About This Career

Studies 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.

This career is part of the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources cluster Natural Resource Systems pathway.

A person in this career:

• Develops, or makes recommendations on, management systems and plans for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.
• Inventories or estimates plant and wildlife populations.
• Informs and responds to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
• Studies animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
• Disseminates 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.
• Studies characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
• Performs administrative duties, such as fundraising, public relations, budgeting, and supervision of zoo staff.
• Checks for, and ensures compliance with, environmental laws, and notifies law enforcement when violations are identified.
• Analyzes characteristics of animals to identify and classify them.
• Conducts literature reviews.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

• You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
• Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
• Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

• Seeing clearly at a distance
• Seeing clearly up close
• Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

• Regular working hours and limited travel