Wildlife management sounds like a really fun career. Even though it is mostly office work, the constant focus on preserving the delicate balance between nature and humankind is quite intriguing.
For those interested in this field, there is an array of jobs to choose from. The career paths available to wildlife management enthusiasts not only pay the bills, but they also offer a sense of fulfillment.
Let’s look at some of the popular wildlife management careers, how you can apply for the jobs, and other details, including required skill set and remuneration. Read on to learn more about these opportunities.
Professional Foresters
Foresters manage recreational, environmental, conservational, and economical activities within forests. In addition to public wilderness protection, foresters often work for landowners in forests to maintain and preserve their property and forest resources.
Professional foresters specialize in a specific area, such as timber sales, soil science, pest management, or fire suppression. Employers consider a relevant bachelor’s degree a basic requirement for the job.
However, teaching or research positions will require a master’s or PhD. degree. In addition to qualifying degrees, foresters are expected to have good communication, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
Aspiring foresters can easily apply for desired positions online and land a secure job. The average annual salary of a professional forester is $63,150.
Conservation Scientist
Conservation scientists work with landowners and all levels of government to manage forests, parks, and range land fires and restore lands affected by them. They protect, improve, and manage natural resources.
Additionally, conservation scientists help increase the agricultural and recreational means of a property by offering valuable advice. Job opportunities and demand for conservation scientists are usually amid government agencies.
Undergraduate studies on natural resource management, agriculture science, or environmental science will help land jobs in this field, but decision-making and management skills are also critical for superior job performance. On average, a conservation scientist can earn an annual salary of $65,320.
Wildlife Zoologists
Like the job title suggests, wildlife zoologists study animals and their behavior. Usually, zoologists focus on one group of animals, such as mammals, reptiles, etc.
It’s a gratifying career path for nature lovers as they work closely with animals and nature to understand origins, behavior, life processes, and diseases. For a job well-performed, zoologists are rewarded with an annual remuneration of $67,760.
With a bachelor’s or master’s in Biological Science, their career begins as research technicians where they receive on-the-job training and progress further. Academic or independent research usually requires a doctoral degree. It’s a bonus to have a wildlife management major.
Aspiring zoologists can scour through millions of job listings available online and apply for the most preferred positions. Due to the competitive nature of this industry, attending meetings and events, volunteering, and networking can be great additions to the resume.
Wildlife Biologists and Consultants
Wildlife biologists study the habitats wildlife animals reside in, and some of them become wildlife consultants who provide wildlife management assistance to landowners, farmers, ranchers, wildlife agencies, and hunting clubs.
A wildlife consultant’s job entails conducting wildlife surveys, making habitat restoration plans, etc. With a relevant bachelor’s degree and some relevant work experience, jobs can be secured as private ecological consulting firms, such as H.T. Harvey & Associates.
A bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology or other related fields is a basic requirement for entry-level jobs and wildlife biologists and consultants can earn $51,080 on average.
The Bottom Line
Even though the aforementioned careers vary based on job duties and industries, they are all quite satisfying for those hoping to do something meaningful.
Wildlife management encompasses much more than just wildlife, so it is critical to evaluate your own skills to those required before applying for a job.
