Life As a Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist
Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist 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.
Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist Responsibilities
- Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
- Prepare collections of preserved specimens or microscopic slides for species identification and study of development or disease.
- Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
- Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories and diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
- Analyze characteristics of animals to identify and classify them.
- Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
Things a Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist Should Know How to Do
When polled, Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Wildlife Manager
- Ornithologist
- Zoologist
- Wildlife Conservationist
- Behaviorist
Are There Job Opportunities for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?
In the United States, there were 19,400 jobs for Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist in 2016. 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.
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.
How Much Does a Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist Make?
The average yearly salary of a Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist ranges between $40,290 and $102,830.
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 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
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 do I Become a Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist?
Education needed to be a Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Work
The table below shows the approximate number of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists employed by various industries.
References:
Image Credit: Nicholas A. Tonelli via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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