How To Get A Job As A Zoologist
A career as a Zoologist involves the study of animals, from the smallest to the largest. Zoologists are interested in understanding the growth and development of animals, the diseases that affect them, how they survive and adapt to their environment, how they are affected by mans’ intrusions, how they raise their young, how they interact with those of their kind, how they originated, and how they behave, evolve, and change. Zoologists study animals both in the wild, in controlled habitats, and in captivity.
Zoologists, depending on their specialty, may choose to work in a wide variety of locations. They may teach in universities and colleges, or work for state and federal agencies related to wildlife, conservation, and environmental issues. They may work in museums, research facilities, zoos, game preserves, animal sanctuaries, aquariums, and for private organizations and consulting firms. Zoologists may work indoors or out, depending on where they are employed.
Some Zoologists work regular forty hour weeks, while others may work long hours, observing, creating written reports, and doing research. There is an ongoing demand for educated and experienced Zoologists, especially for those who have their doctorate degree.
Those who wish to become Zoologists must have a passionate interest in all aspects of animal life. They must be observant, patient, curious, detail oriented, and have excellent communication skills, both spoken and written. They must be able to work independently, be able to concentrate for long periods of time, and enjoy learning, as they must continue to do so throughout their careers. Zoologists who wish to advance in their profession, must have excellent computer skills and a thorough knowledge and understanding of research techniques. Zoologists who work with animals in their natural habitat, must be physically fit, tireless, and able to tolerate potentially unpleasant and even dangerous environments.
Zoologists have a variety of duties, depending on their specialization and where they are employed. Zoologists, also known as biological scientists, may specialize in fish, birds, reptiles, or mammals. They may specialize in one specific animal or in areas such as genetics, or anatomy. They may make observations of animals or animal habitats, collect and analyze data, write research proposals and reports, keep records, care for animals in captivity and controlled settings, dissect animals, conduct breeding programs, teach, and conduct public education programs. Some Zoologists are involved in wildlife management and preservation. helping to put in place policies that will protect existing wildlife, while learning from it.
Education
If you are interested in having a career as a Zoologist and are still in high school, take courses in English, chemistry, physics, biology, zoology, mathematics, computers, and, if they are available, statistics and calculus.
Get all the related experience you can, paid or volunteer, in a zoo, veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or similar facility.
Once you have your high school diploma, you will need to first get your bachelor’s degree. Choose a degree that is related to zoology or animal biology. Try to find a college or university that includes an internship as part of their program. It takes four years to complete a bachelor’s degree program.
Those with bachelor’s degrees can get entry level positions as research technicians. Those who wish to advance beyond the entry level, will need to get a master’s degree. This will take two more years, but will enable the holder to get a more prestigious position, teach in a college and do more advanced research.
The competition for jobs as Zoologists is keen, so consider getting a doctorate degree. This will take another two to three years. With a doctorate degree, a Zoologist is eligible for literally any job, and will be able to do independent research in his/her chosen area of specialization.
