Careers Options for Working With Wildlife

Careers Options for Working With WildlifeCareers Options for Working With WildlifeThere are many career options for those who want to work with wildlife, whether you want to work with native or exotic species. Some options include Wildlife Veterinarian Wildlife veterinarians are qualified to treat a variety of species including reptiles, birds, and mammals. Becoming a licensed wildlife veterinarian requires a significant educational commitment, but the average salary for veterinarians is around $90,000. Board certified practitioners earn higher salaries. Zookeeper Zookeepers are responsible for the daily care of a zoos animal collection. Regular duties include feeding, giving medications, cleaning enclosures, and reporting behavioral changes. Most zookeepers have at least a two-year degree, and salary generally ranges from $23,000 to $45,000. Marine Mammal Trainer Marine mammal trainers condition kriegsmarine species to perform specific behaviors on command. They are also responsible for supervising daily care and providing behavioral enrichment activities. Most marine mammal trainers have at least a two-year degree, and salary ranges from $30,000 to $40,000. Herpetologist Herpetologists are biologists who study reptiles and amphibians. They may be involved in a variety of areas including research, education, or collection management. Herpetologists must have a four-year degree at minimum, and graduate level degrees are preferred. The average yearly salary is about $40,000, though educators and top researchers may earn double that amount. Wildlife Biologist Wildlife biologists study a variety of wildlife species and may be involved in research, education, or managing local wildlife. Wildlife biologists must have at least a four-year degree, and fruchtwein positions give preference to those with graduate degrees. The average salary for wildlife biologists in 2017 was around $60,000. Ichthyologist Ichthyologists are biologists who study fi sh, sharks, and rays. They may be involved in a variety of duties depending on their role in research, education, or collection management. A four-year degree is required, with most ichthyologists holding graduate level degrees. The salary for this position averages close to $60,000. Zoo Curator Zoo curators oversee the acquisition and management of animals in a zoos collection. They are also involved in the management and hiring of staff members. Curators usually have a four-year degree, with an advanced degree preferred. Salary averages about $55,000 per year. Aquarist Aquarists care for marine mammals and fish kept at aquariums. Aquarists are responsible for general care, habitat maintenance, feeding, and assisting with veterinary procedures. They must have a four-year degree and scuba diving certification to enter the field, and they can expect to earn a salary in the $20,000 to $35,000 range. Entomologist Entomologists are biologists who study insects. They are usua lly involved in research, education, or a combination of both. Entomologists must have a four-year degree, and teaching and research roles often require advanced degrees. The salary for entomologists is usually in the $55,000 to $65,000 range. Zoo Educator Zoo educators teach visitors about the zoos collection of animals in an effort to promote conservation. They may be involved in giving tours, presenting formal seminars, and circulating throughout the park to answer questions. Most zoo educators have at least a four-year degree, and they can expect to earn a salary in the $30,000 to $40,000 range. Primatologist Primatologists are biologists that study primates such as gorillas, orangutans, and chimpanzees. They are most frequently involved in research, education, or conservation. Primatologists must have at least a four-year degree, and graduate level degrees are preferable. The average salary for this position is about $55,000. Fish and Game Warden Fish and game warde ns enforce laws and regulations relating to wildlife in a designated area. They may be involved with issuing hunting licenses, conducting surveys of local game, and assisting injured wildlife. Two to four years of education in wildlife management or law enforcement are desirable. The annual mean wage for this position is roughly $55,000. Zoologist Zoologists are biologists who study a variety of wildlife species. They may work in education, research, or collection management. This position requires a four-year degree, and jobs requiring applicants have graduate degrees in the field are most common. The salary for this position usually ranges from $55,000 to $85,000. Marine Biologist Marine biologists study a wide variety of aquatic animals. They may work in research, private industry, or education. A four-year degree is required, and most marine biologists have an M.S. or Ph.D. Salaries range from about $50,000 to $100,000. Beekeeper Beekeepers (apiarists) manage bee col onies that produce honey or other products like beeswax. Beekeepers divide colonies, replace combs, and construct new hives. No degree is required to enter this profession though many beekeepers do hold degrees. A full-time beekeeper can make up to nearly $100,000 per year part-time keepers can expect to make about $20,000.