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Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist

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What Do Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist Do?

Job 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.

List of Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist Job Duties

  • Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories and diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
  • Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
  • Disseminate information by writing reports and scientific papers or journal articles, and by making presentations and giving talks for schools, clubs, interest groups and park interpretive programs.
  • Organize and conduct experimental studies with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings.
  • Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
  • Coordinate preventive programs to control the outbreak of wildlife diseases.

Qualities of a Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

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.

  • Shark Biologist
  • Zoologist
  • Marine Scientist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Fish Biologist

Is There Going to be Demand for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 19,400 jobs in the United States for Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist. 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. There will be an estimated 1,900 positions for Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist per year.

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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.

Average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make between $40,290 and $102,830 a year.

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Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists who work in District of Columbia, Massachusetts, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.

How much do Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make in each U.S. state?

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?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists may use on a daily basis:

  • 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

Becoming a Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist

Are there Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists education requirements?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Sector

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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References:

Image Credit: Nicholas A. Tonelli via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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