Wildlife Biologist Jobs in the United States

Wildlife Biologist Jobs Overview

Have you always been fascinated by nature, animals, and conservation? What if you could study them for work? If that’s your dream, consider wildlife biologist jobs.

These professionals are the experts behind wildlife preservation. Without them, we wouldn’t know how human activities influence the habitats of our favorite animals and what needs to be done to reverse the damage.

Wildlife biologists can work for the State or Federal government, consulting companies, colleges, universities, or private research and development (R&D) companies in life sciences. A wildlife biologist’s role entails various responsibilities, including:

• studying animals, flora and ecosystems, and how humans impact them
• planning and putting in place research into wildlife behavior in different situations
• collecting data and specimens to be analyzed in laboratories
• keeping track of invasive wildlife and plant populations
• recommending actions to protect wildlife habitats
• giving presentations and publishing reports and papers about research findings

Wildlife biologist jobs are generally full-time careers. Depending on the specific role, you can work in offices, labs or on the field.

Salaries for Wildlife Biologist Jobs

The salary for a wildlife biologist ranges from $31,606 to $77,020 per year, with $52,010 as the average. Factors that can tip the scale in one direction or the other include further education, amount of experience on the job, type of employer and location.

For example, wildlife biologist jobs pay the most per year in the following industries:

• architectural, engineering, and related services: $108,890
• federal executive branch: $91,180
• management, scientific, and technical consulting services: $74,840
• local government, excluding schools and hospitals: $74,480
• scientific research and development services: $69,280

Similarly, in the states below wildlife biologists earn the most:

• Massachusetts: $92,880 per year
• California: $87,190 per year
• Maryland: $84,000 per year
• New Jersey: $81,960 per year
• Alaska: $81,320 per year

Curious about how much you could make in a wildlife biologist job in your city? Have a look at Monster’s Salary Tool. You’ll find out where the spots with the highest demand are and the suggested skills to focus on to build up your value, as well.

How to Find the Best Wildlife Biologist Jobs

Finding your dream job often has very little to do with luck. It’s more often all about the right strategy. Check out what to look for when considering job openings.

Identify Strengths and Interests

Define your strengths and interests within your field. Consider, for instance, if you’re more versed in field research, data analysis or conservation planning. Then, think about soft skills. Do you excel in communication, teamwork or something else? This will help you pick job listings that align more with your profile.

Read Between the Lines of Job Listings

When reading job listings for wildlife biologist jobs, make sure the job title and responsibilities are clearly spelled out. As far as requirements go, don’t be afraid to apply if you don’t meet 100% of them. Then, pay special attention to the wording used in the listing. It can give hints on the company’s work environment.

Screen Companies

Vet potential employers by researching their projects, publications, and conservation efforts. Analyze their mission, work culture, and reputation. Make sure to also read previous employee’s reviews about them.

How to Apply to Wildlife Biologist Jobs

Not sure how to showcase your experiences and skills in your resume and cover letter? Find out all the best practices here.

Update Your Resume for a Wildlife Biologist Jobs

When it’s time to apply to the wildlife biologist positions that have caught your eye, follow a few simple resume writing tips to ensure more positive feedback. First, choose a simple layout or download our research scientist resume sample - a position with a similar background - and fill it with your information.

Think about how many resumes companies and recruiters have to go through in a short period of time. Make it easier for them to find exactly what they need in your resume with a clear structure. Don’t forget to also add the same relevant keywords you find in the job offer and a powerful summary. Some of the most common for wildlife biologist jobs are:

• field research
• data analysis
• habitat assessment and restoration
• environmental impact assessments
• grant writing and fundraising
• collaboration and teamwork
• time management
• organization

Finally, make sure to always present your past roles through your achievements rather than simply listing responsibilities. To do so, let the metrics do the talking. Here are a few you could use to describe the impact of your past wildlife biologist roles:

• habitat quality and diversity
• endangered species recovery
• genetic diversity
• cost-efficiency of conservation projects
• compliance with environmental regulation
• invasive species control
• community engagement and support

Need more help? Check out Monster’s Resume Writing Services. One of our expert writers will craft you an effective and optimized resume for your target roles.

