Zoologists are life scientists who study animals, observing them in the laboratory and
in their natural habitat. They study the origin and development of species as well as their habits, behaviors and interactions.
Zoologists, who also research the development of animal diseases, sometimes known as animal scientists or animal
biologists because zoology is the branch of biology that deals with the animal
kingdom. Zoology is a wide field offering many career opportunities for
research, especially because there still is a great deal to learn about it. A
career in zoology offers an opportunity to make a difference to the planet’s
ecology through conservation work. Most zoologists are employed by colleges and
universities, where they engage in research and teach students.
In general, all zoology specializations involve work with
animals, either in the wild or in a lab. Some zoologists study the entire
organism while other zoologists study only parts of an organism. Also, zoology
is not merely an observational pastime for natural history buffs; it involves
analytical research and experimental laboratory components, just as all other
biological sciences do. As with other disciplines, zoologists work outdoors in
the field and in laboratories using a wide variety of scientific equipment.
Some zoologists conduct field research in remote areas and harsh climates,
which can involve strenuous physical activity and primitive living conditions.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
County, state and federal agencies employ zoologists in a wide range of
positions, and sometimes the hiring agency might not be related directly to
zoology. The Department of Energy and the U.S. Geological Survey are two good
examples. Many of these jobs involve research, and some can include work in the
regulation and enforcement of environmental laws.
Zoologists also can find
careers in industry and private business. For example, some industries employ
field biologists to monitor and manage effluent production, land use around a
factory and environmental health.
JOB DUTIES
Examples of typical job duties for a zoologist are as follows:
- Monitoring wildlife health and creating recovery plans
- Communicating with the public by conducting field trips to point out scientific, historic and natural features of a park
- Setting up equipment to monitor and collect pollutants from sites, such as smoke stacks, manufacturing plants and mechanical equipment
- Conducting experimental studies indoors and outdoors
- Studying the origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics and distribution of organisms in basic research.
Daily tasks vary widely based on the specific career in zoology.
The following are a few key tasks for some of the available zoology roles:
- Zookeeper
A zookeeper’s role includes preparing animals’ meals; caring for
animals; cleaning enclosures; monitoring and recording behavior; ensuring the
animals are healthy; grooming, exercising and training animals; and talking to
visiting groups about the animals.
- Wildlife Educator
Among other duties, wildlife educators reside at the study
location and research and explore various intricacies of wildlife behavior;
research and write information for use in printed materials and on websites;
prepare information for educational visits; design and prepare displays; and
buy or raise animals for exhibition.
- Researcher
Researchers perform experiments; identify new data achieved
through research; use data to help solve environmental or health problems;
breed and raise specimens; dissect animals and preserve their bodies; use
computers, microscopes and other equipment to analyze and record findings;
prepare collections of preserved specimens or slides for identification and
study; research species in their natural surroundings; collect specimens to
study in the lab; collect or catalog species; write papers and give speeches;
and prepare grant proposals to obtain funding.
- Wildlife Rehabilitator
Wildlife rehabilitators care for ill, injured and orphaned wild
animals and birds; release animals back into their habitat; and acquire
relevant permits from state and federal wildlife agencies.
EDUCATION/TRAINING
Students planning careers as field biologists need strong
mathematical skills and should like working with computers. Perseverance,
curiosity and the ability to concentrate on details and work independently are
essential.
In addition to basic biological knowledge, interested students
should seek opportunities to demonstrate they can work well with a wide variety
of people. Good oral and written communication skills are critical, as many
scientists work as part of a team, write research papers or proposals and have
contact with clients or customers with non science backgrounds.
Experience through internships, undergraduate research or co-op
programs is valued highly by employers and graduate schools. Although there are
career opportunities for zoologists with only a bachelor’s degree, many
professional field biologists hold either a master’s degree or a Ph.D. For this
reason, individuals interested in careers in zoology should give careful
consideration to graduate study and should research the different jobs
available at the B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. levels as part of choosing a major of
study.
