Additional Information
Start now! There are a number of high school classes that will help you
prepare for a career in wildlife technology. Math, biology, forestry and English
will all provide the basis for the skills you'll need in this field.
Wildlife preservation and environmental organizations are always looking
for eager volunteers. It's a great way to learn about the issues facing people
in wildlife management and a good opportunity to get some experience.
"I got some of my best training working with volunteer agencies," says
wildlife technician Ellen Swansen. "You just can't beat volunteering for getting
you out in the field and learning some real, tangible skills."
To find out about volunteering opportunities in your area, get in touch
with the wildlife organization of your choice or contact a national wildlife
organization.
Fish and wildlife technicians can approach this career from a number of
different educational angles. Many colleges across North America offer one-
to two-year diploma courses in fish and wildlife management or resource management.
"These diploma programs focus mainly on applied skills -- which opens the
door to entry-level jobs, but not research," says Swansen.
Many people working in this field are graduates of four-year wildlife biology
or microbiology science degrees. While graduates of degree programs don't
get the hands-on training the resource management diploma students receive,
their theoretical education is an asset in research. Degrees in wildlife biology
or microbiology are offered in many post-secondary schools.