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00 - Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

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Updated 2010
Summary Report for:
19-1023.00 - Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
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.
Sample of reported job titles: Wildlife Biologist, Zoologist, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Fisheries Biologist, Fishery
Biologist, Wildlife Manager, Aquatic Biologist, Assistant Research Scientist, Conservation Resources Management
Biologist, Environmental Specialist
View report: Summary Details Custom
Tasks | Tools & Technology | Knowledge | Skills | Abilities | Work Activities | Work Context | Job Zone | Education | Credentials |
Interests | Work Styles | Work Values | Related Occupations | Wages & Employment | Job Openings | Additional Information
Tasks
Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting
findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
Organize and conduct experimental studies with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings.
Make recommendations on management systems and planning for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting
with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.
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 and diseases,
development, genetics, and distribution.
Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting
ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
Coordinate preventive programs to control the outbreak of wildlife diseases.
Analyze characteristics of animals to identify and classify them.
Prepare collections of preserved specimens or microscopic slides for species identification and study of
development or disease.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
Commercial fishing nets Dip net samplers; Gill nets; Jellyfish scoops; Plankton nets
Entomological catching equipment Aerial nets; Odonata nets; Sweeping nets
Specimen collection container Scintillation vials; Specimen collection containers; Water sample collection
containers
Sporting traps Animal traps; Culvert traps; Foot snares; Mist nets
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Water samplers Benthic samplers; Ekman dredges; Multiplate samplers; Secchi disks
Technology used in this occupation:
Analytical or scientific software Computer modeling software; HATPRO
*
; SAS software; Statistical software
Data base user interface and query software Data entry software; Database management software; Microsoft
Access; Relational database software
Map creation software ESRI ArcView; Geographic information system GIS software; Mapping software
Spreadsheet software IBM Lotus 1-2-3; Microsoft Excel
Word processing software Corel WordPerfect software; Microsoft Word
* Software developed by a government agency and/or distributed as freeware or shareware.
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Knowledge
Biology Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and
interactions with each other and the environment.
English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and
spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mathematics Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Computers and Electronics Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and
computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Administration and Management Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic
planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and
coordination of people and resources.
Clerical Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing
files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
Customer and Personal Service Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal
services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of
customer satisfaction.
Geography Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses,
including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human
life.
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Skills
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.
Science Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions,
conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Judgment and Decision Making Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the
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most appropriate one.
Active Learning Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving
and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and
evaluate options and implement solutions.
Coordination Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
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Abilities
Oral Comprehension The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken
words and sentences.
Written Comprehension The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve
solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Deductive Reasoning The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make
sense.
Inductive Reasoning The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions
(includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Information Ordering The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a
specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Speech Clarity The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
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Work Activities
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events,
or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to
program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing
differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers,
and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Documenting/Recording Information Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in
written or electronic/magnetic form.
Analyzing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by
breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your
job.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working
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relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization 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.
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Work Context
Electronic Mail How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
Telephone How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Work With Work Group or Team How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
Contact With Others How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by
telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
Structured versus Unstructured Work To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing
the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
Face-to-Face Discussions How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams
in this job?
Coordinate or Lead Others How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in
this job?
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or
equipment (e.g., car)?
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results How do the decisions an employee makes impact
the results of co-workers, clients or the company?
Letters and Memos How often does the job require written letters and memos?
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Job Zone
Title Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Education Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a
master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Related Experience Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many
require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four
years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be
able to do their job.
Job Training Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume
that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience,
and/or training.
Job Zone Examples These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the
activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational
skills are required. Examples include librarians, lawyers, sports medicine physicians,
wildlife biologists, school psychologists, surgeons, treasurers, and controllers.
SVP Range (8.0 and above)
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Education
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Percentage of
Respondents Education Level Required
49
Master's degree
48
Bachelor's degree
3
Post-master's certificate
This occupation may require a background in the following science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
(STEM) educational disciplines:
Life Sciences Animal Physiology; Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences; Cell/Cellular Biology
and Anatomical Sciences, Other; Ecology; Entomology; Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management (see
all 7 programs)
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Credentials

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Interests
Interest code: IR
Investigative Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount
of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Realistic Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and
solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of
the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
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Work Styles
Cooperation Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative
attitude.
Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Analytical Thinking Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and
problems.
Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical.
Adaptability/Flexibility Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in
the workplace.
Stress Tolerance Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress
situations.
Self Control Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding
aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Concern for Others Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and
helpful on the job.
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Initiative Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
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Work Values
Achievement Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their
strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and
Achievement.
Recognition Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often
considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Working Conditions Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions.
Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
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Related Occupations
11-9121.00 Natural Sciences Managers
13-1041.01 Environmental Compliance Inspectors
19-1011.00 Animal Scientists
19-1013.00 Soil and Plant Scientists Green
19-1020.01 Biologists
19-1029.03 Geneticists Bright Outlook
19-1031.01 Soil and Water Conservationists
19-1031.02 Range Managers
19-2041.00 Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
25-1041.00 Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
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Wages & Employment Trends
Median wages (2013) $27.61 hourly, $57,430 annual
State wages
Employment (2012) 20,000 employees
Projected growth (2012-2022) Slower than average (3% to 7%)
Projected job openings (2012-
2022)
6,700
State trends
Top industries (2012) Government
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2013 wage data and 2012-2022 employment projections . "Projected growth" represents the estimated
change in total employment over the projections period (2012-2022). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and
replacement.
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Job Openings on the Web

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Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links
to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists . Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational
Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition.
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