What Does a Wildlife Biologist Do? A Guide to Roles, Requirements, and Career Outlook

A career as a wildlife biologist is a highly fulfilling path for individuals passionate about wildlife and the environment, offering a unique blend of fieldwork, research, and contribution to conservation. Key advantages include direct impact on species preservation, diverse daily tasks, and opportunities for global work. Based on industry assessments, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree as a minimum, with advanced roles requiring a master's or doctorate.

What does a wildlife biologist do? A wildlife biologist is a scientific professional who studies wild animals, their behaviors, populations, and habitats. Their primary responsibilities involve conducting research to understand human impacts on ecosystems, developing and implementing conservation and management plans for animal populations, and contributing data to inform environmental policy. Their work is a dynamic mix of outdoor fieldwork—which can involve everything from tracking animals to collecting samples in diverse environments—and indoor data analysis, report writing, and strategy development. The role is deeply rooted in environmental science and is crucial for sustainable ecosystem management.

What are the pros and cons of being a wildlife biologist? Pursuing this career comes with significant benefits and unique challenges.

Pros:

• Direct Contribution to Conservation: Your work directly aids in protecting endangered species and preserving natural habitats, providing a strong sense of purpose.
• Dynamic Work Environment: The role is far from monotonous, often involving travel to various ecosystems and constant learning about new research and technologies.
• Influence on Policy: Research findings can directly influence wildlife conservation policies and land-use planning, leading to tangible environmental changes.

Cons:

• Physically Demanding Fieldwork: Fieldwork can be strenuous, requiring resilience in challenging and sometimes remote conditions, with variable weather.
• Competitive Job Market: Positions, especially in highly desirable locations or specific specializations, can be competitive. Advanced degrees and experience are often key differentiators.
• Potential for Emotionally Challenging Situations: Biologists may encounter animals affected by illness, injury, or human conflict, which can be emotionally taxing.

What education and skills are needed to become a wildlife biologist? The foundational requirement is typically an undergraduate degree in a relevant field like wildlife biology, ecology, or environmental science. Coursework often includes subjects like population ecology (the study of factors affecting animal populations), statistics, and wildlife management. For specialized research or academic roles, an advanced degree (master's or doctorate) is often essential. Beyond formal education, practical experience gained through internships, volunteer work with conservation projects, or seasonal technician roles is highly valued and significantly enhances a candidate's profile.

What is the job outlook and salary for a wildlife biologist? The job outlook for wildlife biologists is stable, driven by ongoing needs for conservation, environmental impact assessments, and climate change research. Opportunities are often found with government agencies (e.g., environmental protection), non-profit conservation organizations, and research institutions. Salaries can vary widely based on education, experience, employer, and geographic location. Entry-level positions may start around $40,000 annually, while experienced wildlife biologists with advanced degrees can earn $70,000 or more. It is a career chosen largely for passion and impact rather than high financial compensation.

In summary, key considerations for aspiring wildlife biologists include:

• Gain hands-on experience early through internships to build a competitive resume.
• Pursue advanced degrees if your career goals involve research or policy-making.
• Be prepared for a mix of office-based analysis and rigorous outdoor work.
• Focus on developing strong data analysis and scientific communication skills.