Zoologist Career Guide

What is a zoologist?

A zoologist is a scientist who digs into everything about animals—like where they come from, their genes, what illnesses they can get, and how they behave. There are over 1.3 million types of animals known to us, and that’s why studying them is super interesting and diverse.

Zoologists often focus on studying just one type of animal or a group of them. Some work out in nature or in places like zoos and aquariums to see what animals do day-to-day. They watch the animals closely, jot down lots of notes, and even set up experiments to learn more. A few zoologists also look after wildlife areas, keeping track of how many animals are there and what they’re up to.

Duties and responsibilities

Zoologists have busy days! They might set up a study, watch how animals act, collect animal info, or write about their findings. They also teach people about animals and how to protect them.

Work environment

Zoologists can be found in all sorts of places. Some teach at colleges, some work in labs doing experiments, and others spend a lot of time outside observing animals in the wild or at places like zoos and aquariums. They might work in tough weather and sometimes stay far from home for a while.

Typical work hours

Zoologists’ schedules can be all over the place. Those studying animals in the wild might work day and night and even on weekends. Professors might have more regular hours but could also teach at night. Zoologists in labs usually work the typical 9 to 5, Monday through Friday.

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How to become a zoologist

Step 1: Prepare in high school

If you’re in high school and dreaming of becoming a zoologist, start by focusing on science classes like biology and chemistry. The more you learn now, the better. Also, try to get experience by volunteering or working part-time at places like zoos, aquariums, or animal sanctuaries. This experience is super valuable!

Step 2: Earn a bachelor’s degree

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in biology or zoology from a college. These programs cover everything from basic biology and chemistry to more specific stuff like marine biology and wildlife ecology. Grab every chance to learn!

Step 3: Gain experience

While studying, look for internships, co-op programs, or volunteer opportunities. These experiences are crucial for learning real-world skills and can even help you get into graduate school. Here are a few cool internships you might check out:

• SCA Biological Technician Internship-Kofa National Wildlife Refuge
• Student Conservation Association Gopher Tortoise Biological Monitoring Internship
• Curi Bio Research Associate Internship

Step 4: Get a master’s degree

A master’s degree lets you dive deeper into a specific area of zoology. You’ll do lots of research and might help teach classes too. Some programs require a big research project called a thesis.

Step 5: Earn a doctoral degree

If you want to teach at a university or lead your own research, a PhD is the way to go. This is where you really focus on a tiny part of zoology that interests you. Make sure the university you pick has experts in that area.

Step 6: Keep learning

Zoology keeps changing, so staying updated is key. Join groups like the American Society of Mammalogists or the Animal Behavior Society. You can also learn online through courses like:

• Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity Specialization course on Coursera
• Basic Animal Classification course on Udemy
• Ecology: Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation on Coursera
• Marine Biology 101 on Udemy

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How much do zoologists make?

Many variables go into determining how much a zoologist makes, from company size to experience and education, just to name a few.

Browse zoologist salary data by market

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Types of zoologists

Zoologists come in all sorts because there are so many different animals out there. They can focus on just one animal or a big group like all mammals. Here are some cool kinds of zoologists:

Ethologist

Ethologists study animal behavior in nature. They watch how animals interact and communicate, and they set up experiments to learn more about them.

Primatologist

Primatologists dive into the world of primates like gorillas and lemurs, studying them in the wild, labs, and settings that mimic their natural homes.

Wildlife biologist

Wildlife biologists keep an eye on animals to help keep them safe. They check on things like how healthy the animals are and if they’re in danger of disappearing. They might focus on bugs, birds, reptiles, or sea creatures.

Paleozoologist

Paleozoologists explore the past by studying old animal remains like bones and fur. They often work with archaeologists to dig up these ancient clues.

Mammalogist

Mammalogists are all about mammals. They study everything from what mammals look like to how they live. They work in places like fields, zoos, and museums.

Herpetologist

Herpetologists focus on reptiles and amphibians, looking at how these creatures live, grow, and handle threats like disease and pollution.

Ornithologist

Ornithologists are the bird experts. With over 18,000 bird types, these zoologists have a lot to study, from how birds fly to where they travel.

Entomologist

Entomologists have the biggest job because they study insects, which are most of the animal kingdom! They might specialize in one type of bug, like bees or butterflies.

Arachnologist

Arachnologists study arachnids, which include spiders and scorpions. They look at everything from how these creatures hunt to how they evolve.

Cetologist

Cetologists watch sea mammals like whales and dolphins. They spend a lot of time on boats, tracking these animals to learn about their lives in the ocean.

