A Complete Career Resource Guide For A Zoologist
Understanding wildlife and ecosystems has become more critical than ever.
That is because we are hoarding resources and destroying animal ecosystems.
Currently, there are over 19,000 zoologists in the U.S.
We need more zoologists to raise awareness of what is happening to animals and habitats during such times.
If you want to change the world with your career path, you are in the right place.
Here is a complete resource guide for becoming a zoologist.
Zoologist Job Information
| Official Job Title | Zoologist |
| Average Salary | $64,650 |
| Stress Level | Average |
| Work/Life | Low |
| Job Satisfaction | High |
| Career Advancement | Low |
Zoologist Job Description
Here is the ultimate job description of zoologists to help you understand what they are responsible for:
What Is A Zoologist?
A zoologist studies animals in captivity and the wild.
Their primary responsibility is to study animals in their habitats to understand their behavior and how they interact with their ecosystem.
What Does A Zoologist Do On A Daily Basis?
The goal of a zoologist is to learn as much as they can about the nature of animals.
Museums, research laboratories, or zoos usually employ zoologists.
The day starts with checking up on the animals and ensuring they have everything they need.
After the daily checkup, zoologists focus on research.
The research can be done online, or they can dissect animal specimens to examine diseases.
However, the zoologist will spend most of the day observing animals and noticing patterns, habits, behaviors, etc.
Responsibilities, Duties, & Roles Of A Zoologist
The general responsibilities, duties, and roles of a zoologist include the following:
- Studying animal characteristics and behaviors
- Designing and conducting research projects
- Collecting and analyzing specimens and biological data
- Educating the public regarding wildlife conservation and animal welfare
- Writing articles, reports, and papers to explain their findings
- Taking part in different initiatives to ensure animal welfare
- Assisting captive breeding programs
- Promoting conservation efforts
Zoologist Salary
Here is a breakdown of a zoologist’s salary, depending on where they are in their career:
Average Salary
The average salary of a zoologist comes to $64,650.
Of course, that also depends on what place you are working for.
Starting Salary
The starting salary of zoologists can be around $42,420.
Of course, someplace may pay even more.
That is why it is crucial to research before opting for a position.
Senior Salary
The top 10% of zoologists make $103,900 annually.
So, you can earn a lot if you work hard and level up.
As you do, your salary will keep on increasing.
How To Become A Zoologist
If you love animals, you have come to the right place.
Here is everything you must know about becoming a zoologist:
The Entry Level: Certification, Training, & Degree
To become a zoologist, you must have a bachelor’s degree.
However, if you want an advanced teaching or research position, you will require a Ph.D. or Master’s degree.
You can never become a zoologist on a high school diploma or GED.
You can do your bachelor’s in a degree related to zoology or biology.
For example, many undergraduates do a bachelor’s in biology and then a master’s in zoology.
It is also great to have experience as a research assistant before a full-time zoologist job.
Other Skill Sets, Requirements & Qualifications
All zoologists must have the appropriate skills to execute their job.
These include communication, observation, critical thinking, problem-solving, empathy, and more.
Without these crucial skills, a zoologist will not be good at what they do.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Zoologist?
It will take you four years to earn a bachelor’s degree.
If you want a Master’s degree, it will take another two years.
Besides that, you might need thirty hours of practical and fieldwork.
Is It Hard To Become A Zoologist?
Remember that while the career path is straightforward, Zoology is a challenging major.
That is why only students with passion and drive pursue this degree.
You need that drive to keep you going during challenging courses and days.
Zoologist Career Paths
Becoming a zoologist might be your calling if you love to care for animals.
Here is what you must know about the zoologist career path:
The Zoologist Roadmap
The roadmap of a zoologist is not complex.
The first step you must take is to earn a bachelor’s degree.
You can also become a research assistant during this time to gain experience in the field.
Your research assistance can also turn into a full-time position.
However, if that doesn’t happen, you can look for work elsewhere.
For example, you can work for wildlife conservation, marine biologists, zoos, museums, and much more.
The most crucial thing in this career path is research.
So, no matter what you do, you must keep researching to progress.