Cover Letter Tips for Wildlife Biologists

Complete your application with a well-written and on-point cover letter. If you are confused about what to write in it, simply follow this short step-by-step guide:

1. Introduction. Address the hiring manager by name, otherwise use “Dear Hiring Manager”. Then, express enthusiasm for the position and provide a brief overlook of your wildlife biologist’s experience.
2. Highlight relevant experience. Mention specific projects, fieldwork, and research you’ve conducted that is in line with the role you’re applying for.
3. Emphasize technical skills. Highlight proficiency in statistical software, field techniques and tools you’ve mastered.
4. Showcase your value. Provide examples of how your work has contributed to wildlife conservation with KPIs, just like in your resume but with more detail. Do the same with sought-after soft skills for wildlife biologists like communication or collaboration.
5. Express your passion for conservation and value alignment. Get familiar with the organization’s mission and values and mention how they resonate with you.
6. Reiterate your interest in the particular wildlife biologist role and express your hope to discuss your application further.

Now it’s time to upload your resume and cover letter on your free Monster account. can apply to future listings in a matter of seconds. Plus, if you turn on customized alerts, we’ll inform you as soon as job postings matching your interest are online.

How to Follow Up with an Employer

After sending a job application for any wildlife biologist role, if you don’t hear back, follow up. You’ll increase your chances of selection. Wait about a week before reaching out, though. This will leave recruiters enough time to consider every candidate.

Then, craft a short and polite follow-up email to express your continued interest in the role with the following structure:

• Start by mentioning which position you applied for and when.
• Give a brief overview of your experience and skills.
• Inquire about the timeline for the hiring process
• Express eagerness to attend an interview
• Thank the recruiter for their attention and invite them to review your attached resume.

Interviewing Tips for Wildlife Biologist Jobs

To secure a wildlife biologist position, you’ll have to answer to a variety of different interview questions. First, you’ll have ice-breaker questions like:

• Tell me about yourself.
• What led you to pursue a career in this field?
• Why did you decide to apply for this role?
• How did you learn about this position?

They’ll next ask next your experience with questions along the lines of:

• Can you describe your primary responsibilities and day-to-day tasks in your previous wildlife biologist role?
• What tools, techniques or software did you regularly use in your previous position?
• Can you talk about any cross-functional projects or collaborations you were involved in during your previous role?
• How did you prioritize tasks and manage your workload in your previous position?

The next level is understanding your motivations with questions such as "Why do you want this job?". Then, comes the time to explain what you would bring to the company with, for instance by answering “Why should we hire you?”.

Finally, as your job requires you to deal with animals and unexpected situations, you’ll likely have to deal with behavioral questions, like:

• Tell me about a time you faced unexpected challenges during a field research project.
• Have you ever encountered a conflict of interest or disagreement with a colleague or stakeholder over a conservation strategy?
• Have you ever had to make a quick decision in the field to ensure your safety or the one of your team?

Use the STAR method to craft compelling answers to these questions and make a lasting impression.

What to Do When You Get an Offer

After receiving a job offer as a wildlife biologist, take these steps to make an informed decision:

• Express gratitude for the company’s recruitment efforts. This is important. You should never burn bridges, even if you’re going to decline the offer.
• Agree on a timeline to answer. Ask the company for a few days to review the offer.
• Review carefully the terms of employment. Take your time to check if pay and benefits align with expectations.
• Assess the company’s fit and opportunities for growth. Factor in your career aspirations and personal circumstances as well.
• Seek clarification or negotiate, if necessary. Remember that if you’re unhappy about any part of the offer, you can always try to negotiate, as long as you’re polite and professional about it.

Wildlife Biologist Job Career Paths

Wildlife biologist jobs offer several options for career advancement. Depending on your skills and aspirations, you could for instance become a:

• Senior wildlife biologist: Once you gain experience, you could take on higher responsibilities such as leading teams, overseeing projects and designing research plans. You’d also collaborate with stakeholders, government agencies and other experts on conservation policies.
• Wildlife conservation manager: In this role, you’d focus on strategic planning and policy implementation. You’d liaise with government agencies, NGOs, and communities to develop and execute conservation initiatives. You might be in charge of securing funding and grants for the projects you lead.
• Research coordinator: Interested in managing complex studies and fieldwork? Become a research coordinator. You’d design experiments, analyze data and coordinate with scientists to ensure projects are executed accurately and efficiently. You’d also often play a crucial role in shaping the scientific direction of research teams.
• Professor or academic: Another interesting career option would be transitioning into academia as a professor or a researcher at universities or research institutes. You’d contribute to the broader scientific community through publications, mentoring students, and leading cutting-edge research projects.

Similar Occupations

Would you also like to look into similar roles to wildlife biologist? Check out all the life science jobs on Monster. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• zoology jobs
• conservation jobs
• entomologist jobs