Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Life, Physical, and Social Science
Studies animals in their natural habitats, looking at origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and how environment and industry affect them. Counts or estimates plant and wildlife populations, then recommends management plans for wildlife and habitat after talking with the public and other professionals. Explains conservation issues such as hunting rules, plant identification, and nuisance wildlife, and writes reports, papers, and talks for schools, clubs, and park programs. Checks that environmental laws are followed and may handle fundraising, budgets, and supervision of zoo staff. Suits people who like outdoor observation, careful record-keeping, and explaining findings to both scientists and the public.
Typical education: Bachelor’s Degree (4-year)
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$76'780
Median Wage Market Position
$76'780
What you might do
- Study animals in their natural habitats
- Count plants and wildlife in an area
- Draft plans to manage wildlife and habitat
- Assess how industry affects local animals
- Answer public questions on wildlife and hunting
- Write papers and give talks on conservation
Skills that matter
- Counting wildlife and plant populations
- Studying animals in their natural habitats
- Drafting wildlife and habitat management plans
- Talking with the public about conservation
- Writing papers and giving public talks
- Checking compliance with environmental laws
AI & the future of this role
Field surveys, habitat assessment, and species monitoring still depend on outdoor observation and reading animal behavior in place. Analysis of camera or tracking data could speed desk work, but conservation decisions and stakeholder trust tend to stay human-led.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details