Wildlife Biologist

A wildlife biologist has an array of duties where it can range from studying and recording data from animals in controlled and natural environments, or reporting scientific findings to scholars, and or the press. However, the main focus is on how each animal interacts with their ecosystems, and fellow animals. A Wildlife Biologist would conduct a series of test and record data such as; height, width, age, sex, physical traits, nutrition levels, diseases, and behavioral patterns. Most wildlife biologist work to find information to share to the general public, while other researcher’s study to conserve and protect endangered and new species. Each specific classification of animal has its own dedicated profession to it, for instance a Marine biologist would study all aquatic based lifeforms. It would break down into more distinctive fields of study; Ichthyologists study wild fish and sharks.

Each Wildlife Biologist’s work environment will very base on the animal they are researching and in what manner they are observing. If the study is to see how an animal reacts to others in its own environment then the Biologist would be inclined to follow the animal in its habitat. A researcher may spend months in the field researching
and not return to where they come from until all the research the may need is recorded. Conditions will reach extremes on both fronts whether it is cold or hot, wet or dry, low or high. Most biologists work with politicians to help and reach conservation efforts, and help protect endangered animals. A wildlife Biologist would work nearly full time with little to no breaks from their research. It is also dependent on whether or not the animal is nocturnal.

A bachelor’s degree is often needed to be a biologist but in order to get an advancement you would then need your Master’s degree.
However a P.H.D is required to perform independent research and findings for universities. It is helpful if looking for a job in a university skill in computer programming and statistical software are important for achieving the job position. Some people tend to focus with one specific type of animal and will gain there Master’s degree on that one animal alone. For research purposes it is required to have the following traits; keen observation, critical thinking, communication, and problem solving skills. Although not necessary some skill in outdoor survival will come in handy when doing observations out in the
field.

Depending on the degree you possess your annual pay can and will fluctuate along with how much experience you have in the field. The median annual wage for wildlife biologists is 57,710 as of May 2012. The lowest and highest percentiles can range anywhere from the lowest 37,100 to the highest 95,430. The highest compensating field for a wildlife biologist is as a Federal government job that excludes the postal service; the second highest paying job is in research and development of physical, engineering, and life sciences. The lowest income job is one in which a biologist works for state government that is excluding hospitals and other health care institutes.

Job outlook for wildlife biologists is looking to increase by 5% within the years leading up to 2022. Although it is slower than most occupations there is always a need for researchers and Biologists. However state bound wildlife biologists would decrease or increase based on the budget of the local government. Due to human expansion more wildlife is being displaced, causing there to be more of a need to research animals, to see if the pose a threat to people or if they have diseases that can pose life threatening. In this expansion wildlife Biologists would task the problem of animal management and conservation. Jobs are always available as those who retire or are promoted create new job opportunities.