Wildlife Conservationist
The OZT Project is a world first, developing a platform that will use mapping software (AI) to allow children to map out a workable career preparation path. As they choose a career, the software will sort and present data (on how to prepare, animals and experience) and allow for study material to be formulated on different path levels. Accurate and sufficient information is thus vital! For this reason, this beta website allows experts and all lovers of animals to add information to the different Pages, to allow for YOU to contribute to what the next generation will learn.
There are different ways to contribute, from sponsorship to depositing contact details. But if you want to assist in contributing to content on this specific Page, please add your contribution and/or comments in the boxes provided at the bottom of this Page. All contributors are rewarded! * If you want to apply to be the Page Ambassador, please follow the Ambassador link in the main Menu. * Please support our efforts to educate our children by sharing this Page on Social Media! |
AMBASSADOR
Dr Mohamed Nader
Wildlife Conservation, Consultant on CITES, Wildlife Trade Regulations, Environmental Assessment & Policy Development Badges & Rewards
 |
A Career as a Wildlife Conservationist
|
What is the definition of a Wildlife Conservationist?
A wildlife conservationist is an individual that works to preserve animals and plants, as well as the environment they live in to ensure that wild species do not go extinct. Other Names: Depending on the country you are in, wildlife Conservationist are also called
|
Education Level Required
|
Possible Preparation Path:
High School + experience while still in school + Bachelor's Degree + Short Courses
High School + experience while still in school + Bachelor's Degree + Short Courses
Career Topics
What do they do?
Category:
Wildlife Conservation
Focus:
Wildlife conservation is a broad field that unites scientists, engineers, law enforcement agents and many other professionals in the shared mission of protecting and preserving wildlife and natural habitats. Wildlife conservationists focus on nature and the fact that it must be around for future generations to enjoy, as well as to maintain wildlife diversity and recognize the importance of wildlife and wilderness for humans and other species alike.
Daily Tasks:
Where they work:
Wildlife conservationists are commonly employed by local, state and federal government departments, as well as international wildlife organizations. Up to 75% of wildlife conservationists work for government. Wildlife conservationists typically work in a range of settings, including the field, offices and laboratories.
Average Salary:
The average annual salary can be around US$60,000. The salary will differ from country to country, and whether you work for government or a specific Non Governmental Organization (NGO).
Difficulties:
Most wildlife conservationists work long hours in difficult conditions and need to travel extensively. It is a highly competitive industry, which requires good networking and taking advantage of all opportunities.
Future growth and Possibilities:
The future growth of wildlife conservationist jobs is relatively good at around 7% per year. The industry is extremely competitive and requires a strong desire to succeed. Wildlife conservationists can branch into other career paths, or sub-specialties, which could include the following:
Professional Associations:
Wildlife Conservation
Focus:
Wildlife conservation is a broad field that unites scientists, engineers, law enforcement agents and many other professionals in the shared mission of protecting and preserving wildlife and natural habitats. Wildlife conservationists focus on nature and the fact that it must be around for future generations to enjoy, as well as to maintain wildlife diversity and recognize the importance of wildlife and wilderness for humans and other species alike.
Daily Tasks:
- Estimate how projects will affect the environment and how to protect what resources still remain
- Studying water, plants and soil
- Prevent environmental degradation caused by commercial or industrial activities
- Making sure habitats are free from diseases and harmful insects or bacteria
- Travel to new locations
- Educate the public about the importance of caring for wildlife
Where they work:
Wildlife conservationists are commonly employed by local, state and federal government departments, as well as international wildlife organizations. Up to 75% of wildlife conservationists work for government. Wildlife conservationists typically work in a range of settings, including the field, offices and laboratories.
Average Salary:
The average annual salary can be around US$60,000. The salary will differ from country to country, and whether you work for government or a specific Non Governmental Organization (NGO).
Difficulties:
Most wildlife conservationists work long hours in difficult conditions and need to travel extensively. It is a highly competitive industry, which requires good networking and taking advantage of all opportunities.
