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 their 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 that criteria of my two interests, so finding out what education I need and what I can

do now as a high schooler is critical.

Over the years, things change. Over time people can change their minds and want to

explore different options on what they want to do. Saying this, career outlooks and job

descriptions can also change over time, and demand of employees in that field are various. I have

found many articles from wildlife biologists or career experts 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.

When researching this topic, one main topic I strived to explore, and research, is the

education aspect of this career. What I need to become a wildlife biologist and succeed at the

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

Understanding the connection between living things and their surroundings, and how it all works

together.
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However, 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!

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

biology course may be the best bet 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.

This job usually involves working with other professionals, not really talking to the

public unless for education programs. Educational programs with wildlife biology usually

educate the public on information and issues wildlife biologists are directing. Also of course,

optional certificates and training is always a choice and supporting organization to help wildlife

is very beneficial. An additional piece of information I found interesting is that wildlife

biologists may also choose to specialize in a certain animal of study. I think this would be

interesting to research more for my final paper.

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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