A career in wildlife management will require a bachelor's degree in biology, environmental sciences, or a related field. Those interested in a career in this field may ultimately become foresters, conservation scientists, or zoologists or wildlife biologists.
Essential Information
A conservation scientist or forester usually needs a bachelor's degree in forestry or environmental science. Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically hold a Ph.D. in Biology to perform independent research. Learn more about these careers and their respective educational requirements below.
| Career | Forester | Conservation Scientist | Zoologist or Wildlife Biologist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education Requirements | Bachelor's degree in biology or related field | Bachelor's degree in environmental sciences | Bachelor's or master's degree in biological sciences |
| _Mean Annual Salary (May 2020)*_ | $66,000 | $69,020 | $70,510 |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 4% | 5% | 4% |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Options
Careers in wildlife management require varying levels of education, from an undergraduate degree to a doctorate.
Forester
Career Information
Foresters help direct recreational, conservational, environmental and economic activities within forests. Landowners who own forests require foresters to help them keep their properties sustainable and healthy. This usually comes in the form of protecting them from damage like wildfire, disease or insects.
The BLS reports that foresters can expect job growth of 4% from 2019-2029, with the need for fire suppression expertise helping to increase the demand. In May 2020, foresters made an average yearly salary of $66,000, with state government, excluding schools and hospitals providing the most jobs. In addition, the states of California, Oregon, Wisconsin, Washington, and Georgia employed the most foresters.
Education Information
Foresters must typically have a bachelor's degree in a subject such as natural resource management, biology, forestry or environmental science. However, those who want to teach or perform research ideally possess a doctorate. Currently, 16 states offer a credentialing process for foresters; some of them are mandatory and others are optional. Aspiring foresters should check with their state licensing board to see if credentialing is required.
Forestry certification is also available from the Society for Range Management in two forms: the Certified Range Management Consultant and the Certified Professional in Rangeland Management. Each requires a bachelor's degree in an appropriate field, along with the completion of an examination and a minimum amount of work experience.
Conservation Scientist
Career Information
Conservation scientists work with all levels of government and with landowners to help improve the land and safeguard the environment. These workers are in charge of protecting, improving and managing natural resources. By providing advice to landowners, they help improve the land for numerous agricultural or recreational means.
Conservation scientists can expect job opportunities to grow by 5% from 2019-2029; the increasing requirements for U.S. timber and wood pellets will contribute to this growth. As of 2020 a large majority of conservation scientists were employed by federal, state and local government agencies, In May 2020 they received an average salary of $69,020, according to the BLS.
Education Information
Conservation scientists may focus their undergraduate studies on environmental science, natural resource management, agriculture science or rangeland management. The coursework for these programs focuses on subjects like biology, forest ecology, public policy, forest resource management and forest resource measurement.
Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist
Career Information
Wildlife biologists and zoologists study habitats and animals. They attempt to understand behavior, life processes, origins and diseases. Studies can be accomplished through experimentation, including the dissection of dead animals or the collection and examination of water samples. Zoologists tend to study one particular group of animals, such as mammals, birds, fish or reptiles. Wildlife biologists likewise tend to focus on one aspect of the environment and might specialize in plains, mountains, lakes or oceans.
The BLS reported that in 2020, the majority of wildlife biologists and zoologists were employed by state and federal government agencies; some others were involved in the management, scientific, and technical consulting services. In addition, during May of 2020, the average salary for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $70,510. An increase of 4% is expected in job opportunities from 2019-2029, in part due to the need for monitoring the impact of human population growth and behavior on wildlife and the environment.
Education Information
Aspiring wildlife biologists or zoologists can start out as research technicians with only a bachelor's or master's degree in biological science. However, those performing independent or academic research generally need a doctoral degree. Coursework for these educational programs heavily emphasizes chemistry and biology along with similar disciplines, such as physics, computer science and mathematics. Heavy laboratory experience is a requirement; Ph.D. candidates may be expected to participate in a school's ongoing research projects in addition to completing independent work.
Foresters ensure the health and sustainability of forests, while conservation scientists work with landowners and governments to improve the land and protect the environment. Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals and their habitats. Individuals interested in pursuing a career in wildlife management can consider these options with the completion of a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as biology or environmental science.
