Employers
Approximately 21,000 zoologists and wildlife biologists are employed in the United States. Zoologists work for a wide variety of institutions, not just zoos. Many zoologists are teachers at universities and other facilities, where they may teach during the year while spending their summers doing research. A large number of zoologists are researchers; they may be working for nonprofit organizations (requiring grants to fund their work), scientific institutions, or the government. There are also many zoologists who are employed by zoos, aquariums, and museums. Jobs for zoologists exist all over the country, but large cities that have universities, zoos, and museums will provide far more opportunities for zoologists than in rural areas.
Starting Out
It is possible to find work with a bachelor's degree, but those starting out will need to continue their education to advance further in the field. Competition for higher paying, high-level jobs among those with doctoral degrees is fierce; as a result, it is often easier to break into the field with a master's degree than it is with a Ph.D. Many zoologists with their master's degree seek a mid-level job and work toward a Ph.D. on a part-time basis.
You will be ahead of the game if you have made contacts as an intern or as a member of a professional organization. It is an excellent idea to attend the meetings of professional organizations, which generally welcome students. At those meetings, introduce yourself to the scientists you admire and ask for their help and advice.
Don't be shy, but be sure to treat people with respect. Ultimately, it's the way you relate to other people that determines how your career will develop.
- Agricultural Scientists
- Air Quality Engineers
- Animal Behaviorists
- Animal Breeders and Technicians
- Anthropologists
- Aquaculturists
- Aquarists
- Arborists
- Archaeologists
- Archivists
- Artists
- Astrobiologists
- Biochemical Engineers
- Biochemists
- Bioenergy/Biofuels Workers
- Biofuels Processing Technicians
- Biofuels Production Managers
- Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
- Bioinformatics Specialists
- Biologists
- Biomass Plant Technicians
- Biomass Power Plant Managers
- Biomedical Engineers
- Biomedical Equipment Technicians
- Biophysicists
- Biosecurity Monitors
- Biotechnology Production Workers
- Biotechnology Research Assistants
- Book Conservators
- Botanists
- Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
- Chemists
- Chief Sustainability Officers
- Climate Scientists
- Conservators and Conservation Technicians
- Corporate Climate Strategists
- CRISPR Scientists
- Cytogenetic Technologists
- Cytotechnologists
- Drug Developers
- Ecologists
- Education Directors and Museum Teachers
- Energy Conservation Technicians
- Energy Consultants
- Environmental Economists
- Environmental Education Program Directors
- Environmental Engineers
- Environmental Lawyers
- Environmental Lobbyists
- Environmental Planners
- Environmental Restoration Planners
- Environmental Scientists
- Environmental Technicians
- EPA Special Agents
- Epidemiologists
- Epigenetics Researchers
- Ethnoscientists
- Exhibit Designers
- Fish and Game Wardens
- Forensic Meteorologists
- Foresters
- Forestry Technicians
- Gallery Owners and Directors
- Genetic Counselors
- Genetic Engineers
- Genetic Genealogists
- Genetic Scientists
- Geological Technicians
- Geologists
- Geophysicists
- Grant Coordinators and Writers
- Green Builders
- Green Hotel/Resort Ecomanagers
- Green Products Manufacturers
- Green Transportation Careers
- Groundwater Professionals
- Hazardous Waste Management Specialists
- Hazardous Waste Management Technicians
- Historic Preservationists
- Horticultural Inspectors
- Horticultural Technicians
- Hydropower and Marine Energy Industry Workers
- Indoor Environmental Health Specialists
- Industrial Ecologists
- Laboratory Technicians and Technologists
- Laboratory Testing Technicians
- Land Acquisition Professionals
- Land Trust or Preserve Managers
- Landscape Architects
- Marine Biologists
- Medical Scientists
- Methane/Landfill Gas Collection System Operators
- Methane/Landfill Gas Generation System Technicians
- Microbiologists
- Molecular and Cellular Biologists
- Museum Attendants
- Museum Directors and Curators
- Museum Technicians
- National Park Service Employees
- Naturalists
- Neuroscientists
- Nuclear Medicine Physicians
- Oceanographers
- Park Rangers
- Pathologists
- Physicians
- Preventive Medicine Physicians
- Range Managers
- Recycling and Reclamation Workers
- Recycling Coordinators
- Renewable Energy Careers
- Renewable Energy Engineers
- Rewilders
- Soil Conservationists and Technicians
- Soil Scientists
- Taxidermists
- Tour Guides
- Veterinarians
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Technicians
- Water/Wastewater Engineers
- Zoo and Aquarium Curators and Directors
- Zookeepers