

Many spend the majority of their time outdoors gathering field data and studying rare animals in their natural habitats. Others might teach at museums and universities. Some may work exclusively in offices and laboratories. They may carry equipment and large food containers, trek uphill in inclement weather, or diving deep into the ocean.įor a Zoologist, work environments can vary. Since it can be a physically challenging position, the zoologist job description requires that professionals are in a healthy physical condition. There are many advantages of being a zoologist, especially for those who love science, working with animals, and being outdoors. What does it take to be a zoologist? Dedication, patience, strong communication skills, computer experience, analytical thinking, leadership prowess, and excellent teamwork skills are vital.

Addressing the impact of humans on these species, too, zoologists will develop conservation plans to protect endangered species and may manage hunting programs. For animals in the wild, threats might be invasive pests, diseases, or toxins that appear in their environment. They observe and measure the physical characteristics of various species, monitor their diet, track migration patterns and reproduction rates, and address any threats they may be facing. Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animal behavior in various environments. However, many zoologists work outdoors and travel often, collecting specimens, gathering data, monitoring, and managing wildlife populations. They may work indoors, conducting laboratory experiments and developing reports to present their findings. This is particularly important as climate change continues to transform various habitats.

Their goal is to identify and monitor how different species interact within their ecosystem. By observing various species in their habitats, zoologists understand how animals behave in the wild. So, what does a zoologist do, anyway? A zoologist studies animals both in the wild and captivity. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistic, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists, May 2020 What Does a Zoologist Do?
