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Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

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.

What you’d do

  • Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
  • 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.
  • Develop, or make recommendations on, management systems and plans for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.
  • Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
  • Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
  • Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
  • Organize and conduct experimental studies with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings.
  • Conduct literature reviews.

Skills that matter

  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Science
  • Speaking

How to get there

Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

Also called

  • Conservation Biologist
  • Fish and Wildlife Biologist
  • Fisheries Biologist
  • Wildlife Biologist
  • Aquatic Biologist
  • Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist

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