Occupation Details
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Recognition
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$62,030.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$68,330.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$88,450.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
380
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
420
+4 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
39
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.1%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
More School - Graduate or advanced degree
Experience Requirements
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Training Details
Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
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.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- 35 millimeter cameras
- Adjustable widemouth pliers
- Aerial nets
- Air compressors
- All terrain vehicles ATV
- Animal transmitters
- Animal traps
- Archery bows
- Axes
- Benchtop centrifuges
- Benthic samplers
- Binoculars
- Boat trailers
- Bongo nets
- Calorimeters
- Canoes
- Carbon dioxide CO2 monitors
- Climbing belts
- Clinometers
- Compasses
- Compound microscopes
- Conductivity meters
- Counting chambers
- Culvert traps
- D-ring nets
- Dart guns
- Dataloggers
- Desktop computers
- Digital cameras
- Dip net samplers
Technology
- Computer modeling software
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Database management software
- ESRI ArcView
- Email software
- Geographic information system GIS software
- HATPRO
- IBM Lotus 1-2-3
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Word
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- breed animals to propagate stock or to develop new types
- use biological testing instruments
- use microscope
- use laboratory equipment
- conduct fund raising activities
- prepare vaccines, biologicals, or serums
- prepare biological specimens for examination
- capture animals for control, identification, relocation, sale or humane purposes
- maintain records, reports, or files
- prepare reports
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- advise clients or customers
- advise animal owners regarding treatment of animals
- recommend further study or action based on research data
- advise governmental or industrial personnel
- adhere to safety procedures
- oversee execution of organizational or program policies
- direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- direct implementation of new procedures, policies, or programs
- develop budgets
- develop new products based on scientific research results
- develop scientific or mathematical hypotheses, theories, or laws
- estimate population or condition of plant life, fish, or wildlife
- write research or project grant proposals
- write business project or bid proposals
- develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
- develop plans for programs or projects
- plan scientific research or investigative studies
- record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
- make decisions
- resolve engineering or science problems
- select animals to be bred
- resolve animal breeding problems
- recognize disease or parasites in animals
- understand animal habits or needs
- examine biological or other material specimens under microscope
- identify insect characteristics
- identify animal species
- explain complex mathematical information
- write scholarly or technical research papers
- explain genetic data
- analyze biological research, test, or analysis data
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- conduct field research or investigative studies
- conduct laboratory research or experiments
- conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses
- conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses
- analyze ecosystem data
- perform statistical analysis
- conduct analyses or tests of organic compounds
- communicate technical information
- make presentations
- confer with scientists
- confer with research personnel
- develop tables depicting data
- classify plants, animals, or other natural phenomena
- use chemical testing or analysis procedures
- use hazardous materials information
- follow infectious materials procedures
- use scientific research methodology
- follow safe waste disposal procedures
- use teaching techniques
- use knowledge of vivisection
- follow microbiology procedures
- use biological research techniques
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use project management techniques
- use quantitative research methods
- use library or online Internet research techniques
- use animal disease control techniques
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- develop or maintain databases
- collect scientific or technical data
- collect academic research data
- collect statistical data
- read maps
- research human or animal disease
- study development of plants, animals, or microscopic organisms
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- 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.
- Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
- Check for, and ensure compliance with, environmental laws, and notify law enforcement when violations are identified.
- Organize and conduct experimental studies with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings.
- Analyze characteristics of animals to identify and classify them.
- Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
- Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
- Coordinate preventive programs to control the outbreak of wildlife diseases.
- Prepare collections of preserved specimens or microscopic slides for species identification and study of development or disease.
- Raise specimens for study and observation or for use in experiments.
- Collect and dissect animal specimens and examine specimens under microscope.
- Perform administrative duties, such as fundraising, public relations, budgeting, and supervision of zoo staff.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
American Museum of Natural History Ology
OLogy means "the study of". And here on the American Museum of Natural History's OLogy Web site, you can study and explore many cool OLogies like archaeology, astronomy, biodiversity, genetics, marine biology, paleontology, and physical science. OLogy is designed as a place for kids to explore, ask questions, get answers, meet OLogists, play games, and see what other kids are interested in.
Learn MoreBackyard Nature
Naturalist Jim Conrad has created a friendly, nicely illustrated introduction to studying nature, starting in your own backyard. The site features information on plants, animals, and fungi that might thrive in a backyard and provides basic information on ecology, geology, naming and classifying living things, and other topics.
Learn MoreBiological and medical scientists
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreBiology Lesson Plans
Are you looking for complete, well written K12 lesson plans to add to your biology lessons? The topics at this site include: Neuroscience, General Anatomy and Physiology and Environmental Sciences and Animal Biology Activities.
