Comments on: How To Become A Wildlife Biologist http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/ Featuring insider destination guides and how-to articles from the matador travel community. Our focus is sustainable travel, cultural immersion, plus work, study, and volunteer opportunities worldwide. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:48:47 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Brigette http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/comment-page-1/#comment-7669 Brigette Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:03:04 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/#comment-7669 I didn't realize that so many people wanted to be wildlife biologists but anyways I also really want to major in wildlife biology and go on to study wildlife in all different countries. Does anyone have any suggestions going into it? Also what is the difference between a wildlife biologist and a zoologist? I didn’t realize that so many people wanted to be wildlife biologists but anyways I also really want to major in wildlife biology and go on to study wildlife in all different countries. Does anyone have any suggestions going into it?
Also what is the difference between a wildlife biologist and a zoologist?

]]> By: Michael http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/comment-page-1/#comment-7628 Michael Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:11:31 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/#comment-7628 I didn't realize you could choose what animal you get to work with! I LOVE red pandas and have wanted to help them because no one really knows much about them and their habitat is being overrun with people. I didn’t realize you could choose what animal you get to work with! I LOVE red pandas and have wanted to help them because no one really knows much about them and their habitat is being overrun with people.

]]> By: Chris D. http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/comment-page-1/#comment-7417 Chris D. Mon, 01 Mar 2010 03:53:27 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/#comment-7417 i am really thinking about becoming a wildlife biologist i am itrested in animals and i would love to work with them, i heard you can work with one particular animal? i would love to work with penguins. thats always been a dream of mine. i am really thinking about becoming a wildlife biologist i am itrested in animals and i would love to work with them, i heard you can work with one particular animal? i would love to work with penguins. thats always been a dream of mine.

]]> By: stay out of bio http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/comment-page-1/#comment-7371 stay out of bio Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:42:32 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/#comment-7371 my first suggestion is stay out of biology all together, The second is figure out what kind of biology you like and focus on that, molecular, ecology, fish, conservation, wildlife etc If you want to be in wildlife biology go to a specific wildlife biology program, there is usually one university per state that offers this, ie UF is the only university in floridia that offers one, so stop for a second there only one per state that must me there's not a lot of jobs out and hell there isn't ok back on track do really well in undergrad take as many research opportunites as possible Next after 4 years plan on graduate school, hope your army college fund is there for you at this point, and yes your not gonna get hired as wildlife biologist unless you have a masters, oh and plan on getting paid poorly for at least four years as a biologist until you move up ps if you really want to be a game warden, find out who your local or state game warden's are and write them some letters, in fact find as many game wardens and offices as possible and write them, they'll be able to tell some really good info pps good luck my first suggestion is stay out of biology all together,

The second is figure out what kind of biology you like and focus on that, molecular, ecology, fish, conservation, wildlife etc

If you want to be in wildlife biology go to a specific wildlife biology program, there is usually one university per state that offers this, ie UF is the only university in floridia that offers one, so stop for a second there only one per state that must me there’s not a lot of jobs out and hell there isn’t

ok back on track do really well in undergrad take as many research opportunites as possible

Next after 4 years plan on graduate school, hope your army college fund is there for you at this point, and yes your not gonna get hired as wildlife biologist unless you have a masters, oh and plan on getting paid poorly for at least four years as a biologist until you move up

ps if you really want to be a game warden, find out who your local or state game warden’s are and write them some letters, in fact find as many game wardens and offices as possible and write them, they’ll be able to tell some really good info

pps good luck

]]> By: stay out of bio http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/comment-page-1/#comment-7370 stay out of bio Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:25:24 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/#comment-7370 STAY AWAY FROM THE BIO FIELD, I have my degree in Biology with a concentration in conservation and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't regret that decision. Don't listen to the "follow your dreams" people that posted in here, this field is just god awful 1. The pay is extremely low, I've seen postings for marine bio jobs that require three years of experience and a masters that pay less that the high school drops that work at the plant I'm working at. 2. Yes in this day we're living in a master's is absolutely required so expect to spend all that money getting through a master's for that low paying job, imagine paying off tens of thousands of dollar making only 11 dollars per hour. 3. Your degree HAS ZERO VALUE. Experience is all that matters, hell lie if you have to just make sure yo can back it up. Its funny many jobs posted now require "professional experience" meaning that the volunteering you did doesn't count. 4. The best paying jobs are in private industry and involve destroying the environment, ie working for construction companies environmental consulting. 5. Most states right now are on a hiring freeze, my state Florida is. Many jobs in bio require government funding and things are really bad right now, its a horrible time to go into the field demand is low and qualified people are in abundance. 6. If you must follow this route BY ALL MEANS LEARN GIS. I never heard the words GIS while getting my degree but every biology job will require it. The funny things a GIS tech can making 100k inputting and doing the same thing a bio person doing GIS is while the bio person is making 10 dollars an hour. 7. Good luck to you. It seems that luck is also a major factor in the bio field. The few that make it are lucky but a majority of people aren't so good luck STAY AWAY FROM THE BIO FIELD, I have my degree in Biology with a concentration in conservation and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t regret that decision.

