Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

A zoologist or wildlife biologist could...

Overview Listen to this section

Ever wondered what wild animals do all day, where a certain species lives, or how to make sure a species doesn't go extinct? Zoologists and wildlife biologists tackle all these questions. They study the behaviors and habitats of wild animals, while also working to maintain healthy populations, both in the wild and in captivity.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist?

1. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
2. Active Listening: ? Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
3. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
4. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.
5. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

6. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
7. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
8. Science: ? Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
9. Coordination: ? Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
10. Active Learning: ? Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist might do:

• 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.
• Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
• Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
• Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
• 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.
• Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
• Perform administrative duties, such as fundraising, public relations, budgeting, and supervision of zoo staff.
• Analyze characteristics of animals to identify and classify them.
• Check for, and ensure compliance with, environmental laws, and notify law enforcement when violations are identified.
• Conduct literature reviews.