Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

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Summary

Zoologists and wildlife biologists
Zoologists and wildlife biologists often work outdoors in the field gathering data and studying animals in their natural habitats.
Quick Facts: Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
2010 Median Pay $57,430 per year
$27.61 per hour
Entry-Level Education Bachelor’s degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation None
On-the-job Training None
Number of Jobs, 2010 19,800
Job Outlook, 2010-20 7% (Slower than average)
Employment Change, 2010-20 1,500

What Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Do

Zoologists and wildlife biologists study the characteristics and habitats of animals and wildlife.

Work Environment

Zoologists and wildlife biologists work in offices, laboratories, and outdoors. Most zoologists and wildlife biologists work full time.

How to Become a Zoologist or Wildlife Biologist

Zoologists and wildlife biologists need a bachelor’s degree for entry-level jobs, but a master’s degree is often needed for advancement. A Ph.D. is necessary for most independent research and for college teaching jobs.

Pay

The median annual wage of zoologists and wildlife biologists was $57,430 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to grow by 7 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. More zoologists and wildlife biologists will be needed to study the impact of human population growth and development on wildlife and its habitats.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of zoologists and wildlife biologists with similar occupations.

O*NET

O*NET provides comprehensive information on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

Contacts for More Information

Learn more about zoologists and wildlife biologists by contacting these additional resources.

What Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Do About this section

Zoologists and wildlife biologists
Marine biologists study fish and other wildlife that inhabits the oceans.

Zoologists and wildlife biologists study the characteristics and habitats of animals and wildlife.  

Duties

Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically do the following:

  • Develop and conduct experimental studies with animals in controlled or natural surroundings
  • Collect biological data and specimens for further analysis
  • Study the characteristics of animals, such as their interactions with other species, reproduction, diseases, and movement patterns
  • Analyze the influence that human activity has on wildlife and their natural habitats
  • Estimate wildlife populations
  • Write research papers, reports, and scholarly articles that explain their findings
  • Give presentations on research findings
  • Make recommendations to policymakers and the general public on wildlife conservation and management issues

Zoologists and wildlife biologists perform a variety of scientific tests and experiments. For example, they take blood samples from animals to assess their levels of nutrition.

Zoologists and wildlife biologists use geographic information systems, modeling software, and other computer programs to estimate populations and track the behavior patterns of animals. They also use these programs to forecast the spread of invasive species, diseases, and other potential threats to wildlife.

Zoologists and wildlife biologists conduct research for a variety of purposes. For example, many zoologists and wildlife biologists work to increase knowledge and understanding of wildlife species. They also work closely with public officials to develop wildlife management and conservation plans to ensure species are protected from threats and animal populations remain at sustainable levels.

Most zoologists and wildlife biologists work on research teams with other scientists and technicians. For example, zoologists and wildlife biologists may work with environmental scientists and hydrologists to monitor the effects of water pollution on fish populations.

Many zoologists and wildlife biologists are identified by the types of species they study. The following are examples of those who specialize by species:

  • Entomologists study insects.
  • Herpetologists study reptiles and amphibians, such as snakes and frogs.
  • Ichthyologists study fish.
  • Mammalogists study mammals, such as monkeys and bears.
  • Ornithologists study birds.

Some wildlife biologists study animals by where they live. The following are examples of those who specialize by habitat:

  • Marine biologists study organisms that live in saltwater.
  • Limnologists study organisms that live in freshwater.

Other zoologists and wildlife biologists are identified by the aspects of zoology and wildlife biology they study, such as evolution and animal behavior. The following are some examples:

  • Ecologists study the ecosystem, which is the relationship between organisms and with the surrounding environment.
  • Evolutionary biologists study the origins of species and the changes in their inherited characteristics over generations.

Many people with a zoology and wildlife biology background become high school teachers or professors. For more information, see the profiles on high school teachers and postsecondary teachers.

Work Environment About this section

Zoologists and wildlife biologists
Zoologists and wildlife biologists work closely with public officials to develop wildlife management and conservation plans.

Zoologists and wildlife biologists held about 19,800 jobs in 2010. They work in offices, laboratories, or outdoors. Depending on their position, they may spend considerable time in the field gathering data and studying animals in their natural habitats.

Fieldwork can require zoologists and wildlife biologists to travel to remote locations all over the world. For example, marine biologists may spend months at sea on a research ship. Fieldwork can be physically demanding, and zoologists and wildlife biologists work in both warm and cold climates and in all types of weather.

Industries employing the largest numbers of zoologists and wildlife biologists in 2010 were as follows:

State government, excluding education and hospitals34%
Federal government, excluding postal service26
Management, scientific, and technical consulting services7
Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences7

Work Schedules

Most zoologists and wildlife biologists work full time. They may work long or irregular hours when doing fieldwork.

How to Become a Zoologist or Wildlife Biologist About this section

Zoologists and wildlife biologists
Zoologists and wildlife biologists study specimens collected in the field.

Zoologists and wildlife biologists need a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions, but a master’s degree is often needed for advancement. A Ph.D. is necessary for independent research and for college teaching positions.

Education

Zoologists and wildlife biologists need at least a bachelor’s degree. Many schools offer bachelor’s degree programs in zoology and wildlife biology or a closely related field such as ecology. An undergraduate degree in biology with coursework in zoology and wildlife biology is also good preparation for a career as a zoologist or wildlife biologist. Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically need at least a master’s degree for higher-level positions. A Ph.D. is necessary for most independent research and for college teaching positions.