Learn MoreBridge: Sea Grant Ocean Sciences Education Center
The Bridge is a growing collection of the best marine education resources available online. It provides educators with a convenient source of accurate and useful information on global, national, and regional marine science topics. As a resource center K12 teachers can find marine education resources such as marine science information, lesson plans and classroom activities.
Learn MoreBrooklyn Cultural Adventures Program (BCAP)
At Brooklyn Cultural Adventures Program, campers 9 to 12 years old interact with and touch living plants and animals, create art, and explore historic sites.
Learn MoreCornell Institute for Biology Teachers
Originally designed specifically for high school biology teachers, the Cornell Institute for Biology Teachers (CIBT) now includes elementary through high school teachers and school administrators. CIBT offers unique opportunities for professional development. The Classroom Resources and Activities section you'll find resources for CIBT-developed labs and activities.
Learn MoreCornell Institute for Biology Teachers: Summer Programs
CIBT Summer Programs include a Summer Biology Workshop and Special Topics in Microbiology. The workshop includes talks from Cornell faculty members, hands-on lab and field activities and opportunities for teachers to interact with other teachers and Cornell researchers. Microbiology topics have Cornell faculty illustrate new ideas about microbiology through talks and by leading the participants through a gamut of activities and labs. Activities include Microscopy techniques, Plating and Culturing experiments, and Molecular Phylogeny.
Learn MoreCornell University's Shoals Marine Laboratory: Marine Environmental Science
Marine Environmental Studies focus is on coastal marine habitats, with an emphasis on issues as they relate to global habitats and concerns. Laboratory exercises and field work include explorations along Appledore's rocky intertidal zone, and excursions to neighboring islands to observe harbor seal and seabird colonies.Foundamental scientific research methods and equipment are introduced, and each student has the opportunity to be involved in group research projects while earning 4 Cornell credits.
Learn MoreESF S.C.I.E.N.C.E.: Summer Camps Investigating Ecology in Neighborhood and City Environments
ESF SCIENCE exposes Syracuse middle school students to science and environmental education. Through summer environmental camps, students are involved in programs that emphasize urban ecology and urban ecosystems that are relevant to their lives, a critical key for cultivating and sustaining interest in science during the middle school years and beyond.
Learn MoreFinding Wildlife in the City
Discover wildlife in the middle of the city! See the food chain in action as you observe insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals in their natural settings.Learn how wildlife adapts and survives in our city neighborhoods.
Learn MoreFinding Wildlife in the City
Discover wildlife in the middle of the city! See the food chain in action as you observe insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals in their natural settings.Learn how wildlife adapts and survives in our city neighborhoods.
Learn MoreGenetic Science Learning Center at the University of Utah: Cloning in Focus
Cloning in Focus helps you understand how genetics affects lives and society. There are interactive links that include: an introduction to cloning and how it's done, try it yourself in the mouse cloning laboratory, evaluate the reasons for using cloning techonologies, test your cloning savvy with an interactive quiz and more.
Learn MoreHands-on Activities for Teaching Biology to High School or Middle School Students
These hands-on activities cover a broad range of biological topics, including genetics, natural selection, microorganisms, and human physiology. These activities are designed to:help students understand important biological principles and concepts, develop student understanding of the scientific process, and improve students' writing and math skills.
Learn MoreHigh School Science Research Program (HSSRP)
HSSRP is an after school internship program for students interested in gaining hands on research experience. Students are exposed to advanced scientific material and research techniques. The goal of this program is to find students who demonstrate a keen interest in science and provide them with the knowledge and experience to work towards a career in the scientific world. Currently, the following three content areas are offered: Anthropology, Genetics and Genomics and Biodiversity.
Learn MoreInside Cancer: Multimedia Education Resources For Cancer
Inside Cancer is a multimedia guide to cancer biology. Cancer causes, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and more.
Learn MoreKidsgardening: Helping Young Minds Grow
National Gardening Association is a leading national provider of K12, plant-based educational materials. The Kidsgardening programs, projects, thematic explorations and guides help children gain knowledge in science, literacy, social studies, nutrition, the environment, and personal skill areas such as leadership, problem-solving, and team building. Also, there are listings of grants for which teachers can write to support their gardening programs.
Learn MoreLiveScience
LiveScience is an original content site focusing on the innovative and intriguing in Science and Technology. The website covers news, views and scientific inquiry from an original, provocative point of view. With articles by respected science journalists and contributors, LiveScience looks at new discoveries, intellectual adventures and the idiosyncrasies of the world that surrounds us. The main topics include Animal Domain, Health SciTech, Forces of Nature, Environment, Technology and Science of Fiction.
Learn MoreNational Biological Information Infrastructure Your Home for Biological Information on the Web
The National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) is a broad, collaborative program to provide increased access to data and information on the nation's biological resources.The NBII links diverse, high-quality biological databases, information products, and analytical tools and topics that include Habitats, Plants, Animals and Other Organisms, Ecological Topics and more.
