Wildlife Biologist

Description of Work Tasks, Settings and Tools

WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals in the wild. They study reptiles, amphibians, birds, invertebrates, and mammals; and their natural habitat and interactions with their environment. Wildlife biologists organize and carry out studies to analyze and monitor ongoing wildlife and habitat projects. They conduct field research and analyze, interpret, and report their findings. When they report their findings they also make recommendations on management systems, and planning for wildlife population and habitat. Wildlife biologists collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water areas. They inventory plant and wildlife communities and carry out environmental impact assessments. They also estimate wildlife populations for management programs.

Wildlife biologists perform a wide variety of duties associated with conserving fish and wildlife species, including population surveys, habitat restoration, reintroduction of endangered species, and evaluation of the impacts of federal projects. Wildlife biologists monitor the status and trends of waterfowl migrating across North America. They reconstruct wildlife habitats such as wetlands and tallgrass prairie lands. Wildlife biologists use aerial and ground surveys to examine animal populations. They work with conservation officials in the United States and around the world to track animals of mutual management concern, including polar bears, walrus, and seals.

Wildlife biologists consult with stakeholders and the public to explore wildlife management options. They make recommendations about the sustainable development of resources. Wildlife biologists make recommendations about the conditions for industrial activities to stop or minimize the damage to wildlife or their habitat. They also coordinate programs to prevent and control the outbreak of wildlife diseases.

Wildlife biologists provide information, make presentations, and give talks for schools, clubs, and interest groups. They prepare informative brochures, books, slide shows, videos, and computer programs. Wildlife biologists may also prepare reports and scientific papers. In addition, they may perform office or administrative duties and supervise the work of technicians and field staff.

WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS work for:

• federal, state, and local government
• scientific research and testing laboratories
• colleges and universities
• environmental companies
• private ecological consultants

Wildlife biologists work outside for extended periods. They may also work in offices and laboratories.

WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS work with:

• reptiles, amphibians, birds, invertebrates, and mammals
• wildlife habitats
• laboratory equipment
• computers
• brochures, books, videos, and other informative items
• reports and scientific papers

Training, Related Majors and Advancement

A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS entering the field. A master's degree is often required for jobs in basic and applied research, management, administration, environmental consulting, and industry and international advising. A Ph.D. is necessary for independent research and to teach in colleges and universities. Most colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in biological science and many offer advanced degrees.

In addition to required courses in chemistry and biology, undergraduate biological science majors usually study allied disciplines such as mathematics, physics, and computer science. Computer courses are essential, as employers prefer job applicants who are able to apply computer skills to modeling and simulation tasks and to operate computerized laboratory equipment.

No special licensing or certification is necessary to become a wildlife biologist. However, professional organizations such as the Wildlife Society offer professional certification programs.

The following majors could help you prepare for this occupation:

• Biology, General
• Natural Resources Conservation
• Natural Resources Management & Policy
• Wildlife & Wildlands Management
• Zoology/Animal Biology

Some WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS with ability, experience, and advanced degrees may become managers or administrators in private industry. Some wildlife biologists may advance to positions as supervisors of research programs. Others may become freelance environmental consultants or work for small companies that contract their services.

Desirable Personal Qualities

Helpful qualities for WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS include:

• an interest in nature and an appreciation for all forms of life
• a serious concern for the environment
• patience and self-discipline for long and detailed research projects
• a liking for working outside for extended periods
• good written and oral communication skills
• an ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• good problem-solving skills

Estimated Salary

• Economic Research Institute (survey of salaries in 2004):

National average for all occupations included in this survey: $44,000/year or $21.25/hour

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (survey of salaries in 2003):

National average for all occupations included in this survey: $34,000/year or $16.25/hour

• Other Information:

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, average salaries offered beginning WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS with a master's degree in biology were $39,000 ($18.75/hour) in 2004-05.

*Information taken from DISCOVER.