Ichthyologist

Ichthyologists are fish experts. They might study just one kind of fish or many, often doing their research underwater.

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Top skills for zoologists

Zoologists are animal experts who need a bunch of key skills to do their job well. Here’s a breakdown of the top skills they need:

Scientific skills

Zoologists must really know their science stuff. They need to understand scientific methods, be able to run experiments, analyze data, and make smart conclusions. It’s also crucial for them to know a lot about animal bodies, how they function, and their behaviors.

Observational skills

Being a great observer is a must. Zoologists watch animals in the wild, take notes on their behaviors, and use tools like binoculars and GPS to collect all sorts of data. This helps them understand how animals live and interact with their surroundings.

Communication skills

Zoologists have to be good at sharing what they’ve learned. They need to explain their findings clearly to their team, bosses, and sometimes even the public. Whether they’re talking or writing, they have to make sure everyone gets the point.

Critical thinking and problem solving

Things don’t always go as planned. Zoologists need to be quick on their feet to solve problems, whether that’s figuring out a new way to track animals or fixing a broken piece of equipment. They have to look at the facts, think it through, and come up with the best solution.

Adaptability and stress management

Zoologists often juggle several projects at once, work weird hours, and sometimes face tough conditions in the field. Being flexible and cool under pressure helps them get the job done right.

Commitment to learning

The world of zoology is always changing, so staying up-to-date is key. Whether it’s learning about new research methods or the latest in animal care, being eager to learn and grow is important.

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Zoologist career path

The world of animals is huge and full of variety, which means there are many different ways you can go as a zoologist. Here’s how you might move up in this exciting field:

Start with education

Most zoologists kick off their careers with a degree in zoology, biology, or something similar. This is your ticket to get started and learn the basics about animals and how to study them.

Entry-level jobs

When you’re just starting out, you might work as a research assistant or a zookeeper. These jobs let you get hands-on with animals and help out with important research.

Gain experience

As you get more experience, you can take on bigger projects. You might lead research studies, write articles for science journals, or dive into a special area like marine biology or wildlife management.

Specialize

Zoology is always changing, so you might decide to focus on a specific part like animal behavior, genetics, or saving endangered species. Specializing can make you an expert in that area and open up new job opportunities.

Move up

There are lots of ways to move up in zoology. You could become a research coordinator, manage big projects, or even oversee a team at a zoo or a wildlife reserve. Some zoologists also switch to related fields like environmental consulting or wildlife biology.

Lead and collaborate

If you’re really into it, you could end up leading research teams or programs that work to protect animals and their homes. You might also work with different groups of people to make sure your projects succeed.

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Similar job titles

• Marine Biologist
• Environmental Scientist
• Veterinarian
• Research Scientist
• Professor

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Position trends and outlook for zoologists

• Growing population: As our world gets more crowded and we take up more space, animals and their homes are affected. Because of this, there’s a growing need for experts in wildlife conservation and the protection of animals that are in danger of disappearing.
• Biomedical research: There’s also more demand for zoologists in biomedical research. They use their understanding of animal bodies and genes to help develop new treatments for human illnesses.
• Government and non-profits: Many zoologists work with government agencies or non-profit groups focused on protecting wildlife and their habitats.

Employment projections for zoologists

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for zoologists and wildlife biologists are expected to grow by 5% through 2031. This growth is a bit slower than average compared to other jobs. Most new job openings will likely come from zoologists who retire or switch to different careers.

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Zoologist career tips

Develop strong technical skills

You’ll need to master skills like data analysis, research design, and observing animal behavior. Take courses in biology, ecology, animal behavior, and statistics to build your expertise.

Build a strong knowledge base

Understanding the science behind zoology is crucial. Deepen your knowledge of animal physiology, ecology, taxonomy, and conservation biology. This foundation will help you make informed decisions in your research.

Build a professional network

Networking is key in the field of zoology. Attending conferences and networking events will help you stay connected with peers and learn about new opportunities. Connect with others by joining organizations like:

• American Society of Mammalogists
• International Society for Behavioral Ecology
• The Wildlife Society
• Society for Conservation Biology
• Animal Behavior Society

Hone your communication skills

Being able to communicate your findings effectively is vital. Work on your technical writing, public speaking, and science communication skills. These will be essential for sharing your research and influencing others.

Stay up-to-date on industry trends

Zoology is always evolving. Keep up with the latest research methods and technologies by reading industry publications, attending conferences, and participating in webinars and online forums.

Commit to continuous learning

The learning never stops in zoology. Consider further education like additional certifications or advanced degrees. Regularly participate in workshops and training events to stay ahead of new trends and maintain your competitive edge in the field.

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FAQs