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Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife Biologists study the behaviors, populations and habitats of animals and other wildlife.

In forestry, a wildlife biologist helps monitor, protect, enhance and maintain forest wildlife and wildlife habitats through a focus on the sustainable and responsible management of working forests. Forest lands provide habitats for a wide variety of wildlife, including common species as well as threatened and endangered species. A knowledge of wildlife, science and environmental regulation are key.

This position may also be known as a Zoologist, Environmental Scientist, or Environmental Specialist.

Travis Thornley

U.S. Forest Service Wildlife Biologist

I love that I’m able to help protect and conserve threatened and endangered species, and I’m able to see these wildlife species firsthand while in the field. There’s a broad spectrum of jobs in the wildlife biology field. Decide where you want to go and then get as much experience as you can from internships, volunteering and seasonal positions.

Education

A Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Management, Zoology, or a related life sciences degree is needed. Although not required for many entry-level positions, advanced degrees, such as a Master’s Degree, are preferred among most governmental and private employers.

Many Universities offer graduate student assistantships in Wildlife Sciences that can help cover the cost for advanced degrees and offer valuable experience. For example, opportunities to participate in the scientific process or assist with teaching undergraduate labs or classes. These experiences can help sharpen both your writing and public speaking skills, which are highly sought after by today’s employers.  

Helpful courses to take in high school include biology, ecology, chemistry, and environmental science, which are core sciences to excel in during high school. Computer science,  mathematics and communication courses are also helpful.

Volunteer/internship opportunities are often available with state and federal agencies and local conservation organizations. These experiences can provide a valuable look into the wildlife field and also help develop a professional network. Wildlife technician positions are another opportunity. Offered wherever field work occurs, these positions may include an opportunity to travel to remote places or work with iconic or endangered species.

Tools of the Trade

  • While observing wildlife, a field notebook to take notes, a flashlight, binoculars, a sighting compass, a camera, small hand tools such as knives or a multi-tool, and a backpack with a water bottle.
  • Personal equipment such as rain gear, knee-high rubber boots, hiking boots, snake chaps, bug spray and field pants.
  • High-resolution stationary imaging is commonly utilized to study the behavior of wildlife.
  • While in the laboratory, microscopes, tweezers, and scalpels to dissect dead animals for tissue and cell studies.
  • Drones may be used to take imagery of the land.
  • Off-road or 4-wheel drive vehicles may be needed to access remote areas.

Important Skills

Reviewing, editing and writing research papers and reports make up a majority of the Wildlife Biologist’s responsibilities, so good writing and communication skills are essential.

Public speaking skills are needed to share information with the public, company staff, and stakeholders.

Good observation and analytical skills, as well as the ability to document and report on patterns or changes.

For field work, it is important to be able to work in remote locations in varying weather conditions.

Job Responsibilities

Wildlife Biologists' primary responsibility is to manage, protect and enhance wildlife habitats. To do this, they develop wildlife management programs and plans for the landowner to enact.

The Wildlife Biologist spends a reasonable amount of time working in the woods to observe and collect information about the animals and their habitats. Tasks could include installing bird boxes, taking photos of animal habitats, counting fish and analyzing planned forestry operations' potential impacts on habitats. This data is then brought back to the laboratory/office for further research and data analysis.

Being a Wildlife Biologist is both a challenging and rewarding career path. Often, they work in partnership with state and federal wildlife agencies, university-based researchers and non-governmental organizations.

Learn more about being a Wildlife Biologist.

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