5 Things I've Learned as a Wildlife Biologist! Tips For Those Wanting a Career in Wildlife Biology

Originally posted on my main channel Wonderlust ( / wonderlustwanderinwonder , this video gives advice and tips for those wanting to pursue a career in wildlife biology.

[@agafiabowden8670]

I know you posted this a year ago, but I just want to thank you so much for it. I am 17, about to graduate highschool and going into forest wildlife. I wanted to make sure that I would be getting to spend lots of time outdoors and not be working in an office all the time. You gave me assurance. Lots of love 🌿

[@autoth0t479]

How is it going?

[@holli2437]

I know someone already asked, but how are things? Looking for advice, currently a biology major that wants to become a wildlife interpreter or zoologist

[@JackHumphrey]

My 17 year old just watched and locked it in. He's going into one of his top 3 schools next fall biology wildlife, conservation biology focus. Thanks for this!

[@kthompso43]

After a 39 year career as a wildlife and fisheries biologist/manager, I can attest to much of your advice. It was a rewarding career and I'd do it all over again if I had the option. Here are some common themes I discovered: 1. A graduate degree is now required (I hired dozens of biologists and the competition is fierce) 2. Pay scales for entry to mid-career positions are relatively meager, about the same as a good mechanic in a garage. Although, most biological positions are government jobs that have good fringe benefits. 3. The biologist can spend their first 7 years in the field, but likely will spend the last 33 years mostly in an office setting. 4. The most successful biologists outside of academia learn from on-the-job training and experience, not from the knowledge they gained in school, and 5. Like most careers, those who attain the highest level of responsibility are people who are exceptional at networking and selecting good career mentors.

[@collinharrison2853]

Is there a reason why post year 7 a biologist would likely be in the office? Is it a choice?

[@fullmetaljoker666]

You know I got out of the Marine Corps a few years ago and have been seriously considering a career in wildlife biology. I've always loved nature, grew up in a small native fishing village in Alaska so it has always been something that has been very close to me not just in my passions but in my traditional native living being apart of nature and helping protect it is amazing. I got out right before covid hit and I had signed up with VETPAWs to go to Africa and help protect the wildlife from poachers, and train the park rangers in guerilla warfare so they can stand a chance with the poachers.

[@alexsingh1981]

Thank you for your service. Keep living the dream brother, you just motivated me too chase my goals.

[@levilevi9530]

Dude! I just got out of the Corps too and interested in wildlife biologists. Would love to connect and hear about how you got to Africa.

[@fullmetaljoker666]

@Levi Levi we were in Djibouti while I was on the 15th MEU, unfortunately due to covid I wasn't able to go to Africa. I had signed up with the program but due to lockdowns I wasn't able to travel.

[@wonderlust-wildlifebiology6901]

That’s a great skillset to have on the ground… I have a friend in the army whose insights I’ve considered invaluable for my ability to effectively operate in the field. Glad you’re finding that outlet. :)

[@elijahmartinez6792]

Thats crazy bro I'm in the marine corps right now and am wanting to go into wildlife biology

[@baronessax2114]

Forester here. I can definitely relate to his insights about field work. Going into the bush is very rewarding, especially those days that are sunny and you sit on a log, looking out at a very scenic natural view, take in a breath of fresh air, listening to the natural sounds and feel privileged that you get to see something like this, especially because you know likely little to no other person came out here (I went to some very isolated areas, hours away on dirt roads from civilization, and then even having to use an ATV for another 20 minutes, then another hour in the bush - so yeah, likely little to no others saw some of those places!). HOWEVER, its not all romantic either. Friends have commented that I have a great job - and while that is true, my time in the bush is NOT a walk in the park. Bugs eating me alive, getting hot, wet and dirty, having to carry heavy equipment, always thinking about how much water I have, how much time I have, walking up hill climbing over logs and getting bruises from hitting my legs so much, oh and DEVILS CLUB...sometimes walking into fields of them towering over your head and praying you make it out alive without too much thorns...so he hit it on the nail - rewarding but some days, you definitely can become grumpy.

[@K8_4life]

Thanks for sharing! I was just wondering if you have to spend lots of time in an office setting and such?

[@alexamado7358]

I’m 26 and hoping to transfer to University for wildlife biology soon I sometimes think I’m late but It took time for me to decide to change my major to what I’ve actually wanted to do and I come back to this video a lot

[@BlazedandCornfuzed]

I’m 29 and I’m going to school for it now! Never too late my friend. U are helping me feel better

[@WilhelmWilder]

I'm a HS Graduate, for the past week I've been debating with myself wether or not this is actually what I want to pursue as a career. You just made me realize once again why I love wildlife biology. Thank you.