Students typically take zoology and wildlife biology courses in ecology, anatomy, wildlife management, and cellular biology. They also take courses that focus on a particular group of animals, such as ichthyology (fish) or ornithology (birds). Courses in botany, chemistry, and physics are important because zoologists and wildlife biologists must have a well-rounded scientific background. Students should also take courses in mathematics and statistics because zoologists and wildlife biologists must be able to do complex data analysis.

Knowledge of computer science is important because zoologists and wildlife biologists frequently use advanced computer software, such as geographic information systems and modeling software, to do their work.

Important Qualities

Critical-thinking skills. Zoologists and wildlife biologists need sound reasoning and judgment to draw conclusions from experimental results and scientific observations.

Interpersonal skills. Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically work on teams. They must be able to work effectively with others to achieve their goals.   

Observation skills. Zoologists and wildlife biologists must be able to notice slight changes in an animal’s characteristics, such as their behavior or appearance.

Problem-solving skills. Zoologists and wildlife biologists try to find the best possible solutions to threats that affect wildlife, such as disease and habitat loss.

Speaking skills. Zoologists and wildlife biologists often give presentations to colleagues, managers, policymakers, and the general public. They need to be able to educate others on wildlife conservation and management issues.

Writing skills. Zoologists and wildlife biologists write scientific papers, reports, and articles that explain their findings.

Advancement

Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically receive greater responsibility and independence in their work as they gain experience. More education can also lead to greater responsibility. Zoologists and wildlife biologists with a Ph.D. usually lead research teams and control the direction and content of projects.

Pay About this section

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Median annual wages, May 2010

Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations

$58,530

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

$57,430

Total, All Occupations

$33,840

 

The median annual wage of zoologists and wildlife biologists was $57,430 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,660, and the top 10 percent earned more than $93,450.

Median annual wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of zoologists and wildlife biologists in May 2010 were:

Federal government, excluding postal service$71,110
Research and development in the physical, engineering,
and life sciences
     63,740
State government, excluding education and hospitals     52,360
Management, scientific, and technical consulting services     50,040

Most zoologists and wildlife biologists work full time. They may work long or irregular hours when doing fieldwork.

Job Outlook About this section

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Percent change in employment, projected 2010-20

Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations

16%

Total, All Occupations

14%

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

7%

 

Employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to grow by 7 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. More zoologists and wildlife biologists will be needed to study the impact of population growth and development on wildlife and their habitats. However, demand for zoologists and wildlife biologists in local, state, and federal government agencies, such as the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, will vary based on the budgets for these agencies.

As the population grows and expands into new areas it will expose wildlife to threats such as disease, invasive species, and habitat loss. Increased human activity causes problems, such as pollution and climate change, that endanger wildlife. For example, changes in climate patterns can be detrimental to the migration habits of animals, and increased sea levels can destroy wetlands. Zoologists and wildlife biologists will be needed to research, develop, and carry out wildlife management and conservation plans that combat these threats and protect our biological resources.

Job Prospects

Zoologists and wildlife biologists should have good job opportunities. In addition to job growth, many job openings will be created by zoologists and wildlife biologists who retire, advance to management positions, or change careers.

Year to year, the number of job openings available in local, state, and federal government agencies, such as the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, will vary based on the budgets for these agencies.

Employment projections data for zoologists and wildlife biologists, 2010-20
Occupational Title SOC Code Employment, 2010 Projected Employment, 2020 Change, 2010-20 Employment by Industry
Percent Numeric

SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

19-1023 19,800 21,300 7 1,500 [XLS]

Similar Occupations About this section

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of zoologists and wildlife biologists.

Occupation Job Duties ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION Help 2010 MEDIAN PAY Help
Agricultural and food scientists

Agricultural and Food Scientists

Agricultural and food scientists work to ensure agricultural productivity and food safety.

See How to Become One $58,450
Biochemists and biophysicists

Biochemists and Biophysicists

Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes such as cell development, growth, and heredity.

Doctoral or professional degree $79,390
Biological technicians

Biological Technicians

Biological technicians help biological and medical scientists conduct laboratory tests and experiments.

Bachelor’s degree $39,020
Conservation scientists and foresters

Conservation Scientists and Foresters

Conservation scientists and foresters manage overall land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources.

Bachelor’s degree $57,420
Environmental scientists and specialists

Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment. They identify problems and find solutions that minimize hazards to the health of the environment and the population.

Bachelor’s degree $61,700
Microbiologists

Microbiologists

Microbiologists study the growth, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi.

Bachelor’s degree $65,920
Postsecondary teachers

Postsecondary Teachers

Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a wide variety of academic and vocational subjects beyond the high school level. They also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.

Doctoral or professional degree $62,050
Veterinarians

Veterinarians

Veterinarians care for the health of animals. They diagnose, treat, or research medical conditions and diseases of pets, livestock, and animals in zoos, racetracks, and laboratories.

Doctoral or professional degree $82,040

Contacts for More Information About this section

For more information about zoologists and wildlife biologists, visit

The Wildlife Society

For information about careers in zoology and wildlife biology with the federal government, visit

USAJOBS

Suggested citation:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists,
on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/zoologists-and-wildlife-biologists.htm (visited October 17, 2012).

Publish Date: Friday, April 6, 2012