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.

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Investigative

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Realistic

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Conventional

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Enterprising

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Artistic

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Social

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Make recommendations on management systems and planning for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.

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.

Check for, and ensure compliance with, environmental laws, and notify law enforcement when violations are identified.

Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.

Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.

Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.

Organize and conduct experimental studies with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings.

Analyze characteristics of animals to identify and classify them.

Coordinate preventive programs to control the outbreak of wildlife diseases.

ESRI ArcGIS software

ESRI ArcView

Geographic information system GIS software

Geographic information system GIS systems

Microsoft PowerPoint

Computer modeling software

HATPRO

Statistical software

Database management software

Microsoft Access

Relational database software

IBM Lotus 1-2-3

Microsoft Excel

Email software

Microsoft Outlook

Corel WordPerfect Office Suite

Microsoft Office software

Python

Global positioning system GPS software

Microsoft Word

Dip net samplers

Gill nets

Jellyfish scoops

Plankton nets

Benthic samplers

Ekman dredges

Multiplate samplers

Secchi disks

Culvert traps

Foot snares

Mist nets

Aerial nets

Odonata nets

Sweeping nets

Scintillation vials

Specimen collection containers

Water sample collection containers

Mesh sieves

Sieve buckets

Animal transmitters

Radio telemetry equipment

Leather gloves

Nitrile gloves

All terrain vehicles ATV

Four wheel drive 4WD vehicles

Compound binocular light microscopes

Compound microscopes

Zoologists & Wildlife Biologists

Go to college. Study Biology or Natural Resources or Environmental Sciences.

I don't quite have a typical work day. Some days I spend all day out in the field doing radio telemetry and locating and observing birds. Other days I spend all day writing proposals for grants and doing GIS analysis. It's always different, and I love it that way!

Catie Welch

Graduate Student

Milestones

Education

Career

Career Roadmap

My work combines:

My work combines:

Science

Environment & Nature

Learning / Being Challenged

Day to Day

Advice for Getting Started

Recommended Education

Catie Welch

Graduate Student

Milestones

Education

Career

Career Roadmap

My work combines:

My work combines:

Science

Environment & Nature

Learning / Being Challenged

Day to Day

Advice for Getting Started

Recommended Education

My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:

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