[@wonderlust-wildlifebiology6901]

Very happy to hear that. :)

[@Kanojo22]

I love how passionate you sound. I found myself smiling while watching your video and actually feeling like this may be something I want to do. I don't know if I can handle the physical aspect of the job but I'm willing to try now.

[@OhRelaxAlex]

Man, I just watched the whole video eyes glued, ears open. I want you to know this has moved me to tears, THIS is what I want to be. It’s what I’ve always wanted to be, I just never knew the path, or had the courage until now. Thanks man. 🙏🏾

[@TheCuriousFinch]

Im 16 and I have been in love with nature since before I could walk. Thank you for this advice. This is my dream and someday i really, really hope I can do this. As a society I believe we need to get closer to nature and live alongside it once more. Again, thank you, this video has given me a bounce in my step down the path of the future.

[@jaydedollyy9730]

I've always loved animals and insects. I would collect weird bugs and amphibians and be so excited to show my mom. I'm currently in culinary but I'm switching to take conservation biology. Nature and animals give me peace.

[@kchatcat7276]

You just explained exactly why I want to be a Wildlife biologist!! 🤩

[@raymundoduran-sandoval3742]

May god bless this son for sharing educational facts with out out paying 🙌🙏

[@siriusblack2959]

I will go against my parents wish for this career. I want this life. I wanna explore all the forests in the world. I love animals , I love plants and I wanna do something for them , I wanna contribute in making this earth green again and prevent the plants and animals from becoming extinct. This is my dream. I'm currently an undergraduate with Zoology major and I'm thinking to do masters degree in wildlife ecology or environmental science

[@Kaiwolfinbarger]

I have been really trying to decide what career I want to pursue in the animal field and I have considered wildlife biology for the longest time, but I was really discouraged by it and I really relate for the part of being discouraged. After hearing it however, I think I have found a new confidence in pursuing it and I think I’m going to pursue wildlife biology, so I just want to thank you and your video really inspired me to actually go on this career path.

[@aundrezcauich-taylor878]

i'm 15 to this day and ill tell you i really want to do this as my dream, and i'm going to keep going until i become my own version of myself that goes to detail with the word "survival and wildlife" its a big honor to sub to you, good luck my friend :)

[@wonderlust-wildlifebiology6901]

Best of luck! :) Glad to have played a part in that path.

[@Wildlifeimpulse]

Thanks for the insides! Good luck with your channel

[@artemchikrin9504]

Thank you, very inspiring video!

[@pounce9895]

i just got my first field job lined up for this summer, starting right after i graduate with my ecology degree in May! Very excited to dive into it, a little intimidated, and seeing people and videos like this is always so encouraging and inspiring

[@shaadi2561]

This video made my eyes water 🥹 thank you♥️

[@miliba]

Great video man! Having graduated in geography, I found myself into the biology field during my internship. Now I'm doing a season job as fisheries technician. It has been my dream to experience the wildlife and nature

[@jorjafinlay394]

Thanks!

[@m1kocs]

Thank you 🙏

[@YoyoOlejnik]

Yup just signed up myself

[@omarshishani5899]

Thank you

[@guimbaolibot_francisrey7033]

I am currently a conservation biology student here in the Philippines... There are only few people don't understand the beauty studying biology.

[@wonderlust-wildlifebiology6901]

Glad to hear it. :) The world needs all the help it can get!

[@Thomas-ex6tp]

I was given an offer to study a masters of conservation biology. While it is what I wanted, I am hesitant to whether accept it or not. Mind telling me more about your studies as a conservation biology student?

[@halatinn5920]

Thanks for the awesome video! Would you recommend going into a BSc Biology or BSc Wildlife Conservation to pursue a job like yours? I'm not sure if Wildlife Conservation offers enough Biology knowledge to get a job like yours? Would really appreciate a response! :)

[@TurtleHogCountryMusic]

Hey! Would you be willing to answer some questions for me? I'm considering going to to get a another BS in Wildlife Biology and pursue a path but really need some guidance

[@antoinemantoux6049]

Hey! I have a school assignment to do and I need evidence of communication with wildlife biologists (as this is the job I want to do), I also have questions about the job. How can I get in contact with you?

