Career Information | Zoologists and Wildlife Biologist
Have you ever wondered what a Zoologists or Wildlife Biologist do? Have you ever wondered what the requirements are to become one? This article helps answer those questions.
All information is from NS4ed: Pathway2Careers Curriculum.
A Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist are people who study the origins, behavioral diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats. Under these two sciences there are multiple careers available: wildlife research and management, animal scientists, soil and plant scientists, biologists, range mangers, environmental scientists and specialists, including health.
The career cluster that Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists fall under is Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources under the pathway of Natural Resources Systems. If you’re unfamiliar with Career Pathways and want to learn more visit NS4ed’s resource How to Use P2C.
Now that you know what a Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist is, let’s talk about the tasks that they are in charge of in their field.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make recommendations on management systems and planning for wildlife populations and habitat. They do this by studying animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of the environment and industry on animals, interpreting the findings to recommend alternative operating conditions for the industry. They consult with stakeholders and the public to explore options for the wildlife. They help spread information about the populations and habitats by writing reports and scientific papers or journal articles. Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make presentations and go to schools, clubs, interest groups and park interpretive programs to talk about their findings and spread awareness. It is important that they stay on top of environmental laws and notify law enforcement when violations are identified.
The education and training to become a Zoologist or Wildlife Biologist require graduate school (Range Managers). Certain occupations that fall under Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist may require a master’s degree (Animal Scientists), while others require a Ph.D. (Soil and Plant Scientists), M.D. (Biologists), or J.D. (law degree) (Natural Sciences Managers). Employees will need on-the-job training while many occupations will require five years of experience.
In New Mexico alone, there are 17 statewide annual openings for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists. The growth rate for this occupation is five percent with a median wage of $64,900.
More information about Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists can be found on our social media accounts as well as NS4ed: Pathway2Careers Curriculum. To learn more about the curriculum visit NS4ed. Provide purpose in learning.
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Note: NS4ed is a collaborative partner of the Careers2Communities Program