Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
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Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
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.
Table of contents
What they do
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.
- Make recommendations on management systems and planning for wildlife populations and habitats, 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.
Typical day
On a daily basis, Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make recommendations on management systems and planning for wildlife populations and habitats, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options. They perform administrative duties, such as fundraising, public relations, budgeting, and supervision of zoo staff.
- Raise specimens for study and observation or for use in experiments.
- Inform and respond to the public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
- Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing the effects of the 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.
- Check for, and ensure compliance with, environmental laws, and notify law enforcement when violations are identified.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists also study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories and diseases, development, genetics, and distribution. They may also inform and respond to the public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
On a weekly to monthly basis, Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists 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. They might also inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
In addition, they make recommendations on management systems and planning for wildlife populations and habitats, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them analyze the characteristics of animals to identify and classify them.
To some Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists, it is also their responsibility to raise specimens for study and observation or for use in experiments.
What is the job like
Job satisfaction
Is this job meaningful
77% said they were satisfied with their job and 75% said they found their job meaningful.
For most of the day, we are field-based, which means this is not the type of office work. When I was a young zoologist, I took lots of time following and observe the action, behavior, and habit of animals (horses, donkeys, dogs, cats, etc). My place of work sometimes is based in the place where the animals live. Following their daily habit like how they react when fed, what do they like during training sessions, what are the differences in the behavior of different dogs breeds, etc.
We also need to spend some time doing a report and working with the data that we collect through the time to find patterns, straits, and sometimes, make a specific report for a specific pet if our client requires it. We also need to continuously update with the latest research of the academia on the animals and pets behavior, or different diseases treatment, which would help us during our work a lot. Some of the days we will go on a special field trip in which we can observe the animals in the connection with others, and see the reaction to compare with their natural habitat. I also work with vets specializing in different fields to discuss different cases as each animal/pet has its own characteristics, besides the species/breeds.
Pros
Working as a professional zoologist gives me a chance to increase my empathy and love for all creatures on earth, not only humans but animals and plants. It gives me a sense of responsibility to live more eco-friendly as I understand we are sharing a home with many other creatures. Nature is also a healing environment to be in, and working in this environment is a perk to me. I apply the ethic training of being a zoologist into my daily life and would like to pass it to my children also.
Cons
There are difficulties working as a zoologist, such as sometimes it is dangerous to deal with such situations, or there are some strange diseases of animals which might be dangerous for humans and we might be the first ones to get it. I also need to continuously develop my physical strength as the job requires much of it. The working environment is not always peaceful, especially when the animals are angry. However, at the end of the day, the passion for the job and the ethical responsibility of being a zoologist keeps me going. I know I bring values to the community and I am happy with that.
Pros
Suitable for people who like to solve problems mentally.
Suitable for people who value achievements and are results-oriented.
Very good salary.
Demand for this career is growing.
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to help and teach others.
It is very hard to get into this career. Extensive skills, knowledge, and experience are required for this career.
How much do they make
Average salary
Average hourly wage
Entry-level Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $41,720 to $52,630 per year or $20 to $25 per hour.
| Salary by experience | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Highest (Top 10%) | $106,320 | $51 |
| Senior (Top 25%) | $82,670 | $40 |
| Median | $66,350 | $32 |
| Junior (Bottom 25%) | $52,630 | $25 |
| No experience (Bottom 10%) | $41,720 | $20 |
This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists based on their average annual salary.
| Salary by industry | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Executive Branch | $88390 | $42.49 |
| Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services | $80490 | $38.70 |
| Scientific Research and Development Services | $78610 | $37.79 |
| Local Government | $75190 | $36.15 |
| Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services | $72110 | $34.67 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | $70050 | $33.68 |
| State Government | $61120 | $29.38 |
| Civic and Social Organizations | $58790 | $28.27 |
| Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions | $57310 | $27.55 |
| Social Advocacy Organizations | $56360 | $27.10 |
View more salary by industries here.
Where can they work
Where can Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists including the average salary in that industry.
| Employers | Total Employed | Annual Salary | Hourly Wages |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Government | 7110 | $61120 | $29.38 |
| Federal Executive Branch | 3860 | $88390 | $42.49 |
| Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services | 1630 | $72110 | $34.67 |
| Local Government | 1210 | $75190 | $36.15 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 850 | $70050 | $33.68 |
| Social Advocacy Organizations | 720 | $56360 | $27.10 |
| Scientific Research and Development Services | 680 | $78610 | $37.79 |
| Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions | 570 | $57310 | $27.55 |
| Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services | 250 | $80490 | $38.70 |
| Civic and Social Organizations | 60 | $58790 | $28.27 |
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What is the work day like
Working hours
Working schedule
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Telephone
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Group discussions
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Public speaking
How often does this job require you to do public speaking?
Level of competition
How much competitive pressure is in this job?
What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
Difficulty to become one
Required level of education
What level of education do you need to perform the job?
Relevant majors
Marine Sciences
Environmental Biology
Evolutionary Biology
Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography
Ecology
Wildlife Biology
Animal Behavior and Ethology
Animal Physiology
Entomology
Zoology/Animal Biology
Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management
Relevant work experience
How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?
On The Job Training
How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?
Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
People with this personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.
People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.
People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.
People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend to like working with ideas and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
They also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
Work Values
Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?
You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.
You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.
You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.
You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.
You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.
You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.
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