Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

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Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Careers / Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Summary Description


	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.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Animal Behaviorist

2.	Animal Biologist

3.	Aquatic Biologist

4.	Assistant Research Scientist

5.	Black Bear Project Leader

6.	Conservation Resources Management Biologist

7.	Cryptozoologist

8.	Dolphin Researcher

9.	Ecologist

10.	Entomologist

11.	Environmental Consultant

12.	Environmental Specialist

13.	Field Naturalist

14.	Fish and Wildlife Biologist

15.	Fish Conservationist

16.	Fish Culturist

17.	Fish Technologist

18.	Fisheries Biologist

19.	Fisheries Management Biologist

20.	Fishery Biologist

21.	Forest Service Wildlife Program Leader

22.	Game Management Assistant Chief

23.	Hatchery Superintendant

24.	Herpetologist

25.	Ichthyologist

26.	Lepidopterist

27.	Limnologist

28.	Mammalogist

29.	Marine Biologist

30.	Marine Scientist

31.	Migratory Game Bird Biologist

32.	Naturalist

33.	Nematologist

34.	Ornithologist

35.	Protozoologist

36.	Shark Biologist

37.	Terrestrial Ecologist

38.	Threatened and Endangered Species Coordinator

39.	Wildlife Biologist

40.	Wildlife Conservationist

41.	Wildlife Diversity Program Manager

42.	Wildlife Division Manager

43.	Wildlife Ecologist

44.	Wildlife Health Specialist

45.	Wildlife Manager

46.	Wildlife Program Manager

47.	Wildlife Technician

48.	Zookeeper

49.	Zoologist

Job Tasks

	Oversee the care and distribution of zoo animals, working with curators and zoo directors to determine the best way to contain animals, maintain their habitats and manage facilities.

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

	Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.

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

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

	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 and diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.

	Coordinate preventive programs to control the outbreak of wildlife diseases.

	Analyze characteristics of animals to identify and classify them.

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

	Prepare collections of preserved specimens or microscopic slides for species identification and study of development or disease.

	Perform administrative duties such as fundraising, public relations, budgeting, and supervision of zoo staff.

	Collect and dissect animal specimens and examine specimens under microscope.

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

	Raise specimens for study and observation or for use in experiments.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.


		collect scientific or technical data

		collect academic research data

		collect statistical data

		read maps

		research human or animal disease

		study development of plants, animals, or microscopic organisms

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.


		use computers to enter, access or retrieve data

		use relational database software

		use spreadsheet software

		use word processing or desktop publishing software

		develop or maintain databases

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.


		recognize disease or parasites in animals

		understand animal habits or needs

		examine biological or other material specimens under microscope

		identify insect characteristics

		identify animal species

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.


		record test results, test procedures, or inspection data

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.


		confer with research personnel

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.


		analyze biological research, test, or analysis data

		analyze scientific research data or investigative findings

		conduct field research or investigative studies

		conduct laboratory research or experiments

		conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses

		conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses

		analyze ecosystem data

		perform statistical analysis

		conduct analyses or tests of organic compounds

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.


		use chemical testing or analysis procedures

		use hazardous materials information

		follow infectious materials procedures

		use scientific research methodology

		follow safe waste disposal procedures

		use teaching techniques

		use knowledge of vivisection

		follow microbiology procedures

		use biological research techniques

		use knowledge of investigation techniques

		use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems

		use project management techniques

		use quantitative research methods

		use library or online Internet research techniques

		use animal disease control techniques

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.


		communicate technical information

		make presentations

		confer with scientists

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.


		make decisions

		resolve engineering or science problems

		select animals to be bred

		resolve animal breeding problems

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.


		plan scientific research or investigative studies

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.


		write research or project grant proposals

		write business project or bid proposals

		develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards

		develop plans for programs or projects

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.


		explain complex mathematical information

		write scholarly or technical research papers

		explain genetic data

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.


		estimate population or condition of plant life, fish, or wildlife

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.


		capture animals for control, identification, relocation, sale or humane purposes

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.


		develop tables depicting data

		classify plants, animals, or other natural phenomena

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.


		develop new products based on scientific research results

		develop scientific or mathematical hypotheses, theories, or laws

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.


		adhere to safety procedures

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.


		develop budgets

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.


		prepare vaccines, biologicals, or serums

		prepare biological specimens for examination

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.


		oversee execution of organizational or program policies

		direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies

		direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff

		direct implementation of new procedures, policies, or programs

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).


		use biological testing instruments

		use microscope

		use laboratory equipment

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.


		advise clients or customers

		advise animal owners regarding treatment of animals

		recommend further study or action based on research data

		advise governmental or industrial personnel

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.


		maintain records, reports, or files

		prepare reports

		prepare technical reports or related documentation

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.


		conduct fund raising activities

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.


		breed animals to propagate stock or to develop new types

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Biological Scientists
	Biological scientists study living organisms and their relationship to the environment. They perform research to gain a better understanding of fundamental life processes and apply that understanding to developing new products or processes. Research can be broken down into two categories: basic and applied. Basic research is conducted without any intended aim; the goal is simply to expand on human knowledge. Applied research is directed towards solving a particular problem. Most biological scientists specialize in one area of biology, such as zoology (the study of animals) or microbiology (the study of microscopic organisms). (Medical scientists, whose work is closely related to that of biological scientists, are discussed elsewhere in the Handbook.)

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Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Biological Scientists
	Most biologists spend their time in laboratories conducting research and in offices writing up results and keeping up with the latest research discoveries. Some biological scientists, particularly botanists, ecologists, and zoologists, do field studies that involve strenuous physical activity and primitive living conditions for extended periods of time. Biological scientists in the field may work in warm or cold climates, in all kinds of weather. Biological scientists usually are not exposed to unsafe or unhealthy conditions. Those who work with dangerous organisms or toxic substances in the laboratory must follow strict safety procedures to avoid contamination.

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Interesting Fact

The U.S. industry whose workers experience the greatest rate of illness (or sick days) is Air Transportation.

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