A wildlife biologist studies different types of wildlife in order to gain knowledge of the animals as well as to protect the animals from habitat destruction and other environmental problems. Though the specific qualifications for a wildlife biologist will vary depending on the employer and the specific job function that the biologist will perform, there are some general qualifications that employers require for most positions.
General Educational Requirements
For most wildlife biologist positions, employers will require applicants to have a bachelor's degree in wildlife biology or a closely related field. While pursuing a degree in wildlife biology, a student should choose a wide variety of courses in the field in order to gain knowledge of various areas of wildlife biology. This knowledge will improve the student's odds of find employment after graduation. For example, though a student may want to work with larger mammals, completion of courses related to both vertebrate and invertebrate animals, botany and related fields will improve a student's ability to gain work as a biologist.
Advanced Degrees
Most research positions will require applicants to have an advanced degree, preferably a doctoral degree. Those interested in these positions should maintain a high grade point average at the undergraduate level in order to qualify for graduate school. Though some schools do offer advanced degrees in wildlife biology, students may also choose to focus on a specific related field such as biology or genetics as a graduate student. Those with an undergraduate degree may find as a wildlife biologist or work as a graduate assistant to a professor in a related field while pursuing an advanced degree.
Experience
Though employers will hire applicants without direct experience related to wildlife biology, employers will show preference to those applicants with experience. During college, many wildlife biology majors will have opportunities for volunteer or paid employment positions related to wildlife biology. Students should take advantage of these opportunities as a way to gain work experience. Even menial positions like cleaning animal cages or doing grounds maintenance at a zoo will provide a student with some experience to put on a resume.
Other Skills
The job requirements for wildlife biologist positions may vary substantially. For example, some positions may require biologists to provide tours of areas or educational presentations about the animals of an area to public groups. Other positions may require biologists to direct and supervise employees or volunteers. Those applying for positions with these requirements should have related education or experience proving her ability to complete these tasks in order to improve her odds of becoming hired.
Tags: wildlife biology, wildlife biologist, employers will, related field, advanced degree