Future growth and Possibilities:
The future growth of wildlife conservationist jobs is relatively good at around 7% per year. The industry is extremely competitive and requires a strong desire to succeed. Wildlife conservationists can branch into other career paths, or sub-specialties, which could include the following:
- Wildlife Policy Analyst
- Environmental science and protection technician
- Parks and conservation technician
- Conservation scientist
- Wildlife Biologist
- Wildlife Educator
Professional Associations:
- N
What will I need to Study?
Minimum Requirements:
The minimum requirements to enter this field is a Bachelor’s degree. Most Wildlife Conservationists study further towards a Masters Degree.
Focus:
To gain an entry-level job in this field you will typically need to complete a Bachelor's degree in environmental sciences, wildlife biology, agricultural science or a related field. You may major in those topics, or you could choose concentrations in biology, forestry or zoology, to name a few. Some programs feature fieldwork as a degree requirement, in which case you’ll conduct scientific field research for course credit.
Short courses may also help to expand on your knowledge. Courses in business administration, communication and pubic policy are advisable for prospective wildlife conservationists.
Duration:
The duration of a Bachelor's Degree ranges from 3 to 4 years. Short Courses can be between a few hours (online) to a few months.
Possible Career Preparation Paths:
If this is your dream career that you want to pursue, then it's important to plan the way forward. Why is planning important? To ensure that you understand the requirements for your career, and that you are always prepared for the next step on the road towards your dream. A Preparation Path is like your road map to where you want to be.
Possible Path:
High School + experience while still in school + Bachelor's Degree + Short Courses
High School + experience while still in school + Bachelor's Degree + Short Courses + Extensive field experience
The minimum requirements to enter this field is a Bachelor’s degree. Most Wildlife Conservationists study further towards a Masters Degree.
Focus:
To gain an entry-level job in this field you will typically need to complete a Bachelor's degree in environmental sciences, wildlife biology, agricultural science or a related field. You may major in those topics, or you could choose concentrations in biology, forestry or zoology, to name a few. Some programs feature fieldwork as a degree requirement, in which case you’ll conduct scientific field research for course credit.
Short courses may also help to expand on your knowledge. Courses in business administration, communication and pubic policy are advisable for prospective wildlife conservationists.
Duration:
The duration of a Bachelor's Degree ranges from 3 to 4 years. Short Courses can be between a few hours (online) to a few months.
Possible Career Preparation Paths:
If this is your dream career that you want to pursue, then it's important to plan the way forward. Why is planning important? To ensure that you understand the requirements for your career, and that you are always prepared for the next step on the road towards your dream. A Preparation Path is like your road map to where you want to be.
Possible Path:
High School + experience while still in school + Bachelor's Degree + Short Courses
High School + experience while still in school + Bachelor's Degree + Short Courses + Extensive field experience
What Skills will I need for this Career?
The skills required for a career as a Wildlife Conservationist can be divided into two very important groups. The first is the group containing life skills, which are the core skills that are necessary or desirable for full participation in everyday life. The second group is career skills, or the specific skills required to allow a person to enter and operate effectively within a specific career. Some or maybe even all of the life skills can assist in strengthening the career skills, and they might even be the same for specific careers.
Life Skills:
Career Skills:
Life Skills:
- Self-awareness
- Empathy
- Critical thinking
- Creative thinking
- Decision making
- Problem Solving
- Effective communication
- Interpersonal relationship
Career Skills:
- Decision making skills when determining what steps should be taken to conserve resources
- Interpersonal relationships and communication skills to work with other scientists
- Physical strength and endurance
- An understanding of health and safety when working with tools or undertaking practical works
- A willingness to learn, develop and undertake further training
What subjects must I have at School?
These subjects are recommended:
Biology
|
Science
|
Geography
|
These subjects are the ones recognized around the world, but may not all be available in specific countries or schools. The subjects you choose at school are important as they lay the foundation for further studies at college or university. While still at school, it's also important to learn more about the animals you will work with, as well as gain some experience.
Where can I study to get qualified?
