Scientists have estimated that there are approximately 8.7 million species on Earth. Between 1 and 2 million of these species are believed to be animals. Tasked with observing and studying these animals are zoologists. Zoologists are dedicated animal lovers who often travel far and wide to study various species in their habitats. As wildlife continues to adjust to climate change and the impact of human activity, the role of a zoologist will remain important for endangered populations.

But, what do you need to become a zoologist? For an entry-level position, it almost always begins with a college degree. Becoming a zoologist can start by achieving a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or Ph.D. Popular degrees include Animal Health and Behavior, Wildlife Conservation, and Wildlife and Fisheries Biology.

What does a zoologist do?

A zoologist uses their skillset to obtain and review animal specimens after they acquire them from various environments.

Once a zoologist acquires the specimens from the animals, they perform detailed research that identifies the outlook of the population, address potential threats that harm their quality of life, oversee hunting programs and protocol in those populations and propose conservation solutions. Research can also be distributed to a university, zoo or the federal government for appropriate use.

Some of the zoologists’ findings can be related to:

• The ecosystem they live in
• Physical traits
• Diets
• Human impact
• Reproduction
• Migration
• Disease
• Environmental changes

Is becoming a zoologist right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

How to Become a Zoologist

Zoologists require at least a bachelor’s degree in zoology and wildlife biology, or in a related field like ecology. An undergraduate degree in biology with studies in wildlife biology and zoology is a good preparation for this career. For higher-level investigative work or scientific work, a master’s degree is needed. A Ph.D. Is required for the majority of independent research positions and for university research positions.

Students take courses in anatomy, ecology, cellular biology, and wildlife management. Courses may also focus on a particular group of animals, like ornithology (birds) or herpetology (amphibians and reptiles). Because zoologists should be well-rounded with a scientific background, courses in physics, botany, and chemistry are important. Students should also have courses in statistics and mathematics in order to do complex data analysis.

1. Pursue a bachelors’ degree

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree to work as a zoologist, so consider preparing yourself by taking science classes in high school. The bachelor’s program you’re interested in may be located in a different state, so be prepared to relocate if necessary and understand the parameters of the program you decide to enroll in.

Some of the main courses you’ll need to take at the university level include biology, chemistry, physics and math. All of these courses may have different subcategories that you may have to enroll in to earn the required credits to graduate from the program. You will need to work with your faculty advisor to make sure that your academic track is in line with your career path.

2. Obtain skills through volunteer opportunities and internships

Reach out to local zoos or organizations that offer volunteering and internships. These opportunities provide you the chance to learn about different areas of zoology and how to interact with animals in a way that’s conducive to your learning experience. Also, you can receive college credit and network with professionals that can help you get a job if one becomes available.

Here are some skills that zoologists can gain during an internship or volunteer opportunity:

Communication skills

An intern or volunteer must be able to communicate with the members, so everyone can perform their jobs effectively. You’ll need to understand the situation to respond to feedback accordingly to service animals or the research you’re assisting with.

Active listening skills

Active listening is a skill that helps you to be present and responsive to your listener. Your internship may consist of one-on-one interactions with your supervisor who’s giving step-by-step instructions on how to complete an important project. Therefore, active listening skills you gain during your experience improves the way you ask questions, carry out tasks, read nonverbal cues and take accurate notes on specific details from your supervisor.

Computer skills

You’ll need to enhance your technical skills to log crucial research data gathered from zoologists in the field. This is also the first time you’ll be working with managing your emails on a professional level and understanding new programs used by specialists, so the application of active listening skills generates beneficial results for your development.

Time management skills

Time management is a noteworthy skill to obtain as a zoologist. The careful evaluation of life, behavioral patterns and lab results requires you to compartmentalize and focus on one task at a time. In the end, this skill can define the goals you want to accomplish daily on behalf of your employer.

3. Earn a graduate degree in zoology

You can typically go directly into this step once you get a bachelor’s degree, especially if your undergraduate university has a graduate program in zoology. You could consider a Ph.D. program if you’re looking for opportunities to research and teach other students interested in zoology.

4. Interview and receive an offer for a position

After you complete your education, you can choose to join the workforce to gain professional experience. If you find the right position, then you can make a career out of this role, or you choose to go to graduate school. Zoos hire zoologists, but zoologists can also work for the government or conservation organizations.

Zoology Jobs & Description

Typically work full-time workers, a zoologist’s work hours can be long and irregular. A zoologist work schedule will vary based on their role and the species being studied. Nocturnal animals, for example, will likely be observed during the night.

A zoologist may work exclusively indoors or they could travel for fieldwork to remote locations around the world. For a zoologist, working conditions might involve difficult terrain and harsh weather. They may travel to scorching deserts, arctic tundras, or into the deep sea for their research.

General Zoologist Job Responsibilities

A zoologist’s primary responsibilities can vary, but typically they will be expected to:

• Observe animals in the wild and  captivity
• Track animal life cycles
• Assess wild species populations
• Map habitat ranges using GIS software (Geographic Information Systems)
• Collect, process, and prepare specimens
• Analyze data and observations and evaluate results
• Write reports, prepare documents, and publish journals
• Advocacy and public speaking for wildlife and conservation efforts
• Network with scientists, professionals, and advocacy groups
• Review research and scientific literature in their field
• Consult on and implement habitat migration and reproduction rates
• Conduct or oversee wildlife population surveys
• Track migration patterns and observe interactions between species
• Plan and prepare a wildlife management plan and monitor trends

Advanced Zoologist Job Duties

As they advance in their careers, a zoologist may be offered a senior role. In this leadership position, a senior zoologist will have a few other responsibilities. This can include:

• Analyzing data for reporting and overseeing the paperwork
• Communicating with clients, government departments, colleagues, and field experts
• Drafting written reports and planning verbal presentations or speeches
• Planning and scheduling research trips
• Designing budgets and timelines for lab and field projects
• Handling peer-review data inquiries
• Consulting with agency working groups, government agencies, and engineers
• Reviewing records, reports, and assessments
• Navigating environmental regulations and environmental approvals processes
• Evaluating national and international wildlife initiatives
• Manage and consult on endangered species populations

What are the different types of zoology?

Zoologists usually specialize in studying either vertebrate or invertebrate animals. Once they have made that decision, they can become an expert in a particular species. There are roughly 10 main specializations for zoologists.

• Cetologists study marine mammals such as whales and dolphins.
• Mammalogists focus on land mammals, instead, like monkeys, foxes, and bears.
• Ornithologists study birds, from owls and hawks to turkeys and penguins.
• Herpetologists specialize in reptiles and amphibians including snakes and frogs.
• Entomologists prefer to study insects, from beetles to butterflies.
• Parasitologists are experts in parasites, their hosts, and the relationship between them.
• Ichthyologists spend time in aquatic environments studying wild fish like sharks.
• Teuthologists are also marine-oriented. They focus specifically on cephalopods like squid and octopus.
• Malacologists study Mollusks like snails, slugs, and clams. They might also cover octopus and squids, as well, however, they aren’t restricted to marine environments.
• Paleozoologists specialize in ancient animal remains and fossilized species.

How Much Does a Zoologist Make?

The average salary of a zoologist is around $60,000, and most work full-time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for zoologists was $63,420 in May 2018. Those who worked within the federal government had the highest median salary. Federal wages reached $78,080 compared with state government employees who earned closer to $57,020. In general, the lowest 10% of zoologists earned below $40,290. The highest 10% earned more than $102,830.