Don’t listen to the “follow your dreams” people that posted in here, this field is just god awful

1. The pay is extremely low, I’ve seen postings for marine bio jobs that require three years of experience and a masters that pay less that the high school drops that work at the plant I’m working at.

2. Yes in this day we’re living in a master’s is absolutely required so expect to spend all that money getting through a master’s for that low paying job, imagine paying off tens of thousands of dollar making only 11 dollars per hour.

3. Your degree HAS ZERO VALUE. Experience is all that matters, hell lie if you have to just make sure yo can back it up. Its funny many jobs posted now require “professional experience” meaning that the volunteering you did doesn’t count.

4. The best paying jobs are in private industry and involve destroying the environment, ie working for construction companies environmental consulting.

5. Most states right now are on a hiring freeze, my state Florida is. Many jobs in bio require government funding and things are really bad right now, its a horrible time to go into the field demand is low and qualified people are in abundance.

6. If you must follow this route BY ALL MEANS LEARN GIS. I never heard the words GIS while getting my degree but every biology job will require it. The funny things a GIS tech can making 100k inputting and doing the same thing a bio person doing GIS is while the bio person is making 10 dollars an hour.

7. Good luck to you. It seems that luck is also a major factor in the bio field. The few that make it are lucky but a majority of people aren’t

so good luck

]]> By: courtney http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/comment-page-1/#comment-7327 courtney Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:13:28 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/#comment-7327 hey. im a junior in highschool and i have been and outdoors girl all my life. i love to hunt, fish, and play in the dirt. For the last few years i feel i have a calling to do something with wild life and the outdoors. I live in Florida. Im just now looking into different colleges and i was reading some of the comments and would like to know if any of you could point me in the right direction.? I have a passion for the outdoors and would love any advice about how to start my career. thanks! hey. im a junior in highschool and i have been and outdoors girl all my life. i love to hunt, fish, and play in the dirt. For the last few years i feel i have a calling to do something with wild life and the outdoors. I live in Florida. Im just now looking into different colleges and i was reading some of the comments and would like to know if any of you could point me in the right direction.? I have a passion for the outdoors and would love any advice about how to start my career.

thanks!

]]> By: Shane Ravan http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/comment-page-1/#comment-7310 Shane Ravan Sun, 21 Feb 2010 20:01:50 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/#comment-7310 I have just recently started researching the steps I need to do to become a wildlife biologist or something of this sort. I am 22 years old and I am a Sgt. in the Marine Corps. It has always been my dream career to be a game warden or wildlife biologist, but lost focus on my goal along the way. I am currently getting all my math, english, and such classes out of the way and planning on getting a degree in biology. I'm not real familiar with college so any advise for my situation would be much appreciated. I am sure that I do not want to have a desk job and I want to spend as much time in the woods as possible. Thank you for your time. Warm Regards, Shane Ravan I have just recently started researching the steps I need to do to become a wildlife biologist or something of this sort. I am 22 years old and I am a Sgt. in the Marine Corps. It has always been my dream career to be a game warden or wildlife biologist, but lost focus on my goal along the way. I am currently getting all my math, english, and such classes out of the way and planning on getting a degree in biology. I’m not real familiar with college so any advise for my situation would be much appreciated. I am sure that I do not want to have a desk job and I want to spend as much time in the woods as possible. Thank you for your time.

Warm Regards,
Shane Ravan

]]> By: Arthur Lynch http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/comment-page-1/#comment-7299 Arthur Lynch Sat, 20 Feb 2010 05:10:10 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/#comment-7299 I have wanted to be a wildlife biologist since I was about six. My dream is to travel around the world to work with exotic animals and in different ecosystems. I am about to recieve my two year degree this spring in science. I was just wondering if anyone had any good ideas for schools offering good research and internship opportunities? Is it a good idea to specialize in a certain class of animals instead of trying to tackle all of them? I have wanted to be a wildlife biologist since I was about six. My dream is to travel around the world to work with exotic animals and in different ecosystems. I am about to recieve my two year degree this spring in science. I was just wondering if anyone had any good ideas for schools offering good research and internship opportunities? Is it a good idea to specialize in a certain class of animals instead of trying to tackle all of them?

