Zoologists work in a variety of natural settings or lab facilities studying the interaction between different animal species and between animals and people. Zoos, academic institutions, field study projects and wildlife preserves are some of the work environments common to zoologists. Success in this field relies on a passion for studying animal behavior as well as several core abilities and skills.

Observation and Critical Thinking

Zoology work commonly involves extended periods of time observing animals. In field study projects, zoologists often set up tents or mobile work stations in the middle of natural habitats to study animals. They watch the way they interact, feed and move about. In labs, zoologists examine animals to study genes and health conditions. During observation, they must take thorough notes and critically assess the motives behind what they see.

Written Communication Skills

Zoologists must have verbal communication skills to interact with colleagues, to make presentations to earn funding and to lecture in academic settings. However, written communication skills are often more critical to the work. Zoologists take thorough notes during studies. Those funded by government grants or programs often have to generate reports that outline the processes used, results and recommendations. They also prepare reports for wildlife preserves and conversation programs. Additionally, zoologists who teach publish articles and prepare lectures for students.

Analytical Skills

Employers of zoologists rely on their expert analysis to make sense of what they observe through field or lab-based studies. Government agencies want feedback on animal populations for use in developing state parks and conservation programs and managing endangered species lists. Private organizations rely on zoologists to assess the best ways to prepare habitats for animals in zoos and other captive environments. In academia, zoology research is useful in moving the field forward so that students can learn new research techniques and the latest findings.

Organizational Skills

Zoologists must be highly organized in preparation of study expeditions or in maintaining files. Natural studies often involve the use of multiple pieces of equipment, notepads and writing utensils, and outdoor gear. Additionally, zoologists must take food, drinks, bug spray other survival items. Maintaining accurate records of research in organized files is necessary to preparing reports and written work. Government-funded projects especially require a high degree of organization as government agencies usually expect significant documentation of expenditures, activities and results.

2016 Salary Information for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Zoologists and wildlife biologists earned a median annual salary of $60,520 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the low end, zoologists and wildlife biologists earned a 25th percentile salary of $48,360, meaning 75 percent earned more than this amount. The 75th percentile salary is $76,320, meaning 25 percent earn more. In 2016, 19,400 people were employed in the U.S. as zoologists and wildlife biologists.

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Animal Science Degree Jobs

Sharon Penn

Updated September 28, 2017

Graduates with a degree in animal science will find that there are many career paths open to them. Some animal scientists work for governmental agencies, and some work for zoos or at research facilities. Often animal scientists conduct investigations in the animal’s natural habitat.

Zoologist

Zoologists study animals in their natural habitat and in laboratories. They research the origin and development of animal species, and study their behavior and interaction. Some zoologists conduct research on animal diseases. Zoologists may be required to endure rigorous physical activity and primitive living conditions while conducting field research in remote areas in harsh climates. Zoologists may be called on to regulate and enforce environmental laws. Zoologists may work as a zookeeper with responsibilities of keeping animal’s health, exercising and training them and monitoring behavior.

Wildlife Biologist

A wildlife biologist is a scientist who studies wild animals and their habitats. These scientists take a multidisciplinary approach, and must have a broad educational background in animal science. Coursework in the areas of zoology, chemistry, math and botany as well as wildlife biology coursework is required. Wildlife biologists perform technical investigations and research in the field and in laboratories.

Wildlife Educator

Wildlife educators may reside at a research study location and explore wildlife behavior. They may then write up the information they gather to use in brochures and other print materials and to post on websites. Educators can also use their material to inform the public during educational visits. Other duties of a wildlife educator are to design and prepare displays and purchase and raise animals for exhibits.

Wildlife Rehabilitator

Wildlife rehabilitators provide care for sick, injured and orphaned wild animals and birds. Once the animals are rehabilitated, they are often released back into their natural habitat. Duties of a wildlife rehabilitator include obtaining relevant permits for federal and state wildlife agencies.

Animal Researcher

Animal researchers use the data they obtain from experiments to solve health problems and environmental problems. They perform experiments and record and analyze findings. Researchers must be able to use computers, microscopes and other equipment. They may be called on to give speeches regarding their findings and prepare grand proposals to obtain funds for further research.

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How Much Money Do Paleontologists Make?

Denise Dayton

Updated November 28, 2018

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Many people think that paleontologists only study dinosaur bones, but there's much more to the field than that. Using fossil evidence, paleontologists explore evolution, ecologies and living things of the past to understand the present and prepare for the future. The average salary is $59,859 a year but can vary widely depending on several different factors.

Job Description

Paleontology is a diverse field, with a number of sub-disciplines including:

• Human paleontology: the study of prehistoric human and proto-human fossils.
• Ichnology: the study of fossil tracks, trails and footprints.
• Invertebrate paleontology: the study of invertebrate animal fossils such as mollusks and other animals without a skeleton.
• Micropalentology: the study of microscopic fossils.
• Paleobotany: the study of fossil plants, including land plants, algae and fungi.
• Paleoecology: the study of ecology and climate of the past.
• Palynology: the study of living and fossil pollens and spores.
• Taphonomy: the study of the processes of decay and the formation of fossils.
• Vertebrate paleontology: the study of the fossils of vertebrates, from primitive fishes to mammals.

