Description
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.
Interests
- Investigative
- Realistic
Work Values
- Achievement
- Recognition
- Working Conditions
Work Styles
- Cooperation
- Integrity
- Initiative
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Tasks
- 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.
Work Activities
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
- Working with Computers
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Getting Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Detailed Work Activities
- Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
- Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Technology Skills
- Geographic information system
- Presentation software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Spreadsheet software
Abilities
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
Skills
- Active Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge
- Biology
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
- Geography
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Wetland Professional in TrainingCertifying Organization
Society of Wetland Scientists
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Certified Environmental ScientistCertifying Organization
National Registry of Environmental Professionals
Type
Core
Certificate name
Board Certified EntomologistCertifying Organization
Entomological Society of America
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Ducks Unlimited Ecology Conservation & Management CertificationCertifying Organization
Ducks Unlimited
Type
Product/Equipment
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $47,445 |
| Median (50%) | $68,812 |
| High (90%) | $95,681 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $65,650 |
| Mid Level | $75,744 |
| Senior Level | $83,332 |
| Expert Level | $108,597 |
Employability
There are currently 18,800 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 19,600 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 4%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 4%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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