Zoologists

Career summary

Zoologists are biologists who study the behavior, diseases, and development of animals. They usually are known for the animal group that they study.

Research

Some zoologists do basic research to discover new information about living things. They identify the new data and decide where to classify it within the current framework.

Other zoologists work in applied research. They use data from basic research to help solve problems in areas such as the environment or health. Depending on the type of animal they are researching, zoologists may breed and raise animals. They may also dissect animals and preserve their bodies.

Zoologists who work in research usually work in laboratories. They observe and work with the animals. Zoologists may run their own experiments or direct lab assistants. They use computers, microscopes, and other equipment to analyze and record their findings. Some zoologists collect specimens to study in the lab.

Administration

Some zoologists work in administration or management. They may work for a conservation agency and report on what is impacting an ecosystem.

They may plan and administer programs for museums. Zoologists may decide what species a museum needs and try to collect the species. Others may design museum displays or lead educational programs.

Zoos or aquariums

Some zoologists direct activities at zoos or aquariums. In larger zoos, they may care for one animal group, such as the reptiles. They may collect or rescue animals that are ill or in danger.

Other zoo keepers breed and raise animals. When working with a variety of animals, it is important for zoo keepers to know the dietary needs and type of habitat each animal requires. They must observe and record each animal's lifestyle and eating habits to keep them healthy.

Universities or colleges

Some zoologists hold faculty positions at universities or colleges. They teach or do research, and often do both. They also write papers and give speeches about their research. Many write grants to fund their research projects.

Related careers

This career is part of the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Animal Breeders
• Animal Scientists
• Biologists
• Conservation Scientists
• Marine Biologists
• Natural Sciences Managers
• Science Technicians
• University and College Teachers
• Veterinarians
• Veterinary Assistants

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to zoologists.

• Study animals in their natural habitat. Study animal characteristics, such as life histories and diseases.
• Take inventory of plant and wildlife populations.
• Meet with public and management to maintain wildlife populations and habitats.
• Analyze characteristics of animals to identify and classify them.
• Conduct research studies and analyze findings. Write reports and give presentations.
• Buy or rescue animals for exhibits.
• Manage the care of zoo animals. Develop museum, zoo, or aquarium exhibits.
• Create preventive programs to control the spread of wildlife diseases.
• Prepare collections of preserved specimens or slides for identification and study.
• Monitor animals' diets and breeding.
• Raise specimens for observation or to use in experiments.
• Collect and dissect animal specimens. Examine slides under a microscope.

Common work activities

Zoologists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Use computers
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Process information
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Analyze data or information
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Document and record information
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Develop goals and strategies
• Schedule work and activities
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Think creatively
• Perform for or work with the public
• Monitor and control resources
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Evaluate information against standards
• Develop and build teams
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Perform administrative tasks
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Guide, direct, and motivate others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, zoologists:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social contact. They work with the public and coworkers, but may work alone with animals.
• Are responsible for work outcomes.
• Communicate with coworkers daily by telephone, e-mail, or in person.
• Write letters and memos on a daily basis.
• Are often placed in conflict situations.
• Must sometimes deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of the animals they care for and the public.
• Work in a group or as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Work indoors in a laboratory. They also work outdoors in zoos or when observing animals in their habitat.
• Often work in vehicles when observing animals.
• Work somewhat close to other people, such as when sharing laboratory space.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work. Errors could cause their research results to be wrong.
• Must repeat the same physical activities.
• Make decisions on a weekly basis that strongly impact animals and the public. They rarely consult with a supervisor before making a decision.
• Rarely consult a supervisor before setting tasks for the day.
• Are moderately competitive.
• Must meet strict deadlines on a weekly basis.

Hours/travel

• Generally do not have a set schedule each week. Their schedules may depend on the weather and the time of year.
• Usually work 40 hours a week.
• May work overtime when observing animals in their habitat.
• May travel to animal habitat sites or to professional conferences.

Physical demands

Zoologists frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for zoologists to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for zoologists to be able to:

• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• See objects in very low light.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.

Skills and abilities

Zoologists need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.

Use math and science

• Use scientific methods to solve problems.
• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Teach others how to do something.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.
• Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.

