Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist
Job Description & Duties 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.
Responsibilities
- Disseminate information by writing reports and scientific papers and by presenting and giving talks for schools, clubs, interest groups, and park interpretive programs.
- Study animals in natural habitats, assessing environmental and industrial effects, interpreting findings, and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
- Make recommendations on management systems and planning for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public.
- Perform administrative duties such as fundraising, public relations, budgeting, and supervision of zoo staff.
- Prepare collections of preserved specimens or microscopic slides for species identification and study of development or disease.
- Raise specimens for study and observation or for use in experiments.
Required Skills / Qualifications
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Active Listening: Giving full attention to what others say, asking appropriate questions, and not interrupting.
- Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
- Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to evaluate alternative solutions and approaches.
- Writing: Communicating effectively in writing.
- Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Job Market
In the United States, there were 19,400 jobs for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in 2016, with a projected growth of 1,500 positions by 2026.
Average Salary: $40,290 to $102,830 per year.
Highest salaries in District of Columbia, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
Tools & Technologies Commonly Used
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Python, R, SAS
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) – ESRI ArcView
- Data entry and statistical software