Also called: Construction Biological Monitor, Field Biologist (Monitoring)
Watches construction sites to make sure work does not harm protected wildlife like tortoises, birds, and frogs.
A biological monitor arrives before the bulldozers, checks for nesting birds or desert tortoises, and has the authority to stop work if a protected animal is in danger. Solar farms, pipelines, and highways all hire monitors.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in biology or wildlife; agency approval for certain species.
Ways in: 4-year college. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Biology, Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science.
Growing much faster than average (about 8% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 19-4021: Much faster than average (7% or higher).
Low risk for 10 years. Cameras help, but watching job sites and moving tortoises out of harm's way is hands-on, growing work.
Classes: Biology, Earth science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-4021.
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