Do you LOVE animals? Is it important to you that you choose a career that lets you work with and help animals every day? There are many job opportunities for animal lovers out there–check out this list of jobs!
- Zoologist
- What they do: Zoologists are biologists who study animals, including animal behaviors, characteristics, and ecosystems. They can work directly with animals and assist with caring for them in zoological parks (including zoos and aquariums) and laboratories. They can also serve in teaching, researching, and advising roles at educational institutions or provide expert information at museums, government agencies, environmental conservation organizations, and consulting groups.
- Education Required: You will need at least a bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or a related field. For high level research and teaching positions at universities, higher education (Master’s or PhD) and specialization may be required.
- Salary: The average salary in the United States is $90,571
- Wildlife Biologist
- What they do: Wildlife biologists manage and study animals directly in the wild to better understand their behaviors and biology. Some wildlife biologists work for the government in conservation and research roles and are responsible for developing land and water use plans, tagging and relocating wildlife for conservation purposes, and working with local governments to manage wildlife responsibly. Others work in zoos where they are responsible for understanding the animals in captivity. Still more work as researchers at research facilities and educational institutions, where their focus is on collecting information and writing reports on complex findings. All options will allow the wildlife biologist the opportunity to work directly with animals.
- Education required: At minimum, you will need a bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or a related field. Some government departments and research institutions prefer advanced degrees.
- Salary: The average salary in the United States is $57,540.
- Conservation Scientist
- What they do: Conservation scientists manage the quality of forests, parks, and other land and natural resources. Their job is to ensure that these areas are pristine so that natural species can thrive. This typically entails testing the quality of soil and other specimens, developing plans for better use of the land, and other tasks to ensure the land is protected and being used responsibly. They can be employed by government agencies, social advocacy organizations, or private landowners.
- Education required: You will need a bachelor’s degree in biology, forestry, or a related field.
- Salary: The average salary in the United States is $64,010
- Animal Nutritionist
- What they do: Animal nutritionists are responsible for ensuring that all animals under their care have their dietary needs met. They evaluate each animal’s condition, physical activity, and health status to determine what their caloric and nutritional needs are, and then develop diet plans that meet those needs. They can work in zoos, farms, shelters, and any other places that animals are cared for.
- Education required: You will need a bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, animal science, or a related field.
- Salary: The average salary in the United States is $74,477.
- Conservation Biologist
- What they do: Conservation biologists research wildlife and ecosystems in order to develop plans for conservation, strategies for the safest use of natural resources, and create advocacy proposals.They protect natural resources and prevent extinction through studying ecosystems, climate, and animal populations. This is a broad field with lots of potential for specialization.
- Education required: A bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field
- Salary: The average salary in the United States is $60,970
- Marine Biologist
- What they do: Marine biologists study aquatic plants and animals. They can be involved in conservation work, research, and the care of aquatic species. The ocean is largely undiscovered, which makes this an ideal career for animal lovers who love new discoveries. Marine biologists can work for research and educational facilities, conservation agencies, aquariums, and other places.
- Education required: A bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field
- Salary: The average salary for a marine biologist in the United States is $52,361
- Aquarist
- What they do: Aquarists are responsible for caring for the plants and animals in an aquarium. This is a very involved job, as it requires replicating the ecosystems the species are designed to live in and also maintaining the ideal conditions for the aquatic species to thrive, including managing water temperature and quality, filters, species organization, and more. They also take care of the animals at the aquarium. Aquarists ensure that all the creatures of the aquarium are healthy, happy, and clean.
- Education required: Bachelor’s degree in a biology or a related field and scuba training
- Salary: The salary for this position ranges greatly, with more basic animal caretakers earning an average of $22,000 in the United States and more experienced aquarists at major aquariums earning an average of $45,000.
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