How to Become a Wildlife Biologist

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Do you have a passion for wildlife and the great outdoors? Are you interested in studying the biology, behavior, and habitats of animals in their natural environments? Then, a career as a wildlife biologist could be your calling.

Wildlife biologists are dedicated scientists who study various aspects of animal life, including behavior, characteristics, habitats, and the impact of environmental changes. This career path offers the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including laboratories, natural habitats, and administrative offices.

We’ll explore the steps you can take to become a wildlife biologist, the job responsibilities, the opportunities available, and the education and experience required for success. Whether you dream of working in conservation, research, or zoology, here’s how you can turn your love for wildlife into a fulfilling and exciting career.

Wildlife biologists study the biology, behavior, and habitats of animal populations in the wild. Their workday may include conducting census projects, performing research studies, and analyzing complex data.

They might also study ecosystems, tag or relocate animals for conservation purposes, and develop land and water use plans.

Wildlife biologist jobs could involve working on saving endangered species and assessing the impact of commercial ventures on local wildlife. They also study wildlife disease transmission, interact with fish and game wardens and wildlife rehabilitators, and write research papers, reports, and articles to explain their findings.

Becoming a wildlife biologist involves several key steps, from obtaining your bachelor’s degree to gaining field experience and potentially furthering your education with a master’s or Ph.D. Here’s a look at the typical steps you would take on your journey to becoming a wildlife biologist:

The first step to becoming a wildlife biologist is to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife biology, ecology, or a related field. This foundational education is typically a requirement for many positions in the field and provides the necessary knowledge base for understanding the principles of biology, ecology, and zoology.

During your undergraduate studies, you’ll learn about different types of wildlife, their habitats, and the challenges they face. You may take courses like wildlife ecology, biodiversity conservation, wildlife habitat management, and natural resource sampling.

Gaining field experience is a crucial step in becoming a wildlife biologist. This practical experience often takes the form of internships, volunteering at zoos or ecological organizations, or working as a technician or research assistant.

These opportunities allow you to apply your classroom knowledge to real-world situations and gain valuable hands-on experience. Additionally, field experience can help you build professional connections and increase your chances of finding a job after graduation.

While a master’s degree is not always required, it can open the door to more advanced positions and specializations within wildlife biology.

A master’s degree program allows you to delve deeper into your area of interest and often involves a significant research project or thesis. During your master’s program, you’ll have the opportunity to work closely with professors and other professionals in the field, further enhancing your knowledge and skills.

Once you’ve completed your education and gained field experience, you’re ready to start your career as a wildlife biologist.

You might work for a government agency, a nonprofit organization, or a private company. Your daily tasks will vary depending on your role, but you’ll likely be involved in researching wildlife populations, developing conservation plans, and analyzing data.

If you’re interested in leading independent research or teaching at the university level, you might consider pursuing a Ph.D. A doctoral degree involves several years of advanced study and a significant research project, culminating in a dissertation.

While a Ph.D. is a substantial commitment, it can open the door to high-level positions in academia and research institutions, and it can increase your influence on conservation efforts and policy.

As a wildlife biologist, you have several career paths and specializations available to you. Here are a few examples:

For wildlife biologists, potential work environments can be as diverse as the animals they study. Some choose to spend time in wildlife habitats, others work in government facilities or laboratories.

Wildlife biologists can work in a variety of settings. They are often outdoors in potentially harsh weather conditions, but they can also work in administrative offices and laboratories. They might interact with a wide range of animal species in local wildlife populations.

These professionals often work in these roles full time, and they may work long or irregular hours, especially when conducting fieldwork.

The geographic locations that offer the most opportunities for wildlife biologists are typically areas with rich biodiversity and extensive wildlife populations, such as national parks, wildlife reserves, and coastal regions with diverse marine life.

Additionally, locations with significant environmental challenges or conservation programs may present more job opportunities for wildlife biologists.

States with large amounts of public land, such as Alaska, or countries like Brazil with the Amazon rainforest, could be hotspots for wildlife biologists due to the need to monitor and conserve these vast natural areas.

Wildlife biologists are primarily employed by government agencies, conservation groups, environmental organizations, preserves, state and national parks, and zoos.

Their projects typically involve designing and implementing wildlife data collection programs, monitoring wildlife movements, preparing management plans for wildlife programs, and managing predator and invasive plant control.

The job outlook for wildlife biologists is promising. Jobs for these professionals are expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that roles for zoologists and wildlife biologists will grow 3% from 2022-2032.This growth is expected to result in approximately 1,500 job openings each year over the decade, many of which will be caused by the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or retire.

Wildlife biologists at different stages of their careers can expect different salary ranges based on experience and responsibilities. According to the BLS, zoologists and wildlife biologists earned a median annual salary of $70,600 in 2023.