What Do Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Do?
Career Description Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.
What Do Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Do On a Daily Basis?
- Make recommendations on management systems and planning for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.
- Check for, and ensure compliance with, environmental laws, and notify law enforcement when violations are identified.
- Organize and conduct experimental studies with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings.
- Analyze characteristics of animals to identify and classify them.
- Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
- Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist?
These are the skills Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists say are the most useful in their careers:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Other Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist Job Titles
- Ornithologist
- Fishery Biologist
- Conservation Resources Management Biologist
- Behaviorist
- Herpetologist
Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist Employment Estimates
There were about 19,400 jobs for Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 7.7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,500 new jobs for Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 1,900 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist are Indiana, Utah, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Kansas, Alaska, or Tennessee. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist
The salary for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists ranges between about $40,290 and $102,830 a year.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists who work in District of Columbia, Massachusetts, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $57,600 |
| Alaska | $76,640 |
| Arizona | $62,950 |
| California | $75,840 |
| Colorado | $70,650 |
| Connecticut | $78,830 |
| District of Columbia | $109,420 |
| Florida | $51,950 |
| Georgia | $63,890 |
| Hawaii | $73,660 |
| Idaho | $69,430 |
| Illinois | $57,920 |
| Indiana | $65,180 |
| Iowa | $68,670 |
| Kansas | $53,550 |
| Kentucky | $59,190 |
| Louisiana | $68,590 |
| Maine | $59,360 |
| Maryland | $83,850 |
| Massachusetts | $87,950 |
| Michigan | $65,220 |
| Minnesota | $61,220 |
| Mississippi | $68,000 |
| Missouri | $52,990 |
| Montana | $66,770 |
| Nebraska | $60,060 |
| Nevada | $69,270 |
| New Hampshire | $67,950 |
| New Jersey | $66,700 |
| New Mexico | $58,730 |
| New York | $75,290 |
| North Carolina | $59,760 |
| North Dakota | $69,890 |
| Ohio | $57,370 |
| Oklahoma | $48,330 |
| Oregon | $73,430 |
| Pennsylvania | $68,570 |
| Rhode Island | $70,600 |
| South Carolina | $62,680 |
| South Dakota | $53,810 |
| Tennessee | $65,550 |
| Texas | $66,150 |
| Utah | $59,110 |
| Vermont | $67,560 |
| Virginia | $64,970 |
| Washington | $75,400 |
| Wisconsin | $59,090 |
| Wyoming | $62,040 |
What Tools & Technology do Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Project
- Spreadsheet software
- SAS
- R
- Geographic information system GIS software
- ESRI ArcView
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Statistical software
- Corel WordPerfect
How to Become a Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist
Individuals working as a Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist have obtained the following education levels:
What work experience do I need to become a Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist?
Who Employs Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
Image Credit: Nicholas A. Tonelli via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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