Further studies, after school, to enable you to reach your dream career, can be done through different institutions. Universities and Colleges normally offer diplomas and Degrees, while online training institutions focus a lot more on short courses. Even if your dream career doesn't require further studies, it is always a good idea to gain more knowledge through short courses to ensure future promotions, or to make it easier for you to move to another career. One Zoo Tree has a list of different institutions where you can further your studies.
How does this list work?
The list allows you to find institutions within your country or on the internet. Click on your continent and country name to access the website addresses for each University/College and online training institution (if available). The lists also include international online training institutions.
How does this list work?
The list allows you to find institutions within your country or on the internet. Click on your continent and country name to access the website addresses for each University/College and online training institution (if available). The lists also include international online training institutions.
AFRICA
Botswana
Kenya
Namibia
Nigeria
Rwanda
South Africa
|
C
|
C
|
Tanzania
Uganda
AMERICAS
Argentina
Brazil
Canada
Thomson Rivers University
Bachelor of Natural Resource Science (4 years)
Website
University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Natural Resources Conservation (4 years)
Website
Vancouver Islands University
Bachelor of Natural Resource Protection (4 years)
Website
Thomson Rivers University
Bachelor of Natural Resource Science (4 years)
Website
University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Natural Resources Conservation (4 years)
Website
Vancouver Islands University
Bachelor of Natural Resource Protection (4 years)
Website
Mexico
United States of America
N
N
ASIA
India
Pakistan
Philippines
Singapore
Sri Lanka
EUROPE
France
Germany
The Netherlands
K
K
Spain
United Kingdom
W
W
AUSTRALIA & nEW zEALAND
Australia
New Zealand
ONLINE
H
Information on Universities and Tertiary Institutions (including online training facility) are updated on a regular basis as the information is received by One Zoo Tree. Institutions are not endorsed by placing their details on this website. To include your institution's information, please register on our OZT Platform.
similar careers
If this is not your dream career, remember to keep on reading through the different careers to find the perfect match for you. You may also be interested in these Careers that are also in the Wildlife Conservation category:
|
|
animals to work with
As a Wildlife Conservationist you will be able to study, and possibly work with various kinds of wild animals.
It is always good to learn more about the animal(s) you will be working with and to start researching and reading about them. Here at One Zoo Tree we have created a huge database on over 1,000 different animals for you to read about and start your own research database!
Read more about each group of animals or species by clicking on the ANIMALS link in the menu at the top of this page.
It is always good to learn more about the animal(s) you will be working with and to start researching and reading about them. Here at One Zoo Tree we have created a huge database on over 1,000 different animals for you to read about and start your own research database!
Read more about each group of animals or species by clicking on the ANIMALS link in the menu at the top of this page.
how to prepare while still in school
This Section is what One Zoo Tree is all about. If you are interested in following Wildlife Conservationist as a career, preparation should already start while you are in school. This starts with the choice of subjects as you progress through the different Grades towards your High School Diploma (as discussed in a previous section). But preparation also includes knowing more about the kinds of animals you can work with, steps you can take to gain knowledge, as well as to find and interact with all the different organizations that work within this career to help you gain experience.
How do I prepare while still in School?
If you want to work as a Wildlife Conservationist, it's never too early to start learning and preparing for your future career! Here are a few steps you can take:
STUDY (While still in school)
The first step begins with you! Working with animals requires knowledge and good marks. Study hard in ALL your subjects. Learning about the career you want to follow and the different species you will work with is also important. Learning and understanding the different definitions used when describing a group or specific species, while still in school, gives you a great advantage when studying further at University or College.
STUDY (While still in school)
The first step begins with you! Working with animals requires knowledge and good marks. Study hard in ALL your subjects. Learning about the career you want to follow and the different species you will work with is also important. Learning and understanding the different definitions used when describing a group or specific species, while still in school, gives you a great advantage when studying further at University or College.
|
READ
Read as much as possible about the career and the species you want to follow and work with. There are thousands of books, magazines and websites you can use as reference. Remember that some of the websites will offer a subscription to their Newsletter, which keeps members regularly informed. |
Best Website Links: |
WATCH
Watch as many of the nature shows on TV as possible. They always have new and informative topics that will teach you about the career and animals you love. There are also good Youtube videos available.