It will allow you to create insightful and resourceful journal articles.
Projections For Growth In Zoologist Jobs
The job growth rate of a zoologist is 1%, meaning little or no change.
The chain of command is short, and you primarily work under one person.
However, you can do more independent research and studies as you progress.
In Summary: Is Zoologist A Good Career?
Yes, being a zoologist is a promising career for those passionate about it.
Zoologist is one of the happiest carriers in the United States as job satisfaction is incredibly high.
Zoologists start this career for the animals and the environment, not the money, which is why they are happier.
Working Conditions
Here is what you need to know about the working conditions of a zoologist:
Can A Zoologist Work Remotely From Home?
While zoology is not a remote job, those who work remotely write articles and papers.
However, zoologists only write these things after spending substantial time in the field.
So, the job is not remote because you have to spend time with animals.
How Many Hours Does A Zoologist Work?
Just like any other job, zoologists also have a forty-hour workweek.
However, they can also spend more time than that if they want to research something.
Zoologists spend most of their time in a lab researching or writing results.
Can A Zoologist Work Part-Time?
Not all zoologists can work part-time.
For example, working public holidays, weekends, and evenings in conservation is common.
Part-time opportunities in zoology are not a lot because of the demanding nature of the job.
What Are The Average Vacation Days Of A Zoologist?
On average, zoologists receive three weeks off from work.
They can use this time to do what they like as they don’t have to work.
Of course, vacation days vary from one company to another.
Alternative Careers & Similar Jobs to a Zoologist
- Marine Biologist
- Food Scientist
- Veterinary Assistant
- Research Assistant
- Forensic Science Technician
- Natural Sciences Manager
- Dietitian
- Radiologic Technologist
- Archaeologist
Zoologist Resume Tips
Are you looking to create the best zoologist resume for yourself? Here are the top tips you can apply:
- Use a reverse-chronological resume format
- Keep the resume concise with just one page
- Submit it in PDF format, as it will be easy to see on any device.
- Include the right skills for the zoologist job
Zoologist Interview Questions
Here are some key questions you can ask a zoologist during an interview:
Q1: How will you use data in your zoological research?
Why it works: An ideal candidate will tell you they will design a research experiment.
After that, they will outline data collection methods.
Finally, they will analyze data to understand animal behavior.
Other answers are also acceptable.
That is because the question will offer insight into the candidate’s research process.
Q2: How do you update yourself on recent zoology developments?
Why it works: Successful zoologists must read scientific journals, articles, and blogs.
Besides that, they must attend conferences and seminars to update themselves on recent developments.
Thus, great zoologists will keep up with these developments to succeed.
Q3: Are there animals that you don’t prefer to work with?
Why it works: A zoologist might not work with each animal.
That is because even zoologists fear animals such as lions, sharks, etc.
Because of this, the zoologist must identify the niche in which such interaction will not be necessary.
Once a zoologist answers this question, you can decide where they fit in your workplace.
In addition, it will help you address their phobias and fears.
Jobs Related To Zoologist
Here are some other jobs related to zoologists:
- Animal physiotherapist
- Marine biologist
- Research scientist
- Environmental manager
- Zookeeper
For HR Manager: Tips For Hiring A Zoologist
As an HR manager, here are the top tips for hiring a zoologist:
Key Characteristics To Look For In A Zoologist
Here are some key characteristics to look for in a zoologist:
- Teamwork abilities
- Communication skills
- Patience and dedication
- Observation
- Critical-thinking
Minimum Level Of Education & Experience
The minimum level of education a zoologist needs is a bachelor’s degree in the relevant field.
Besides that, a zoologist must also have some practical experience in the area.
It will allow them to execute the job well.
Reference Links
- https://www.betterteam.com/zoologist-interview-questions
- https://www.cleverism.com/zoologist-resume/
- https://www.thebalancecareers.com/zoologist-career-description-125939
- https://careertrend.com/how-does-4580314-zoologist-spend-workday.html
- https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/zoologist/job-market/
- https://www.zippia.com/zoologist-jobs/
- https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/zoologist/satisfaction/