WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST

Salary
Graduate: £13,000 - £20,000
Employee with 10-15 years in the role: £22,000 – £45,000

Main Employers

Conservation and environmental organisations
Environmental consultancies
Armed forces
Land management agencies
Government departments
Universities
Water Authorities
NGOs

Job Profile
Wildlife biologists study species survival and growth rates, interactions between wildlife, their habitats and ecosystems, and predict what factors are influencing and exploiting natural resources. They particularly assess the effects of human activities on the needs of wildlife to determine alternative management practices.

Some wildlife biologists work to conserve endangered species, whilst others work to reduce populations of over-abundant species or manage sustained yields of certain species. The work includes research, management of wildlife and their habitats, public relations, wildlife education and law enforcement.

Role and Responsibilities
Jobs will vary according to each employer; however you could expect to be involved in:

Conducting field studies to monitor wildlife populations and habitats
Studying the effects of weather, disease, habitat alteration, humans and other animals on wildlife populations
Mapping habitat types using radio tracking, aerial surveys, trapping, marking, and computer modelling
Investigating the effects of current land use on wildlife habitats
Monitoring pollutants such as acid rain, pesticides, and sewage to determine their effects on the ecological system
Writing scientific reports that might contribute to policy for protecting ecological systems
Encouraging land use planning and zoning that is compatible with wildlife
Setting policies and modify regulations to help landowners manage overabundant wildlife species.
Preparing grants and contracts to secure funding for research programs

Qualifications
Relevant further education subjects include:
Biology, Chemistry, Ecology, Geography, Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Management, Zoology

MSc and PhDs are strongly recommended. A PhD is particularly needed for research, university teaching, and most extension wildlife specialist positions. Undergraduate courses should include a variety of biology courses, chemistry, geology, statistics, calculus, economics, communications, speech, technical writing, environmental ethics, law, and land use planning. Work experience is extremely valuable when you are seeking work after graduation.

Career Development
Many jobs have been created in recent years in the areas of conservation. Earnings vary widely within positions and with education and years of experience. Salaries for positions in government are generally higher than those paid to educators or those employed in private agencies, but wildlife biologists in administrative positions in the private sector may earn more than government agencies.