Dineen1

Gretchen Dineen

Professor Scot

English 1201 K01

21 March 2021

What education do I need to become a wildlife biologist in the future and how can I prepare now

as a high schooler?

High schoolers around the world are preparing and planning for their life. Many trying to

figure out goals and aspirations for the upcoming future and searching to find careers and

lifestyles that fit them. I love nature and animals, especially exotic animals that live naturally in

the wild. Wildlife biology fits those criteria of my two interests, so finding out what education I

need and what I can do now as a high schooler is critical.

Everything changes or adapts over the years. As humans, many of us change our minds

about a certain situation or life decision and want to explore options differently. Saying this,

career outlooks and job descriptions can also change over time. Demand of employees in a career

field can also quickly alter. I have found many articles from wildlife biologists to research what

wildlife biology is all about. Just like any job, there are requirements and daily common tasks to

look for when exploring this field.

With any job involving animals, many employees find this job more rewarding than

anything. The pay for jobseekers in the animal world isn’t the best, so people seeking to get

loads of cash should not investigate this career unless they want to be a veterinarian which

involved years of school. Zookeepers, vet techs, and groomers also examples of other careers

that make less than average wage in the United States. Again, this job is considered more

rewarding for employees and they usually enjoy what they do very well.
 Dineen1

When researching wildlife biology, one aspect I strived to explore involves the education

focus. What do I need to become a wildlife biologist? What do I need to do to succeed at this

job? According to many sources, a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology or biology is sufficient.

This will take around 4 years to complete. Understanding the connection between living things

and their surroundings is what wildlife biology is all about. Majoring in biology or wildlife

biology is a given, but minors including environmental science, wildlife rehabilitation, or forest

management can be extremely helpful. These majors and minors connect well with each other.

All wanted the best for animals and their environment.

 Dineen1

A bachelor's degree sometimes only gets a person so far. I have learned that even if a

someone has 4 years of education under their belt, actual seniority to the job and doing the work

gets you higher on the “work” scale. Education means nothing if experience is minimal.

Additionally, some may even get a PhD in this field, but the same rules still apply. Experience is

key! Volunteering at local nests boxes or making connections with other wildlife biologist could

help tremendously.
 Dineen1

As a high schooler, one should volunteer with animals if they are interested in this field.

Again, experience is key. Volunteering at a research lab for birds or making your own garder are

just some of the possibilities. Volunteering is one of the best things a high school student can do.

Even as an adult, volunteering can be so rewarding.

As a high schooler, grades can also play a factor. Colleges look for students who are

willing to work hard and work well with others. Joining clubs is always a great option too.

Environmental club or NHS shows commitment and awareness. Two wonderful traits a student

can have.
 Dineen1

Learning this, college may be the best option for me. Taking a wildlife biology course or

biology course may be the best way to succeed. Even if I plan to do that, how can I start gaining

knowledge now as a high school student? This research paper is the best step I have taken so far,

therefore I will be exploring more into the field and what to expect in my upcoming paragraphs.

First off, work conditions and environment vary based on location. According to the U.S.

Forest Service, wildlife biologists, "Work in all types of environments - offices and mountains,

deserts and wetlands, forests and prairies--we have it all.” This stays true when I compare it to

other articles too. Additionally, most work is researching data about the animals in their

environment and making sure everything is normal and healthy. Wildlife biologists manage,

protect, rehabilitate, and enhance wildlife habitats. They should be willing to travel anywhere to

help a variety of animals.

Wildlife biologists work with other professionals most of their career, rarely meeting

with the public. However, educational programs do educate the public on information and issues
 Dineen1

wildlife biologists are directing. Additionally, optional certificates and training can be obtained

to further advance one's knowledge and skill.

An additional piece of information I found interesting is that wildlife biologists may also

choose to specialize in a certain animal of study. For example, a wolf biologist works to study

how wolfs in an environment are surviving. Examining how the population is doing. If it is

declining, they would look to see if their prey is also declining or if a disease is spreading.

Wildlife biology is a rewarding job that helps animals and their environment. Experience

is more important than education and nobody should do this job if they are worried about the

money. Some of the most famous animal enthusiasts have risked it all to be where they are

today. This field and many fields with animals require passion and “heart-and-soul" type

mindset. Animal lovers like Thane Maynard and Jane Goodall have committed their lives to

animals expecting nothing in return. They did everything for the animals, and nothing else.
 Dineen1

Works Cited

Becoming a wildlife biologist. (2021). Retrieved March 08, 2021, from

https://www.gamewarden.org/career/wildlife-biologist

Frigerio, Didone, et al. Citizen Science and Wildlife Biology: Synergies and Challenges, 19 Apr.

2018, pp. 1–13., doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/eth.12746.

Ponds, P. D. (2003). Evaluating sources of job satisfaction [electronic resource] : A survey of

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge managers and biologists / by Phadrea D. Ponds, Ayeisha

A. Brinson, Delwin Benson. Fort Collins, Colorado: U.S. Dept. of the Interior, U.S.

Geological Survey.

USDA Forest Service. (n.d.). Wildlife Biologist (GS-11) Career Sheet #25 [Brochure].

Author. US Forest Service

What is a wildlife biologist? (2021). Retrieved March 08, 2021, from

https://www.enviornmentalscience.org/career/wild-life-biologist
Dineen1