]]> By: Maria Salinas http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/comment-page-1/#comment-7226 Maria Salinas Mon, 15 Feb 2010 05:24:14 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/#comment-7226 Im really thinking of majoring in wildlife biology, my goal would ultimately be working in for the BLM in their Wild Horses and Burros program. I however have no idea where to start researching where to start to get into that program or if im heading in the right direction. Someone PLEASE help me, im starting college soon and I want to have an idea of what im doing email me. m_salinas28@yahoo.com if you can help or have advice please Im really thinking of majoring in wildlife biology, my goal would ultimately be working in for the BLM in their Wild Horses and Burros program. I however have no idea where to start researching where to start to get into that program or if im heading in the right direction. Someone PLEASE help me, im starting college soon and I want to have an idea of what im doing email me. m_salinas28@yahoo.com if you can help or have advice please

]]> By: NJW http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/comment-page-1/#comment-7165 NJW Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:35:02 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/#comment-7165 I work as an ecologist (which is pretty much the same as a wildlife biologist) in a UK private consultancy. My work i would say at the moment is mostly office based in the winter (as much of my work atm is with protected mammals and bats which hibernate then) and 50/50 office and field based in spring/summer. Its not easy getting this kind of job but it is worth it. I studied at univeristy for 5 years, obtaining an Bsc Hon in Environmental Biology, then an Msc in Ecology, (though many i work with have Phds). After that i had to do volunteering work before my CV would even be considered. After constant and persistant applying, i finally landed my dream role. In the UK pay really depends on the company, but consultancy is a good way to start at least, it is good for a person who wants to balance office work (GIS, reports etc), with freedom in the field. Pay is ok, about average for a profesional job, but the big bucks are in freelance work, they can make £300 a day, but it takes years to get to that level. I recommend joining local wildlife group as soon as possible and volunteering as often as you can, this means you build up great experience, great contacts and great knowledge...its also really fun. Its been mentioned before but there are times when i think....am i really getting paid to do this? Its hard work, but once you get there, you'll know it was worth it. I work as an ecologist (which is pretty much the same as a wildlife biologist) in a UK private consultancy. My work i would say at the moment is mostly office based in the winter (as much of my work atm is with protected mammals and bats which hibernate then) and 50/50 office and field based in spring/summer.
Its not easy getting this kind of job but it is worth it. I studied at univeristy for 5 years, obtaining an Bsc Hon in Environmental Biology, then an Msc in Ecology, (though many i work with have Phds). After that i had to do volunteering work before my CV would even be considered. After constant and persistant applying, i finally landed my dream role.
In the UK pay really depends on the company, but consultancy is a good way to start at least, it is good for a person who wants to balance office work (GIS, reports etc), with freedom in the field. Pay is ok, about average for a profesional job, but the big bucks are in freelance work, they can make £300 a day, but it takes years to get to that level.
I recommend joining local wildlife group as soon as possible and volunteering as often as you can, this means you build up great experience, great contacts and great knowledge…its also really fun.
Its been mentioned before but there are times when i think….am i really getting paid to do this? Its hard work, but once you get there, you’ll know it was worth it.

]]> By: Chavah http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/comment-page-1/#comment-7069 Chavah Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:41:12 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/#comment-7069 I've been wanting 2 b a wildlife bio 4 a while. It's nice 2 know that others feel the same way. Chavah I’ve been wanting 2 b a wildlife bio 4 a while.
It’s nice 2 know that others feel the same way.

Chavah

]]> By: paul http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/comment-page-1/#comment-6787 paul Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:13:07 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/#comment-6787 Am from Kenya and i have been in Ornithologist for the last 9 Years.Wildlife biology is quite exiting, when in the field tracking birds i always wonder 'is this my job?' and the answer is some people are not crazy enough to chase the feathered creatures hence.To me it is all about peace of mind that brings satisfaction. Am from Kenya and i have been in Ornithologist for the last 9 Years.Wildlife biology is quite exiting, when in the field tracking birds i always wonder ‘is this my job?’ and the answer is some people are not crazy enough to chase the feathered creatures hence.To me it is all about peace of mind that brings satisfaction.

]]> By: Lindsay http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/comment-page-1/#comment-6375 Lindsay Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:08:27 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/#comment-6375 I loved reading everyone's comments. I'm in high school right now and i adore animals. I want to have a career that studies them and maybe even interact with them. But my biggest problem is that i refuse to hurt an animal. I would hate to do tests or anything that might hurt them. If it's not right to do to a human being, I don't want to do it to them. So would I be able to be a wildlife biologist? I loved reading everyone’s comments.

I’m in high school right now and i adore animals. I want to have a career that studies them and maybe even interact with them. But my biggest problem is that i refuse to hurt an animal. I would hate to do tests or anything that might hurt them. If it’s not right to do to a human being, I don’t want to do it to them. So would I be able to be a wildlife biologist?