JOIN
Find clubs and societies that will allow junior members. The best clubs are hosted by local aquariums and research institutes. But don't limit your search to your area or country, as there are excellent opportunities worldwide. Local clubs might also have regular outings to join or free information sessions by experts.
WRITE
Research forms a very important part of working with animals. To get used to researching specific species and their behaviors, keep a good research journal. Write down the amazing facts that you come across and build your own database. Research journals will always be useful during field work.
FIELD WORK:
The best and most important part about learning about the species you want to work with, is to go outdoors and interact with them. Always take notes in your journal and lots of photos!
EXPERIENCE
Experience is extremely important, and compulsory in most animal related careers. Read more about our Experience Programme below.
Watch as many of the nature shows on TV as possible. They always have new and informative topics that will teach you about the career and animals you love. There are also good Youtube videos available.
JOIN
Find clubs and societies that will allow junior members. The best clubs are hosted by local aquariums and research institutes. But don't limit your search to your area or country, as there are excellent opportunities worldwide. Local clubs might also have regular outings to join or free information sessions by experts.
WRITE
Research forms a very important part of working with animals. To get used to researching specific species and their behaviors, keep a good research journal. Write down the amazing facts that you come across and build your own database. Research journals will always be useful during field work.
FIELD WORK:
The best and most important part about learning about the species you want to work with, is to go outdoors and interact with them. Always take notes in your journal and lots of photos!
EXPERIENCE
Experience is extremely important, and compulsory in most animal related careers. Read more about our Experience Programme below.
|
Next Path Level links*
- Follow the links to progress to the next Path Levels and build on your knowledge. |
* Note to Contributors:
Path Levels allow children who are interested in this career to learn more than the usual basic info. It gives greater insight into the career so that children can make informed career choices, as well as in assisting with critical soft skills required as the children progress through University into their careers. If a topic has not been created/linked yet, you are still more than welcome to contribute info through the feedback mechanisms at the bottom of this page.
Path Levels allow children who are interested in this career to learn more than the usual basic info. It gives greater insight into the career so that children can make informed career choices, as well as in assisting with critical soft skills required as the children progress through University into their careers. If a topic has not been created/linked yet, you are still more than welcome to contribute info through the feedback mechanisms at the bottom of this page.
How do I gain valuable Experience?
|
If you are thinking about working with animals one day, and specifically as a Wildlife Conservationist, you urgently need to gain some experience! Most Universities, Colleges and animal organizations are looking at some form of experience to allow acceptance and a good job.
You can gain experience by:
Important Organizations working with wildlife: |
Where do you find all of these organizations?
Right here through our Experience Programme where we have the details of thousands of different animal organizations. Join the Experience Programme for free! |
our proud sponsor
Contribute to the Information about this Career
Why contribute to the information on this career?
We need to present the children with the facts that will allow them to make proper career decisions, and not just fill a page to get visitors. There are thousands of website dealing with Wildlife Conservationist as a career, and many conflict in information. As experts already in this career we have an obligation to guide children on the right path. Please feel free to contribute any information that you feel might be important to assist in creating a factual, beneficial career preparation path.
You may contribute through:
We need to present the children with the facts that will allow them to make proper career decisions, and not just fill a page to get visitors. There are thousands of website dealing with Wildlife Conservationist as a career, and many conflict in information. As experts already in this career we have an obligation to guide children on the right path. Please feel free to contribute any information that you feel might be important to assist in creating a factual, beneficial career preparation path.
You may contribute through:
- A direct message of up to 1000 words
- Email for longer messages and files
- Short comments or feedback
Direct Message
Expert Contributors
As One Zoo Tree remains a crowd sourced platform, we would like to personally thank the experts that took the time and made resources available to ensure that the Wildlife Conservationist Page remains factually correct, updated and the best resource for our children to learn everything about this career.
Email for Longer Messages and Files
Feedback and Comments
