Game Warden Wildlife Biologist
A Wildlife biologist researches and monitors plant and animal habitats in specific regions in order to determine various, and specific, environmental and population dynamics. Wildlife biologists mayanalyze the predator-prey relationship for a specific species within an area or the detrimental effects of pollution on a population's health. Wildlife biologists are often responsible for collecting data and scientifically searching for animal behavior patterns. Wildlife biologists formulate conclusions and often publish their results.
Education to Work as a Wildlife Biologist
Completing a Bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, or a very similar field, is usually a prerequisite for most wildlife biologists, as many have at least a Master's degree and others hold a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Required courses for an aspiring wildlife biologist often include the following:
- biology
- zoology
- ecology
Wildlife biologist students will often take such courses as organic chemistry and statistics. Wildlife biologists examine the lives of animals in their own environments. A wildlife biologist, usually holding a Master's degree or PhD, can choose to focus on the specialty of their choice.
Laboratory Work for a Wildlife Biologist
In addition to field work, wildlife biologists often work on conducting experiments in medical labs. Many wildlife biologists working in research departments have focused on topics in biotechnology and disease control.
Career Information for Wildlife Biologist
Job opportunities exist in research labs, working for the government, universities or companies.You can often develop your career as a Wildlife biologist while working for a government agency, university research department, and/or a private company. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported, in 2015, that the median annual salary for a wildlife biologist or zoologist was $59,680. The top-paid ten percent earned $97,390 or more. The BLS stated that job opportunities for zoologists and wildlife biologists were expected to increase by 4% between 2014 and 2024.