Embark on your wild journey

Welcome to your Career Journey Portfolio: Wildlife Biology & Conservation. Discover the path to a fulfilling career, understand the field, and chart your course with our comprehensive resources.

Unveiling wildlife biology & conservation

Dive deep into the world of wildlife biology and conservation. Learn about market statistics, daily duties, and the profound motivation behind this vital work. Explore how your passion can protect our planet's biodiversity.

Your career compass

 

 

  1. Destination
  2. Road Map
  3. Packing List
  4. Shopping List
  5. Communities
  6. References

 

 

DESTINATION PAGE

 

 

Field Description

 

 

Wildlife biology and conservation is a scientific field focused on studying wild animals and their habitats in order to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable ecosystems. Professionals in this field may work as wildlife biologists, conservation scientists, ecological technicians, or environmental consultants.

 

 

Market / Labor Statistics

 

 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

 

  • Median pay (Wildlife Biologists & Zoologists): ~$67,000 per year
  • Projected job growth: ~4% (steady growth)
  • Employers include state wildlife agencies, federal agencies (like U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), environmental consulting firms, research institutions, and nonprofits.

 

 

 

Day-to-Day Duties

 

 

  • Conducting field surveys
  • Collecting biological samples
  • Tracking wildlife populations
  • Analyzing habitat data
  • Writing environmental reports
  • Using GIS and research software
  • Collaborating with government and conservation organizations

 

 

 

Personal motivation 

 

  • Your volunteer work at York County Animal Shelter
  • Your Eagle Scout leadership experience
  • Your hands-on outdoor field skills from utilities work
  • Your motivation to protect wildlife and natural habitats

 

 

Required Education

 

 

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Biology or Conservation
  • Possible Master’s Degree for advanced research positions
  • Coursework in ecology, zoology, GIS, statistics

 

 

 

Certifications / Credentials

 

 

  • CPR/First Aid
  • GIS certification
  • Field research certifications
  • Safety training (you already have confined space & OSHA-related training)

 

 

 

Internships / Experience

 

 

 

 

 

Potential Detours / Obstacles

 

 

  • Competitive internships
  • Seasonal employment
  • Physically demanding fieldwork
  • Grant-dependent funding

 

 

 

How You’ll Overcome Obstacles

 

 

  • Build experience early
  • Network through professors
  • Continue volunteering
  • Use your strong work ethic from utilities fieldwork

 

Career roadmap

Packing list

skills

  • Strong work ethic
  • Field safety training
  • Equipment operation
  • Blueprint reading (translates to map reading & site layouts)
  • Physical endurance
  • Teamwork
  • Leadership (Eagle Scout)
  • Volunteer service experience

Resources:

• Hudson University professors

• Utility field experience

• Fraternity network (TKE)

• Volunteer organizations

 

Strategies:

• Time management

• Building professional references

• Gaining certifications early

• Applying for internships consistently

 

Shopping list

 

Skills to Gain:

 

 

  • GIS mapping
  • Statistical analysis (R or SPSS)
  • Scientific writing
  • Grant writing
  • Wildlife population modeling

 

 

 

Resources to Gather:

 

 

  • Research assistant position
  • Summer internships
  • Faculty mentorship
  • Professional memberships (such as The Wildlife Society)

 

 

 

Strategies:

 

 

  • Attend conferences
  • Build LinkedIn profile
  • Publish undergraduate research
  • Seek recommendation letters early

 

Academic Community

• Hudson University professors

• Academic advisors

• Research mentors

 

Professional Community

• State wildlife agencies

• Environmental nonprofits

• Federal agencies like National Park Service

 

Personal Community

• Family support

• Fraternity brothers (TKE)

• Volunteer organizations

• Former employers

 

Digital Communities

• LinkedIn professional groups

• Conservation forums

• Online GIS communities

• Professional organizations

This portfolio is a personal journey into the world of wildlife biology and conservation, crafted with dedication and a deep passion for the natural world. It reflects a commitment to understanding and contributing to this vital field.

About this portfolio

Charting a course for conservation

Our portfolio is dedicated to providing a clear and comprehensive guide for aspiring wildlife biologists and conservationists. We aim to inspire and inform, helping you make a tangible impact.

"This portfolio offers incredible clarity on navigating the wildlife biology field. A truly invaluable resource for anyone passionate about conservation."

Dr. Anya Sharma, University Professor

"The 'Career Roadmap' section is a game-changer! It helped me visualize my path and identify crucial steps I hadn't considered."

Kai Lee, Aspiring Conservationist

"From market statistics to community building, this portfolio covers every aspect of building a career in wildlife. Highly recommend!"

Sarah Chen, Wildlife Sanctuary Volunteer

Resources 

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Zoologists and wildlife biologists. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov

 

National Wildlife Federation. (2024). Careers in wildlife conservation. https://www.nwf.org

 

The Wildlife Society. (2024). Professional development resources. https://wildlife.org

Connect with us

Our location

Career Journey Portfolio: Wildlife Biology & Conservation
Atlanta, Georgia, United States