Learn MoreNational Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
Established in 1988 as a national resource for molecular biology information, NCBI creates public databases, conducts research in computational biology, develops software tools for analyzing genome data, and disseminates biomedical information - all for the better understanding of molecular processes affecting human health and disease.
Learn MoreNature Place Day Camp
The Nature Place Day Camp offers several programs. The camp's Earth Art program offers the perfect opportunity to combine the beauty and wonder of our natural world with the creativity and imagination of children. Nature is the setting and inspiration for many of the art projects. The Hiking and Camping Program offers a bit of adventure, some challenges, plenty of rest stops and a new awareness of our environment.
Learn MorePace University Summer Scholars Program 2007: Environmental Studies
Pace's Environmental Studies track takes a look at the world and the health threats that face it. The two classes offered are: International Public Health and Agenda for Sustainable Development: What is Your Generation Doing?
Learn MorePeconic Dunes and Camp Sea Wolf
These two unique environmental camps supply experiences provided by Cornell Cooperative Extension. The focus is on the stewardship of our natural resources and outdoor recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, kayaking and canoeing.
Learn MoreProject E.R. (Environmental Rescue)
Ecosystems are changing rapidly, and plants and animals are becoming extinct at an alarming rate. Because humans depend on ecosystems for food, medicine, and other natural resources, it is time for you to rescue the environment. What can you do to protect the planet and the things that live on it? To find out join Project E.R. (environmental rescue).
Learn MoreRader's Biology4Kids
Biology4Kids.com is a website that teaches the basics of biology to all ages. It has sections on cell structure, cell function, the scientific method, classification, microorganisms, invertebrates, plants, vertebrates, and animal systems.
Learn MoreSUNY New Paltz Summer Camp: Mad Science Nature Camp
Mad Science has sparked imaginative learning with their unique brand of engaging and educational live programs and activities. Nature Camp - Explore the natural world and the adaptations that allow birds and beast to thrive. Make plaster casts of animal tracks. Tie-dye t-shirts with vegetable dyes. Build a bird feeder, construct a bug house for observing insects, grow your own crystal garden and more!
Learn MoreScience Adventures Summer Camp: New York City, Long Island and Hudson Valley
Get excited about science with fresh, fun, hands on science programs for K6 grades at Science Adventures. This summer go wild and investigate extreme plants and animals, invent with electronics, launch the Comet Rocket and solve an egyptian mystery.
Learn MoreSmithsonian National Zoological Park Online Resources for Educators and Students
The Smithsonian National Zoological Park is a great place to discover and appreciate diverse and unusual creatures from tiny leaf-cutter ants to huge elephants. The Zoo's Online Resources website has animal fact sheets, live web cams, links to other educations sites, photo galleries, articles from our magazine, and Conservation Central, an online habitat education program that helps kids learn about habitat conservation through curricula and activities and more.
Learn MoreStony Brook University Summer Camp
The Summer Camps at Stony Brook University provides three fun-filled hours of educational activities based on a weekly theme for your child to learn and explore. Each week different topics will be covered, giving campers a wide variety of innovative experiences. Activities include team-building exercises, arts and crafts, science experiments, life-skills enhancements, story time, and computer practice.
Learn MoreSummer at RPI: Nature's Treasure Hunt
Explore local ecosystems through art and science.This summer program is a hands-on exploration of nature. In it students learn how to use a variety of environmental and visualization tools such as a compass, global positioning system (gps) unit, digital camera, imaging software, field guide and topographic map.
Learn MoreTeens For Planet Earth
Are you fascinated by nature and the environment? Do you ever dream about working with or protecting wildlife? Are you worried about the future of our planet? The Teens for Planet Earth website can help you learn more about the environment and conservation, and use this knowledge to develop a project that'll have a real impact on your own corner of the globe.
Learn MoreU.S. Environmental Protection Agency Teaching Center
This site is for educators who wish to teach about the environment. It offers background information on a variety of topics, lesson plans, and activities that work in and out of the classroom. You will also find information on workshops, conferences, grants, awards and a variety of other information that will assist you in your educational goals.
Learn MoreUp Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center
Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center offers 73 acres with a spectacular view overlooking Lake George in the Adirondacks. Public nature programs on a variety of topics are presented year round. Natural history exhibits featuring a diorama with native mammals and birds are housed in the museum. Watch for wildlife outdoors as you hike along one of our woodland trails. There are perennial gardens, including a butterfly garden from June to September.
Learn MoreWalk in the Woods
A Walk in the Woods is designed for third through fifth grade students to gain an appreciation of nature. Sometimes students are not able to go to a forest preserve or woods, so this brings the woods to them in a multi-media way.
Learn MoreWildlife Conservation Society - Saving Wildlife
The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild lands.They do so through careful science, international conservation, education, and the management of the world's largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo.
Learn More