[@kthompso43]

C B replied: "How is it that in point #1 a graduate degree is required/competition fierce, but then point #4 implies the best credentialing comes from the work itself? Wouldn't a person with a ..... " C B, in my experience, the graduate degree is required to "get your foot in the door". But, those who attain the highest level of responsibility in this career are people who are exceptional at networking and selecting good career mentors, not those with the most academic achievements. When I received a stack of 50 applications for an entry level job, sorting for academic achievement was the best indication of ability and willingness to learn. For the mid-career job openings, performance evaluations and references played a greater role in the selection process. As a side note, willingness to move when asked by upper Management was a huge factor in my wildlife and fisheries management career.

[@beckybaumgardner4532]

What did you major in and are you working in a research laboratory or an animals natural habitat? I was reading this article and it said you had to choose between the following: Marine animals, Insects, Reptiles and amphibians, Fish, Mollusks, Mammals, Birds, Anatomy or the study of animal parts, Embryology or the study of embryos, Ethology or the study of traits, Histology or the study of organisms and cells, Physiology or the study of living systems, and Zoography or the study of describing wildlife, which one did you choose?

[@wonderlust-wildlifebiology6901]

At the moment I’m a seasonal wildlife surveyor, searching for endangered species under an environmental consulting company! I have my masters, but enjoy being a field grunt in the woods too much to want to go inside just yet. :)

[@julia-ex7im]

@@wonderlust-wildlifebiology6901 what was your masters in?

[@whizz_0711]

Question: thoughts on getting a pet dog if you’re a wildlife biologist?

[@explorer8125]

Im 26 and I’m still not sure what I wanna be. Wild life biologist, geologist, anthropologist or archeologist, or conservationist… or even if I should sign up doing volunteer work before I pursue anything yet… idk I just know I wanna help people and animals and the world and be able to be apart of a group where I can travel to different places around the world and help. Have great experiences and have work inside and outside. And also options for when I want to settle down and have a family and not be gone in another country… if anyone has any tips or advice let me know! I’m kinda lost. I know what I want just don’t know the right way to get there… I also don’t have much money or a family to rely on so going to college would be a bit harder for me unless I get grants and scholarships

[@CRONKTEZ]

I’m in the same position at 28, exiting my career in the military and i’m at a crossroads of where I want to go. I’m going to start with fish and wildlife tech and go to school at the same time. Definitely leaning wildlife biologist

[@angelinehernandez4838]

Wow same here 26 after the military and definitely feeling a bit lost. I hear ya!

[@gene1735]

is there an age limit to start a carreer in wildlife biology?

[@am4120]

Do you work in crews sometimes on your journeys? Do you stay overnight in nature sometimes?

[@claudiaa9357]

I'm in my second year at college (undergraduate) and my dream is to work with wildlife. I'm majoring in animal science and minoring in natural resources management because my college doesn't offer anything with wildlife. Is that okay? Can I still get a good job in wildlife or become a wildlife biologist?

[@etienneetienne4752]

Im a veterinarian I have a masters could I become a wild life biologist? O would I have to go back to school?

[@sLife_-]

I m a veterinary student (2nd year of UG) & want to get in wildlife & marine life conservation. But don't know how to start...any guides plz?

[@wonderlust-wildlifebiology6901]

Honestly I think that just emailing people who work in the field you care about and asking them about their work is a great start. Don’t necessarily lead with employment questions, but having genuine interest in the work a person is doing is a decent way to get noticed.

[@sapphire6025]

If you do this job are you allowed to bring your dog with you to the hikes?

[@wonderlust-wildlifebiology6901]

Depends on the project and how woods friendly your dog is! But certainly there are projects it wouldn’t be a problem at all. :)

[@_rudradev_telecast7046]

Can you suggest some names of colleges that provide BACHELOR'S DEGREE in WILDLIFE BIOLOGY

[@wonderlust-wildlifebiology6901]

I can always recommend the colleges in my home state… Montana State University in Bozeman and the University of Montana in Missoula. :)

[@BenignBryophyta]

I know this is a very late reply, but in North Carolina I am loving the wildlife biology program at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk. They have an amazing wildlife bio program, along with a rehab minor if interested. There is even a wildlife rehab center right on campus!

[@ericdublinski3206]

Is this something I can get into as I reach my 30's?

[@wonderlust-wildlifebiology6901]

Very much. :) Some luck and connections required, but certainly possible.

[@diamondgale-bush6942]

so there isn't a stable job you will have ? you have to keep apply to new job??

[@xander6670]

Stable jobs are rare in this field but they do exist. Seasonal jobs are much more common and attainable

[@julia-ex7im]

@@xander6670 even after obtaining masters?? pretty sure you can land a full time job once you get a graduate degre