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Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.

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A look at the work

  • Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
  • Disseminate information by writing reports and scientific papers or journal articles, and by making presentations and giving talks for schools, clubs, interest groups and park interpretive programs.
  • Develop, or make recommendations on, management systems and plans for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.
  • Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
  • Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
  • Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
  • Organize and conduct experimental studies with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings.
  • Conduct literature reviews.

A selection of source-listed tasks; duties vary by role and employer.

Interests involved in this work

These source scores describe occupational work activities. They are separate from your personal test results.

Hands-on

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

5.4 / 7

Investigative

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

7.0 / 7

Creative

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

2.3 / 7

Helping people

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

2.6 / 7

Enterprising

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

2.3 / 7

Organizing

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

3.7 / 7

Skills to explore

Source-reported importance on a 1–5 scale. Try a course, project or conversation to learn what these skills involve.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

2026-08

4.0 / 5

Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

2026-08

4.0 / 5

Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

2026-08

4.0 / 5

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

2026-08

4.0 / 5

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

2026-08

4.0 / 5

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

2026-08

4.0 / 5

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

2026-08

4.0 / 5

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

2026-08

3.9 / 5

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

2026-08

3.9 / 5

Coordination

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

2026-08

3.8 / 5

Plan a small next step

Talk to someone doing this work, look for a supervised activity, and explore the subjects that interest you. Admission, licensing and current program requirements should be confirmed with the relevant institutions.

Source preparation category: Job Zone 4 of 5 · 2026-08. This category describes typical preparation, not your eligibility.

Related study fields

Source crosswalk connections are research leads, not required qualifications.

Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management →

Zoology/Animal Biology →

Entomology →

Animal Physiology →

Animal Behavior and Ethology →

Wildlife Biology →

Zoology/Animal Biology, Other →

Ecology →

Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography →

Evolutionary Biology →

Environmental Biology →

Marine Sciences →

Explore all related study fields →

Source & methodology

O*NET-SOC code 19-1023.00 · Database 31.0 · Retrieved Oct 14, 2026. Dates on individual observations describe their source periods.

How interest exploration matching works →

Data: O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Used under CC BY 4.0. StudyIndex normalizes the presentation and adds exploration features; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions.