Also called: Zoologist, Field Biologist, Ornithologist, Mammalogist
Studies wild animals and their habitats to manage populations and protect endangered species.
You might spend dawn counting sage grouse on a breeding ground, then set camera traps for mountain lions, then analyze GPS collar data showing where elk migrate. Winters are spent writing reports and recommending hunting seasons.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 5 years after high school. Bachelor's in wildlife biology; master's is common and often needed for advancement.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Wildlife Biology, Zoology, Ecology, Fisheries & Wildlife.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). Zoologists and wildlife biologists.
Low risk for 10 years. AI IDs animals in camera-trap photos and audio, saving time; fieldwork, study design and management calls stay human.
Classes: AP Biology, Statistics, Earth science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-1023.
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