Wildlife Biologist

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Work Tasks

WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS study origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of wild animals, including reptiles, amphibians, birds, invertebrates, and mammals; and their natural habitat and interactions with their environment. They analyze and monitor ongoing wildlife and habitat projects. They do field research and analyze, interpret, report their findings, and advise on management systems, and planning for wildlife population and habitat. They inventory plant and wildlife communities and carry out environmental impact assessments. They also estimate wildlife populations for management programs.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $61,500 average per year ($29.50 per hour)
• A small occupation (17,400 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.3% per year)

Entry Requirements

A bachelor's degree is the minimum required for entry-level WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS. A master's degree is often required for jobs in basic and applied research, management, administration, environmental consulting, and industry and international advising. A Ph.D. is required for independent research and to teach in colleges and universities. Most colleges and universities offer bachelor's and advanced degrees in biological science. Besides the required courses in chemistry and biology, undergraduate majors study allied disciplines such as math, physics, and computer science. Computer courses are essential.