Ever wondered how you could turn your love for animals and the environment into a meaningful career? Becoming a Wildlife Biologist might be your path to working with nature every day.
A Wildlife Biologist’s job is to study animals and their habitats, understand their behaviours, and work on conservation efforts. They play a super important role in protecting endangered species, preserving ecosystems, and helping us understand the complex relationships in nature.
If you’re passionate about the environment, have strong analytical skills, and enjoy working outdoors, this could be an exciting career that’s right up your alley.
What skills do I need as a Wildlife Biologist?
- Observational skills
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Teamwork & collaboration
- Data analysis
- Fieldwork proficiency
- Communication skills
What does the job involve?
- Conducting research on animal behaviour, genetics, and populations
- Studying ecosystems to understand how different species interact
- Collecting and analysing biological data
- Monitoring and tracking animal movements
- Writing reports and research papers on findings
- Developing conservation plans to protect endangered species
- Working with government agencies, non-profits, and conservation organizations
- Educating the public about wildlife conservation
What industries do Wildlife Biologists typically work in?
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
- Public Administration and Safety
- Education and Training
What Career Cluster do Wildlife Biologists belong to?
The role of a Wildlife Biologist is driven by a desire to protect and preserve, making it an attractive career for Guardians. Innovators also often thrive in this field due to the research and problem-solving aspects of the job.
What kind of lifestyle can I expect?
As a Wildlife Biologist, you can expect a varied lifestyle with both fieldwork and office-based research. The job often involves working outdoors in various weather conditions, which can be physically demanding but rewarding for those who love nature. Travel is common, especially for fieldwork in remote locations or when attending conferences and workshops.
While full-time positions are the norm, some Wildlife Biologists can work on a contract basis or in part-time roles, particularly when conducting specific research projects. The job can involve irregular hours, especially during fieldwork seasons, but this flexibility can be appealing for those who prefer a non-traditional work environment.
How to Become a Wildlife Biologist
To become a Wildlife Biologist, you’ll need to follow a clear educational and training pathway.
First, you’ll need to complete high school with a focus on science subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics. After high school, you should pursue a Bachelor’s degree in a related field of Wildlife Science and Biology.
Some relevant degrees include:
- Bachelor of Wildlife Science
- Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology)
- Bachelor of Biological Science
To advance further in this career, you could also consider pursuing a Master’s degree or PhD in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, or a related field. These advanced degrees can open up opportunities in research, teaching, or specialised roles within the field.
If you’re currently in high school and considering a career as a Wildlife Biologist, here are some steps to help see if it’s a good fit:
- Gain practical experience by volunteering with local conservation groups, zoos, or wildlife rehabilitation centres. This hands-on experience will give you insight into the field and help you determine if you like the kind of work it involves.
- Focus on excelling in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics, and consider taking courses in Ecology or Environmental Science if available. This strong foundation in science will be really important for your future studies.
- Research various wildlife biology programs to understand the requirements and the work load. This preparation can be really helpful you for making a decision about whether this career is something you’d actually like to pursue.
Find out more here:
- Environmental Science Education
- US Forest Service
- The Wildlife Society
- Australian Wildlife Society
- Society for Conservation Biology
- Eco Canada
Similar careers to Wildlife Biologist
- Conservationist
- Agronomist
- Climate Scientist
- Marine Biologist
- Park Ranger
- Zookeeper
- Outdoor Educator
Find out more about alternative careers.