Perceive and visualize

• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Conservation Biology
• Wildlife Biology
• Wildlife Sciences and Management
• Zoology and Animal Biology

Other programs of study to consider

• Animal Physiology
• Animal Sciences, General
• Biological Sciences, General
• Cell Biology
• Ecology
• Entomology
• Environmental Biology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Fisheries Sciences and Management
• Marine Biology
• Microbiology
• Molecular Biology

Training

To work as a zoologist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have at least a bachelor's degree in a biological science.

Education after high school

Most zoologists have at least a bachelor's degree. A degree in zoology is preferred, but any biological science will be good preparation. Other majors to consider are animal science, marine biology, conservation biology, wildlife management, and animal behavior.

A doctoral degree (PhD) is required to lead research projects or teach at a college or university. When working on a doctoral degree, you can focus on specific areas such as birds, mammals, reptiles, or fish.

Work experience

Volunteering at a zoo is an excellent way to gain skills for this occupation.

After completing a doctoral degree, some zoologists work as postdoctoral fellows (postdocs). These university positions last for several years. Postdocs get extensive field experience. This research can lead to a teaching or research job at a university.

On-the-job training

As a new zoologist you generally receive additional training on the job. The length of training varies by employer and your background. Training generally lasts up to six months.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Animal Science
• Computer Applications

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers of research zoologists require applicants to have a doctoral degree (PhD). Universities look for strong research and publications backgrounds. Employers at private agencies that do research may look for applicants who are successful at raising funds through grant writing.

Federal and state agencies may look for people who can do basic or applied research. They prefer applicants who have a PhD. However, they will hire applicants who have a master's degree. They sometimes hire applicants who have only a bachelor's degree as assistants. These employers look for people who can work independently as well as on a team. They also look for applicants who can communicate well. Zoologists must be able to record their research and describe the findings in reports. They also must be able to communicate with the public one-on-one or in a group.

Employers of zoo keeper supervisors require applicants to have a four-year degree. Employers look for someone with experience with animals. They may look for specific skills in one area, such as with reptiles, birds, or fish. They may look for experience in breeding, such as hand rearing. Some zoos may require staff to take physical exams. Aquariums may require staff to be scuba-certified.

Costs to workers

Some workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages for zoologists vary by their level of education. Those who have a doctoral degree (PhD) usually earn more than those who have a master's or bachelor's degree. Wages also vary by type of position, employer, and size of the city. Government employees may earn more than those at museums or zoos. Wages tend to be higher in big cities than in small towns.

Some zoologists earn more if they are successful at writing and receiving grants. Some zoo workers belong to unions. They tend to be paid more than non-union workers.

Zoologists who work full time usually receive benefits. Benefits may include health insurance, paid vacation, and sick leave.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Federal, state, and local government agencies
• Consulting firms
• Scientific research and development companies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is growing about as fast as the average. As the human population grows and development impacts wildlife and their natural habitats, zoologists will be needed to study human and wildlife interactions. However, because most funding comes from governmental agencies, demand will be limited by budgetary constraints.

Zoo positions also will remain competitive because of the number of people interested in this field. However, zoos are caring for and protecting a wider array of animals. They will need people who know how to care for these animals and educate the public about them.

Other resources

American Association of Zoo Keepers 
8476 East Speedway Boulevard, Suite 204
Tucson, AZ 85710
520.298.9688

American Institute of Biological Sciences 
1800 Alexander Bell Drive, Suite 400
Reston, VA 20191
703.674.2500

American Society of Mammalogists 

Association of Field Ornithologists 

Entomological Society of America 
3 Park Place, Suite 307
Annapolis, MD 21401
301.731.4535

National Academy of Sciences Interviews 

Science Careers 

So You Want to be a Zookeeper? 
(Information from the Saint Louis Zoo)

Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology 
950 Herndon Parkway, Suite 450
Herndon, VA 20170
800.955.1236
703.790.1745

The Wildlife Society 
425 Barlow Place, Suite 200
Bethesda, MD 20814
301.897.9770

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

Washington State Science & Engineering Fair 

Wildlife Conservation Society 
2300 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, NY 10460
718.220.5100

Wildlife Management Institute 
717.677.4480

References

Career cluster

• Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

Career path

• Investigative (Science)

O*Net  occupation

• Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists (19-1023.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed. Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

DOT occupation

• Zoologist (041.061-090) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Investigative/Realistic/Conventional

COPSystem

• Science Professional