Zoologist / Wildlife Biologist

Study 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.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Aquatic Biologist; Conservation Biologist; Fish and Wildlife Biologist; Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist; Fisheries Biologist; Habitat Biologist; Migratory Game Bird Biologist; Wildlife Biologist; Wildlife Refuge Specialist; Zoologist

Tasks

• Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
• Disseminate 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.
• Develop, or make recommendations on, management systems and plans for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.
• Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
• Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
• Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
• Organize and conduct experimental studies with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings.
• Conduct literature reviews.
• Coordinate preventive programs to control the outbreak of wildlife diseases.
• Check for, and ensure compliance with, environmental laws, and notify law enforcement when violations are identified.
• Perform administrative duties, such as fundraising, public relations, budgeting, and supervision of zoo staff.
• Analyze characteristics of animals to identify and classify them.

Knowledge

• Biology
• English Language
• Geography
• Mathematics
• Law and Government
• Administration and Management
• Computers and Electronics

Skills

• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Writing
• Speaking
• Science
• Critical Thinking
• Active Learning
• Monitoring
• Mathematics
• Learning Strategies

Abilities

• Oral Comprehension
• Written Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Written Expression
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Problem Sensitivity
• Information Ordering
• Category Flexibility
• Near Vision
• Speech Clarity
• Speech Recognition
• Fluency of Ideas
• Flexibility of Closure
• Far Vision
• Originality
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Number Facility
• Perceptual Speed
• Selective Attention