Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Life, Physical & Social Science
• O*NET-SOC code: 19-1023
• O*NET job zone: 4 — considerable preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
• Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
• Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
• 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.
• Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
• Perform administrative duties, such as fundraising, public relations, budgeting, and supervision of zoo staff.
• Check for, and ensure compliance with, environmental laws, and notify law enforcement when violations are identified.
• Analyze characteristics of animals to identify and classify them.
• Conduct literature reviews.
• Organize and conduct experimental studies with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings.
• Coordinate preventive programs to control the outbreak of wildlife diseases.

Tools and technology

ESRI ArcGIS software, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Word, Python, R, SAS

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Biologists
• Conservation Scientists
• Range Managers
• Environmental Restoration Planners
• Fish and Game Wardens
• Soil and Plant Scientists
• Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
• Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 4 (considerable preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.