For those who enjoy spending time outdoors amidst nature and traveling worldwide, a career as a wildlife biologist seems like an exciting prospect.
However, some wildlife biologists occasionally have to operate from labs and offices for small spans depending on their list of responsibilities and scope of their ongoing research. This field of study and its respective job sector is fast becoming very important, especially as humans’ worldwide impact grows.
Does Wildlife Biologist Seem A Worthy Career Choice?
For those who want to become a legitimate wildlife biologist, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics presents its employment data.
According To the Report –
– Around 4% of wildlife biologists work in Research and Development with specialization in life sciences and physical engineering
– 37% of individuals with a degree in wildlife biology have both superior and entry-level position(s) for the State governments
– 22% of candidates with a bachelor’s degree (or higher qualification) work as zoologists and wildlife biologists for the Federal government
– Approximately 10% of wild biologists work for private consulting firms
– And, 9% of wild biologists are respectfully working at notable colleges and universities
In Addition To These Readings –
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics further points out that skillful wild biologists’ demand will rapidly grow by 5-7 % in the upcoming decade. Their median salary on offer would be around $59,680. But depending on a candidate’s skill, knowledge, and experience, their salary may also increase.
So, it is safe to say that for those who seek a full-time career as a wildlife biologist, the employment prospects do look favorable.
The Main Educational Qualifications to Become a Wildlife Biologist – Step-By-Step Guide!
Step 1:
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in any subject relating to Wildlife biology. You will find most Botany, Ecology, Zoology; Wildlife biology, and wildlife management courses.
Also, since proper communication is essential for this role, you will have to include extra public speaking and English composition courses. These additional courses will consist of topics relating to – Administration, Law, and its policies, relating to wildlife conservation and safety of all engendered species.
You can easily find such course coverage in top wildlife biology degree programs.
Step 2:
Look to earn an Associate Wildlife Biologist Certificate. This shouldn’t be a problem as the Wildlife Society presents such associate certificates to students with a bachelor’s degree.
This associate certificate will validate a candidate’s ethical behavior and professionalism. And this stays legitimate for a decade after presenting it to a student. However, those who receive this necessary certificate should gather experience and strive to become a licensed wildlife biologist before the expiry of their associate certificate.
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Step 3:
The Wildlife Society explains that students should gather real-time know-how in this field from whatever work they accomplish post their bachelor’s degree. However, field knowledge as a park ranger, wildlife technician, or fish biologist won’t count. Instead, candidates will have to procure real work experience by working as a wildlife biologist for the State or Federal Agency.
However, an alternative way is to apply for a Master’s degree or Ph.D. degree in wildlife biology or its relating subjects. While a Master’s degree will account for a year of experience, a Ph.D. will account for 2-years of experience.
This also means that if candidates have both these degrees, it will count as 3-years of real-time experience. And through them, they can quickly secure the role of wildlife biology researchers.
Step 4:
Once you meet these basic educational requirements, candidates should strive to achieve certification from the Wildlife Society.
Its Process Involves the Following –
- A comprehensive application review
- Submission of legitimate college/university transcript
- A professional reference
- And a fee
Besides, candidates wanting to secure a high-level position as independent research specialists should have a sound knowledge of computers. More so, in GIS or Geographic Information Systems, various programming approaches and in handling statistical software! All this will come in handy in enhancing their research quality, accuracy, and process.
The Usual Duties of a Certified Wildlife Biologist
After explaining about the educational requirements and steps to become a legitimate wildlife biologist, it’s time to discuss their primary job responsibilities.
- Planning and conducting research. Analyze data and assess the behavior of animals in their natural habitats. Even get a reading of the existing animal population and acting as a spokesperson for all relating concerns in this specific field
- Properly interacting with all other scientists, research professionals, and advocacy groups to observe and preserve the wildlife population and the natural resources they depend on in both ex-situ and in-situ
- Gathering samples, conducting observational research, and documenting animal behavior; be in laboratories or their inhabiting environments. They aim to collect accurate data or specimens for the record, adhering to all necessary safety processes
- Performing data assessment with regional, natural and international initiatives to improve their existing research work and sharing that information with other superiors in the field
- Initiating discussions and implementing the necessary mitigation and remediation measures whenever necessary
- Performing on-site assessments on different wildlife environment and bettering their knowledge on how they affect the field of wildlife biology
- Meeting temp field assignment responsibilities in remote locations and oversee animal populace surveys
- Sharing accurate information when testifying for environmental and ecological impact evaluations
- Discussing with other field specialists and coming up with the best way to reduce impacts of development in wildlife and their natural habitat
Market Forecasters Expect A 5% Growth In Demand For Wildlife Biologists In The Next Decade!
With the human population booming and development initiations rising as time moves along, all wildlife and natural habitats are under constant threat. To control such massive impacts, many government agencies look for expert wildlife biologists to handle wildlife management.
The govt will need both wildlife biologists (and zoologists) to undertake ongoing research development. Plus, initiate and regulate proper wildlife conservation and management plans to fight these threats and safeguard all-natural habitats and resources.
Keeping this in mind, lots of respectful and fair pay job roles will be available to aspiring wildlife biologists.
Those Positions Are As Follows –
- Conservation ecologists
- Wildlife biologists
- Research biologists
- Conservation geneticists
- GIS- Geographic Information System Specialists
- Research assistants
SURMISING
The road to becoming a wildlife biologist is tough. You will not only have to work hard to secure your certifications and course degrees but also have to make lots of sacrifices.
However, this is a highly valuable career that allows you to counter all threats which pose a danger to every wildlife habitat and its inhabitants. By playing your role and using your designation power to help wildlife species survive and thrive, this career does offer a great deal of personal satisfaction.
That is the value of a wildlife biology career. And that’s what makes this career path so emotionally rewarding!
So, as a last bit of advice to all aspiring students – pick a quality college/university in your area offering wildlife biology degrees and follow the above steps to become a certified wildlife biologist.