If you’re looking for a career combining scientific study and nature, wildlife biology does just that. Working as a wildlife biologist provides you not only with a job that indulges your interests, but one that also pays anywhere up to £70,000 a year for the privilege. But to become a wildlife biologist, you’ll first need to meet certain requirements.
With the right qualifications and experience, you’ll spend your days studying the biology, behaviour and habitats of wild animal populations. You’ll see rare and exotic species, becoming familiar with animals innate and sometimes unusual characteristics. All the while building on your existing knowledge as you learn more about them and their interactions with other species.
You’ll complete analytical tasks and assess data along with a host of other varied duties. Uncovering information that will help inform anything from climate change initiatives to disease prevention and control methods.
If having the outdoors as your office appeals to you, you could thoroughly enjoy work in this area. It also provides you with ample opportunity to travel while you earn and explore stunning overseas habitats and locations.
If you’re tempted to become a wildlife biologist, find out more about the role you’ll be performing. As well as the skills and qualifications you need to get started.
Is being a Wildlife Biologist for me?
As a wildlife biologist, you perform studies that help to manage wildlife populations. You’ll know the levels of flora and fauna species in your area of concern. And collect information and data that enables you to understand what is making them fluctuate or deplete.
Should your data indicate certain species are at risk, you can be involved in providing recommendations surrounding the control of that environment. This helps to ensure ecosystems stay balanced which supports the continuation of all life that exists within them.
The work you do will contribute to human understanding of the natural world, which helps us better preserve it.
By studying the biological make-up of wildlife, you’ll become an expert in identifying the types and roles of different species. Your duties will revolve around collecting data, presenting findings, raising awareness and working with governmental and non-governmental agencies to conserve wildlife.
They typically include:
- Gathering biological data and specimens for analysis
- Conducting census projects and research studies
- Completing complex data analysis
- Developing plans for land and water use
- Studying wildlife disease transmission
- Evaluating the impact of commercial projects on resident wildlife
- Studying animal characteristics; genetics, habitat, and interactions with other species
- Managing wildlife populations and controlling invasive inhabitants
- Trapping, tagging and relocating animals for conservation purposes
- Interacting with other parties involved with animals like fish and game wardens and wildlife rehabilitators to coordinate local wildlife management
- Writing research papers and reports that explain your findings
- Presenting your findings and other relevant information to academics and the public
The Skills you’ll Need
In order to complete the wide-ranging duties of a wildlife biologist, you’ll need an equally broad range of skills.
Employers will be looking for:
- A thorough understanding of biology
- Extreme attention to detail
- Confidence in maths
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Analytical and critical thinking skills
- Initiative and problem-solving ability
- Someone who is comfortable with hands-on work
- Patience and willingness to observe until the necessary data is collected
- Computer literacy and confidence using the main software packages
How to Get Qualified
To become a wildlife biologist requires university level study. This is typically a degree and, in many cases, a postgraduate qualification in subjects like:
- Animal Conservation and Biology
- Biology
- Biological Science
- Conservation Biology and Ecology
- Ecology
- Marine Biology
- Wildlife Biology
Employers will likely also want you to have relevant experience. So, it’s worthwhile to study a degree that allows for a year in industry. Or complete some form of relevant voluntary work while studying.
To study a degree, you’ll first need to meet university entry requirements. These traditionally were a mixture of GCSEs and A Levels.
Previously you would need:
- 4-5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English, maths and science
- 2-3 A Levels, including biology
However, now there are more options of courses you can complete to meet entry requirements. Functional Skills courses allow you to gain alternatives to certain GCSEs. Whereas Access to Higher Education Diplomas provide highly targeted learning that can go in place of multiple A Levels.
Get Started Online
You can start gaining an education in wildlife biology in a number of ways. There are many courses available that enable you to explore the subject ahead of time. And those that will also count towards degree level study.
Thankfully, many of these courses are available to study online. So, you can build your knowledge in this area without compromising your existing schedule.
Online diplomas in Ecology, Marine Biology, Marine Zoology, Zoology and Environmental Management give you a feel for this line of work. Which can be useful to make sure it’s for you before committing to years of degree level learning.
When you’re ready to study a related degree, an Access to HE Diploma (Land Based Science) will enable you to apply. It covers the areas of chemistry, biology and physics in relation to ecology, animal biology and environmental management.
The topics you’ll cover include:
- Using Spreadsheet Software
- Algebraic Methods
- Cell Biology
- Periodic Table
- Calculus
- Aspects of Animal Biology
- Atomic Structure and Bonding
- Trigonometry
- Ecology, Ecosystems & Environmental Management
- Hydrocarbons
- Statistical Research
- Plant Biology
- Chemical Change
You’ll learn why balance in nature is so important. Understanding how disproportions can cause knock-on effects that impact environments, animal populations and even crop yields. This provides you with the grounding you need to study wildlife biology related degrees at the higher level.
What’s more, as an online course, you can complete it at a pace that suits you. This often sees students of Access to HE Diplomas completing the one year course within 9 months. And progressing to university faster than they would if they’d opted to study A Levels.
So, you can shave time off qualifying as a wildlife biologist with this flexible online course. And you’ll benefit from dedicated tutor support throughout your studies.
Stonebridge Associated Colleges is one of the leading UK distance learning providers. Offering many benefits to students who decide to pursue their education online.
Find out more about the benefits you’ll receive and what else is covered in this Access to HE Diploma below.
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