]]> By: Alex Shupinski http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/comment-page-1/#comment-6314 Alex Shupinski Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:44:52 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/#comment-6314 Thank you for the information. You live the life I'm hoping for, wildlife biologist, writing and photography. I'm looking at a few colleges but it's difficult to determine exactly what they offer just from their websites. How often do you travel in your job as a wildlife biologist? And do you travel to a variety of places? And is there a possibility to focus on one specific animal? Thank you for the information. You live the life I’m hoping for, wildlife biologist, writing and photography. I’m looking at a few colleges but it’s difficult to determine exactly what they offer just from their websites. How often do you travel in your job as a wildlife biologist? And do you travel to a variety of places? And is there a possibility to focus on one specific animal?

]]> By: kelsey http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/comment-page-1/#comment-6202 kelsey Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:33:15 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/#comment-6202 hey my name is Kelsey and i really loved your post; I also along with most of the people who have commented you want to be a wildlife biologist. I am from florida but i love traveling, And on some of the links you had most of them explain how you move alot, Which just gives me another reason to believe that a position in wildlife bology would fit me perfectly.The only down fall is i dont realy know how to perpare for doing so, I am only in highscool do you think anyone could possibly give me some advice on how to perpare, Or maybe some good colleges to look into. Thanks so much *********Kelsey hey my name is Kelsey and i really loved your post; I also along with most of the people who have commented you want to be a wildlife biologist. I am from florida but i love traveling, And on some of the links you had most of them explain how you move alot, Which just gives me another reason to believe that a position in wildlife bology would fit me perfectly.The only down fall is i dont realy know how to perpare for doing so, I am only in highscool do you think anyone could possibly give me some advice on how to perpare, Or maybe some good colleges to look into.
Thanks so much
*********Kelsey

]]> By: Michelle http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/comment-page-1/#comment-6126 Michelle Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:07:32 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/#comment-6126 thanks so much for this information! I am a junior in college and I am searching for graduate schools, and also trying to see where exactly I can work, and what it will be like! I've looked into the World Wildlife Fund and the IWC but thanks so much on the heads up about state vs federal! thanks so much for this information! I am a junior in college and I am searching for graduate schools, and also trying to see where exactly I can work, and what it will be like! I’ve looked into the World Wildlife Fund and the IWC but thanks so much on the heads up about state vs federal!

]]> By: Somchai http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/comment-page-1/#comment-5901 Somchai Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:56:33 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/#comment-5901 What a great post! I spend a lot of time in the National Forests of Colorado, looking at (and esepecially looking for) animals. It is the excelent stewardship of the biologists at the state Division of Wildlife that creates the abundance and diversity I see. And to think that all that wildlife is managed through the money raised by hunting licenses, no tax dollars! A big thank you to wildlife biologists every where. What a great post!

I spend a lot of time in the National Forests of Colorado, looking at (and esepecially looking for) animals. It is the excelent stewardship of the biologists at the state Division of Wildlife that creates the abundance and diversity I see.

And to think that all that wildlife is managed through the money raised by hunting licenses, no tax dollars!

A big thank you to wildlife biologists every where.

]]> By: Hadril http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/comment-page-1/#comment-5034 Hadril Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:15:34 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/#comment-5034 Prof. Am hadril.I am jst trying to find out how challenging is the wildlife biology course and how wide is it? And which college are you are at? Prof. Am hadril.I am jst trying to find out how challenging is the wildlife biology course and how wide is it? And which college are you are at?

]]> By: Hadril http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/comment-page-1/#comment-5033 Hadril Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:05:23 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/#comment-5033 You guys are doing a great thing helping people like me with little knwolegde about wildlife biology.you have lightend up my candle and continue doing so. From ZAMBIA You guys are doing a great thing helping people like me with little knwolegde about wildlife biology.you have lightend up my candle and continue doing so.
From ZAMBIA

]]> By: Saran http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/comment-page-1/#comment-5018 Saran Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:27:09 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/travel-and-adventure-jobs/how-to-become-a-wildlife-biologist/#comment-5018 Hi That was really a nice post!!! My self engineered in Information Technology field based in India & do not have any eductaion back ground related to Environment , But I have strong desire to work for the Nature & Wild life Conservation & Research programs... Can you kindly sugeest me or guide me how I can go forward in this field? , & It will be great help if you can provide information for Indian Sub Continent. Thanks in advance for the kind support & valueable information!!!! Hi That was really a nice post!!!

My self engineered in Information Technology field based in India & do not have any eductaion back ground related to Environment , But I have strong desire to work for the Nature & Wild life Conservation & Research programs…

Can you kindly sugeest me or guide me how I can go forward in this field? , & It will be great help if you can provide information for Indian Sub Continent.

Thanks in advance for the kind support & valueable information!!!!

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