Cross Breeds

What is a job where you get to research animals out in the wild?

I would love to be able to track and research animals. I love wild animals and I love research and writing. What job does this and what are the pros and cons of it. Is it a rewarding job? What volunteering, schooling, etc. do I need?

Public Comments

1. There are three different paths you can take to this end (probably more, but these are the most common). 1. Become a professor at a large university. Penn State, UNC, UCLA, Texas, etc etc. will all pay you more for your research than for your teaching. As long as your research fits them well, you can do whatever tracking you want. Generally this requires you to obtain a PhD. Volunteering is a nice plus (especially when applying to undergrad), but not required for anything. 2. Government job (EPA, etc.). You get a lot of fringe benefits from these jobs, and as long as you're wiling to travel to live where your skills are needed you can find a way to do what you love doing. These jobs are very competetive, but some dish out positions to masters students (i.e. you may not need to get a PhD). 3. Work for private company. There are a number of companies that might find a way to employ a person who can track animals. National Geographic pays a select few people to go out and write about wildlife. Hunting and fishing companies like Cabella's may find something to do with you too. This list goes on, but you'll have to be on the lookout for these jobs. This could require any amount of schooling, although a masters is always nice to boost your paycheck a bit. As long as you're willing to do sone work you're not crazy about before you get to the stuff you love, then this line of work is very rewarding. The key is to know your goal ahead of time (that is, before getting into grad school; no huge rush) and talking to people who do what you want to do (they can give you pointers on how to get there). Good luck.
2. I work as a wildlife biologist studying endangered species. You definitely need a degree. Mine is in zoology, but you can get a similar job with a biology, wildlife management, or other similar major. Usually in this field..the higher the degree the better chance of getting a job, and the higher the pay. Hands on experience is a MUST in this field as well, a degree with no experience will most likely not get you a job. You need to do some volunteer work, internships, or paid seasonal work while still in school earning your degree. Take summers off do get some real experience in the field that interests you the most. I find this job HIGHLY rewarding..could not think of doing anything else. Pros: I pretty much make my own day to day schedule with minimal supervision, I get to watch birds and hike all day and get paid to do it, I also like the fact that I am helping save endangered species and native plants and habitats. Cons: The hours can be long.. and working conditions can be tough, lots of hiking, wild animals, venoumous snakes, EXTREME temperatures and rough terrain, as well as the danger of people you might run into out there. Most times you will work alone.