Paleontologists plan, direct and conduct projects in the field. They dig up fossils and collect core samples from the soil and bodies of water and prepare them for transport to the institution where they will be studied. They gather and analyze data. They write reports and papers and may present their findings to colleagues at professional meetings and teaching institutions. Some paleontologists write grants in order to get funding for their projects.

Education Requirements

For most jobs in paleontology, you'll need a Ph.D., which typically requires four to seven years of advanced study beyond the bachelor's degree. As an undergraduate, you'll need to gain a strong foundation in chemistry, physics, calculus, statistics and computer science in addition to biology and geology. Field and lab experience are important in preparing for coursework at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Volunteer opportunities exist at museums and with local mineral and fossil clubs, which are often university sponsored.

Work Environments

Most paleontologists are faculty members in the geology departments of colleges and universities. Some are employed by museums. A small number are employed by government agencies and by oil companies. Some work is conducted outdoors, in any kind of weather, and can be physically strenuous. Paleontologists generally spend the majority of their time in office settings, analyzing their findings, writing or teaching. Some work in research laboratories.

Salary and Job Outlook

According to the jobs website PayScale, a paleontologist salary can range from $44,385 to $152,051 per year. Employer and geographic location affect pay, as do experience, skills and position held.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks data and makes projections for most civilian occupations. Paleontologists can be classified in two ways, depending on their sub-discipline. Geoscientists, dedicated to energy, environmental protection, and responsible land and resource management have an expected job growth rate of 14 percent through 2026. That's faster than average compared to other occupations. Archeologists and anthropologists, by contrast, have a projected job growth rate of just 4 percent, which is slower than average.

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Facts About Climatologists

Lisa Atkinson

Updated August 26, 2019

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A climatologist is a professional career within the field of space and atmospheric sciences. Climatologists study climates, or weather conditions in a given area, by examining data gathered from satellites. Changes within the atmosphere are observed by climatologists to make weather predictions. Reports are prepared in order to give forecasts of upcoming weather conditions that may pose a threat to the public within a geographical region. Atmospheric phenomena are the primary focus of a climatologist.

Work Duties

Climatologists collect and analyze data regarding climate conditions and use computer models to create short-range and long-range forecasts. They interpret data from weather bureaus and prepare presentations for businesses and government agencies. Climatologists are also involved in research to determine human beings' effect on the Earth's climate and make predictions about how it will change in the future. They use computer graphic programs to create maps, charts and simulations of atmospheric conditions. Some climatologists also teach at universities.

Skills and Abilities

Climatologists must be very skilled in critical thinking and reading comprehension in order to interpret data regarding atmospheric conditions. An extensive knowledge of science, math, geography and physics is essential for this career. The ability to communicate effectively is important to be able to present scientific findings to government agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The ability to use deductive and inductive reasoning is also important in analyzing weather patterns and making accurate forecasts. Climatologists need to be able to easily read charts and graphs and apply the information to their surroundings.

Educational Requirements

You can prepare for a career in climatology by taking science and math courses in high school. NASA recommends that a climatologist take college coursework in physics, geography, computers and statistics to prepare for this career. A bachelor’s degree in atmospheric science or meteorology from an accredited university is required to become a climatologist. In order to conduct professional research, a doctorate is preferable but a master's degree is required.

Salary

The median annual salary for a climatologist is approximately $88,010 at the time of publication. The median hourly wage is approximately $42.31.

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Tools Used by Zoologists

Marci Sothern

Updated November 21, 2018

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Zoologists study animals. They examine such subjects as the animal’s behavior, origins, life processes or diseases. Zoologists are usually identified by the group of animals they specialize in. For example, ichthyologists study fish, and mammalogists study mammals. These biologists may dissect dead animals in laboratories, observe wild animals in their natural habitat or study captive animals in zoos and aquariums. Zoologists use a wide variety of tools to collect and analyze data such as population growth, migration patterns or behavior.

Binoculars or Magnifying Glass

Zoologists study animals in their natural habitats. They observe the animals from a distance and rarely interact with them. Zoologists use binoculars to watch larger animals, such as lions or gorillas. Binoculars allow researchers to keep a safe distance from dangerous animals and ensure that their human presence does not disrupt the animal’s natural environment. Entomologists are zoologists who study insects. They often need magnifying glasses to see small creatures such as ants.

Recording Equipment

Electronic equipment is used to help document field observations. Video recorders allow zoologists to make visual tapes of animal behavior on both land and water. They use audio recorders to document sounds within animal societies. For example, marine biologists use such equipment to capture whales' mating calls. This visual and audio documentation helps support a zoologist’s written notes.