By: Dr' Frank Flanders and Ms' Anna Burgess

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Agricultural Careers Wildlife Biologist
By Dr. Frank Flanders and Ms. Anna
Burgess Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum
Office Georgia Department of Education June 2005
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Job Duties Responsibilities

• Apply principles used in the management of
  wildlife and fish populations
• Understand the ecology of game and non-game
  species, and ecological and socio-economic
  factors affecting habitat and populations
• Interaction among the public, resource management
  agencies, and wildlife and fisheries resources
• Understand the physical, chemical, and biological
  characteristics of lakes, ponds, and streams
• Study and apply state and federal programs
  affecting wetland drainage and preservation
• Know and apply research, laboratory, and
  statistical methods as they relate to wildlife
  and fisheries management

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Qualities and Skills
A wildlife biologist must be able to effectively
plan and organize work activities, organize and
analyze available information, draw sound
conclusions, and write clearly and concisely and
in a logical sequence to inform others of their
findings. They should also be task-oriented with
the ability to prioritize task completion to meet
schedules and deadlines. They must be patient and
persistent, as much of their work may include
observation.
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Salary
Starting income for a position with the federal
government is about 25,000 a year with a
bachelor's degree, 32,000 a year with a master's
degree, and over 40,000 a year with a Ph.D. In
the state government, positions usually range
from 22,000 to 29,000 a year. Beginning
assistant professors begin at about 40,000 a
year. The average income for wildlife
biologists is 44,500 a year in the federal
government, 40,500 a year for state governments,
and 52,000 a year for associate professors. Top
earnings are 65,000-85,000 a year in government
and academic teaching.
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Work Environment

• Work is done both indoors and outdoors.
• Since field work must be conducted according to
  the schedule of the animal and not the scientist,
  it may be necessary to work odd hours at night or
  in the early morning
• May involve dangerous encounters with wild
  animals
• Field work in this occupation may be done in all
  climate conditions
• Travel is often required
• Universities and colleges offering wildlife
  curriculums hire wildlife professionals with
  advanced degrees for teaching and research
  positions

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Becoming a Wildlife Biologist
To be a wildlife biologist, you need a college
education. Since most wildlife resources and
conservation problems relate to people, you need
courses in English, geography, statistics and
economics, as well as in physical and biological
sciences. Communication skills, especially
speaking skills, must be part of your training.
Entry level positions require a Bachelors degree
while higher paying jobs in research and teaching
at colleges and universities usually require a
doctorate degree.
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Career Resources
Environmental Careers Organization Internet
http//www.eco.org/ National Fish and Wildlife
FoundationInternet http//www.nfwf.org Environm
ental Protection AgencyInternet
http//www.epa.gov/ Student Conservation
AssociationInternet http//www.theSCA.org/
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Internet
http//www.fws.gov/ Wildlife Society Internet
http//www.wildlife.org/