WHAT IS WILDLIFE SCIENCE?
Wildlife Science encompasses a number of fields of study, including Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology and Wildlife Rehabilitation. Wildlife scientists do everything imaginable with regard to wild animals in the wild and in captivity, including running parks, reserves and zoos; rehabilitating wildlife and/or their habitats; studying the behavior and life cycle patterns of endangered species; and protecting human life or property. Professionals must possess a knowledge of animals and their habitat; the technical skills to be able to protect, conserve and solve environmental problems; and understand the complex natural ecosystems and human influences.
The work of wildlife scientists is important from both social and economic perspectives. Maintaining healthy wildlife populations to allow for recreational activities such as hunting and fishing, as well as ensuring public enjoyment in parks, wilderness areas, and zoos, are some of the important functions of wildlife scientists. The work is also directly related to upholding and enforcing environmental laws such as the Endangered Species Act, which relies on scientists and professionals to consider all things when determining, proposing and implementing actions and policies which will protect threatened wildlife.
WHAT ARE THE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS?
Wildlife Science students can expect an education based heavily on science. On a basic level, this includes biology, chemistry, physics, math, and writing; on a more advanced level, it could also include wildlife biology and/or physiology, population and ecosystem relationships, habitat management, field techniques, and research methods. These course will help students to develop the essential scientific skills of data collection, analysis, interpretation, and technical writing. Specific courses we've seen include:
- Principles of Zoology
- Animal Behavior
- Experimental Chemistry
- Wildlife Conservation
- Clinical Wildlife Rehabilitation
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- Maps & Remote Sensing
- Dendrology
- Mammalogy
- Natural Resources Management
- Wildlife Techniques
- Ornithology
- Forest Ecosystems
- Wildlife Habitat and Silviculture
- Wildlife Population Dynamics
- Dynamics of Managed Wildlife Populations
- Forestry-Fisheries Interactions
- Wildlife Physiology, Nutrition and Toxicology
- Endangered Species Management
- Parks and Recreation Management
CAREERS AND SALARY OUTLOOK
Wildlife Science graduates have many career options in every sector of the economy, including those in management, research, administration, public relations, land acquisition, education, law enforcement, and land-use planning. Although state and federal governments are by far the largest employer for the field, the professional opportunities go far beyond that of Game Wardens. Professionals may work in the field conducting ecosystem surveys in streams, forests or even urban areas, habitat assessments and population monitoring programs, or overseeing threatened and endangered species surveys and recovery programs. Many graduates continue into veterinary programs and then on into wildlife rehabilitation careers in the private sector or nonprofit sector in zoos, laboratories or preserves. Specific job titles we've seen include:
- Wildlife-Police Administrator
- Conservation Officer
- Park Ranger
- Conservation Education Specialist
- Fisheries Manager
- Recreation Specialist
- Game Warden
- Wildlife Technician
- Wildlife Biologist
- Zookeeper/Animal Curator
- Veterinarian
- Research Scientist
- Natural Resource Specialist
- Conservation Outreach Coordinator
- Laboratory manager
- Interpretive Naturalist
- Science Operations Manager
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide a specific category for Wildlife Scientists. However, the write-up for "Conservation Scientists and Foresters" includes some information regarding wildlife careers. BLS reports that the median salary for Conservation Scientists in 2000 was $47,140; also, in 2001, most bachelor's degree graduates entering the Federal Government as range managers started between $23,776 or $30,035, depending on academic achievement. Those with a master's degree could start at $30,035 or $42,783. Holders of doctorates could start at $52,162 or, in research positions, at $61,451. BLS further stated that In private industry, starting salaries for students with a bachelor's degree were comparable with starting salaries in the Federal Government, but starting salaries in State and local governments were usually lower.
RELATED AREAS OF STUDY
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