Wildlife Biologist Job Description

Some of the famous wildlife biologists like Steve Irwin and Jeff Corwin have brought this profession to the attention of the general public by doing shows for mainstream media channels like 'Animal Planet'. The job description of a wildlife biologist can vary from studying samples in the laboratory to working on conservation projects. To be successful as a wildlife biologist, an individual needs to have knowledge about the different branches of biology. Wildlife biologist will also play an integral role in protecting species which are on the verge of extinction. The job sounds very interesting and exciting, and it is definitely so. But it also involves a lot of hard work and at times under harsh and dangerous working conditions in the wild.

Education and Salary

The basic educational requirement for becoming a wildlife biologist is a bachelor's degree in wildlife biology or related fields like zoology, ecology, etc. Students who have a background in physics, chemistry or biology will be preferred by colleges offering courses in wildlife biology. However, to further your career in this field you need to have at least a master's degree or Ph.D. Students can also choose to specialize in fields like wildlife conservation of forests or marine habitats. The wildlife biologist career depends on the educational qualification as well as the employer organization.

After completion of education, a wildlife biologist can expect to earn anywhere between USD 35,000 to USD 60,000 annually in entry-level jobs. The wildlife biologist salary range depends on the education and work experience, there are wildlife biologists who earn upwards of USD 100,000 annually. Wildlife biologist will be hired by federal governments to work on conservation projects, they will also be hired by zoos and marine parks.

Job Description

• They are required to study living organisms like plants and animals, and to study their relation with the environment and their impact on humans.
• Wildlife biologist will have to carry out investigative research in developing new solutions for improving the natural environment.
• Studying samples of different plant and animal species under laboratory conditions is an important aspect of the job.
• They will be required to use scientific equipment like microscopes to study samples.
• The use of computers is also required to interpret data and to maintain records of collected data for future research or for making reports.
• Just like the biologist job description the wildlife biologist skills will also be requisitioned for doing the field research. They will have to collect blood and tissue samples of animals from the wild.
• Traveling to remote locations to study animal behavior in the wild is also a part of their job description. Not just animals but observing plants in the wild is also part of their duty.
• They will also conduct experiments that will help improve the ecosystem and find solutions for problems relating to specific animal or plant species.
• One of important tasks of a wildlife biologist is to write reports, research papers and articles related to things like the effects of climatic conditions on the ecosystem.
• Biologist working for organizations like museums and zoos will also have to perform administrative duties like public relations and supervising other support staff.
• Studying diseases and disease control in animal and plant life is also one of the aspects of the job description.
• They will also study and raise plants and animals under controlled conditions like laboratories or zoos to study their behavior aspects and assist conservation processes.

The job can sound very exciting but they are required to work at odd hours and under difficult and possibly dangerous work conditions in the wild. Individuals who have an innate love for the wild and all creatures under the sky will excel in this profession.