findings after analyzing samples of water, soil, plants, and other natural materials. Governmental agencies and other organizations are advised by environmental scientists on how to protect the environment, which in turn protects human health.
An ecologist, also known as a habitat biologist, is primarily responsible for studying various types of natural habitats, including deserts, coral reefs, wetlands, grasslands, and rainforests. Their objective is to locate and address problems affecting natural environments. Ecologists study how organisms interact with each other, their environments, and one another to create diverse ecosystems that are thriving.
Fishery managers are responsible for ensuring the effective and proper operation of a fishery, also known as a fish hatchery, which is a facility for raising and harvesting fish for human consumption. Training technicians and other fishery staff members, monitoring fish growth, caring for fish and equipment, ordering supplies, facilitating sales, and resolving production issues are all tasks that fall under the purview of a fishery manager.
10+ Wildlife biology careers you should know about (& salaries)
FAQ
What is the highest paying wildlife biology job?
With a median yearly salary of $66,350, these are some of the highest paying jobs in the field of wildlife. According to the BLS, zoologists and wildlife biologists employed by the federal government can earn over $81,500 annually. Professionals with experience, particularly those in research positions, can earn up to $106,320 annually.
Are wildlife biologists in demand?
- Wildlife Biologist. Study the relationships between wild animals and their environment.
- Wildlife Manager. Help set harvest guidelines for state natural resource agencies.
- Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer. …
- Park Ranger. …
- Wildlife Technician. …
- Science Communicator.
Where are wildlife biologists paid the most?
From 2020 to 2030, employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists is anticipated to increase by 5%, which is slower than the average for all occupations. Over the next ten years, there are expected to be, on average, 1,700 openings for zoologists and wildlife biologists, despite a modest increase in employment.
