Wildlife Biologist

A wildlife biologist studies the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. Some professionals specialize in wildlife research and management, including the collection and analysis of biological data, to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water areas.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge Interns stand together each holding two baby ducks

$72,000 median salary

Bachelor's Degree

A Day in the Job

Each day as a wildlife biologist is different. Some days a wildlife biologist may be in the field studying animals in their natural habitats, conducting inventories or estimates of plant and wildlife populations, or assessing the effects of environment and industry. Other wildlife biologists may spend their days organizing and conducting experimental studies with live animals in a lab or

preparing collections of preserved specimens or microscopic slides for species identification and the study of development or disease.

Other days, a wildlife biologist may be in meetings with other natural resource professionals to discuss the results of this research and make decisions about management systems, plan for wildlife populations and habitat, and coordinate preventative programs to control the outbreak of wildlife diseases.

Finally, on other days a wildlife biologist may spend his/her time consulting with stakeholders, disseminating information to the public through written materials and interpretive programs, and responding to the public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.