Would I Make a Good Zoologist?
Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals and other wildlife and how they interact with their ecosystems. They work in offices, laboratories, or outdoors. Depending on their job, they may spend considerable time in the field gathering data and studying animals in their natural habitats. They need a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions; a master’s degree is often needed for higher-level investigative or scientific work. A Ph.D. is necessary to lead independent research and for most university research positions.
The median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $63,420 in May 2018.
Employment in these fields is projected to grow 5 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. More will be needed to study human and wildlife interactions as the human population grows and development impacts wildlife and their natural habitats. However, because most funding comes from governmental agencies, demand for zoologists and wildlife biologists will be limited by budgetary constraints.
Do I have what it takes to work in zoology?
Tasks
- Make recommendations on management systems and planning for wildlife populations and habitat, 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.
- Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software — Computer modeling software; HATPRO; SAS
; Statistical software - Data base user interface and query software — Data entry software ; Database management software; Microsoft Access ; Relational database software
- Electronic mail software — Email software; Microsoft Outlook
- Map creation software — ESRI ArcGIS software ; ESRI ArcView; Geographic information system GIS software
- Spreadsheet software — IBM Lotus 1-2-3; Microsoft Excel
Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.
Knowledge
- Biology — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
- English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Law and Government — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
- Geography — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
- Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Skills
- Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Science — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
- Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Abilities
- Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
- Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
- Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Work Activities
- Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Detailed Work Activities
- Advise others about environmental management or conservation.
- Measure environmental characteristics.
- Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
- Assess compliance with environmental laws.
- Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
Work Context
- Electronic Mail — 98% responded “Every day.”
- Face-to-Face Discussions — 75% responded “Every day.”
- Freedom to Make Decisions — 67% responded “A lot of freedom.”
- Structured versus Unstructured Work — 60% responded “A lot of freedom.”
- Telephone — 54% responded “Every day.”