Life As a Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist
Position 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.
Daily Life Of a Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist
- Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
- Perform administrative duties, such as fundraising, public relations, budgeting, and supervision of zoo staff.
- 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.
- Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories and diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
- Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
- Coordinate preventive programs to control the outbreak of wildlife diseases.
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Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist Skills
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:
- Aquatic Biologist
- Fish Conservationist
- Marine Biologist
- Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aid
- Wildlife Conservationist
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. The BLS estimates 1,900 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
Do Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Make A Lot Of Money?
The typical yearly salary for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists is somewhere 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
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
How to Become a Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist
What kind of Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist requirements are there?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where do Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Work?

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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