What You Need to Know About Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
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.
Daily Life Of a Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist
- Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories and diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
- Organize and conduct experimental studies with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings.
- Raise specimens for study and observation or for use in experiments.
- 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.
- Perform administrative duties, such as fundraising, public relations, budgeting, and supervision of zoo staff.
Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist Required Skills
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.
Related Job Titles
- Protozoologist
- Ecologist
- Mammalogist
- Ethologist
- Fish Conservationist
Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist Job Outlook
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 19,400 jobs in the United States for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists.
New jobs are being produced at a rate of 7.6% which is lower than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,500 new jobs for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists 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 Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists are Washington, California, and Florida.
Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Kansas, or Tennessee. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist Salary
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Make between $40,290 and $102,830 a year. The median salary for this occupation is $63,420.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for jobs of this type in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
|
District of Columbia |
$109,420 |
|
Massachusetts |
$87,950 |
|
Maryland |
$83,850 |
|
Connecticut |
$78,830 |
|
Alaska |
$76,640 |
|
California |
$75,840 |
|
Washington |
$75,400 |
|
New York |
$75,290 |
|
Hawaii |
$73,660 |
|
Oregon |
$73,430 |
|
Colorado |
$70,650 |
|
Rhode Island |
$70,600 |
|
North Dakota |
$69,890 |
|
Idaho |
$69,430 |
|
Nevada |
$69,270 |
|
Iowa |
$68,670 |
|
Louisiana |
$68,590 |
|
Pennsylvania |
$68,570 |
|
Mississippi |
$68,000 |
|
New Hampshire |
$67,950 |
|
Vermont |
$67,560 |
|
Montana |
$66,770 |
|
New Jersey |
$66,700 |
|
Texas |
$66,150 |
|
Tennessee |
$65,550 |
|
Michigan |
$65,220 |
|
Indiana |
$65,180 |
|
Virginia |
$64,970 |
|
Georgia |
$63,890 |
|
Arizona |
$62,950 |
|
South Carolina |
$62,680 |
|
Wyoming |
$62,040 |
|
Minnesota |
$61,220 |
|
Nebraska |
$60,060 |
|
North Carolina |
$59,760 |
|
Maine |
$59,360 |
|
Kentucky |
$59,190 |
|
Utah |
$59,110 |
|
Wisconsin |
$59,090 |
|
New Mexico |
$58,730 |
|
Illinois |
$57,920 |
|
Alabama |
$57,600 |
|
Ohio |
$57,370 |
|
South Dakota |
$53,810 |
|
Kansas |
$53,550 |
|
Missouri |
$52,990 |
|
Florida |
$51,950 |
|
Oklahoma |
$48,330 |
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 Access
- Geographic information system GIS software
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Microsoft Office
- SAS
- Python
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- R
How do I Become a Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist?
Learn what Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist education requirements there are.
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Are Employed
References
Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons
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