How to become a zoologist
Are you fascinated by animals and have a curious, investigative mind?
Then zoology – a branch of biology – might be for you.
Table of Contents
What does a Zoologist do?
Zoologists are scientists who specialise in the study of animals.
As a zoologist, you might choose to specialise in vertebrate zoology (studying animals with a backbone, such as amphibians and birds), or invertebrate zoology (studying animals without a backbone, such as sponges and worms).
You might choose to focus on a particular group of animals, such as birds, insects or mammals. Or you might even specialise in studying a specific species or group, such as barn owls, rays or dung beetles.
Some examples of Zoologist specialisations include:
- Cetologists who study marine mammals such as dolphins or whales.
- Mammalogists who study land mammals, such as primates or deer.
- Ornithologists who study birds, such as penguins or owls.
- Herpetologists who study reptiles and amphibians, such as snakes and frogs.
- Entomologists who study insects, such as butterflies or beetles.
- Parasitologists who study parasites and their hosts.
- Ichthyologists who study fish, such as rays or sharks.
- Teuthologists who study cephalopods, such as squid and octopus.
- Malacologists who study mollusks, such as snails, slugs or clams.
- Paleozoologists who study ancient animal remains and fossilised species.
Zoologists can also choose to specialise in a specific branch of zoology, such as:
- Biogeography – studying the spatial distribution of animals, such as migration, dispersal, or their response to climate change.
- Classification – grouping and categorising animals.
- Developmental biology – studying how animals reproduce and grow.
- Ethology (Behaviour) – studying animal behaviour.
- Evolutionary biology – studying how animal species evolve and change over time.
- Molecular biology – studying cellular molecules – such as proteins – that carry out essential biological processes.
- Physiology – studying animals’ physical, mechanical and biochemical processes, such as the nervous, respiratory or immune system.
- Structural Zoology – studying cell biology (properties of cells) or anatomy (organs and organ systems).
Where does a Zoologist work?
Zoologists can work in the wild, in controlled environments, or both. Types of conservation employers that hire zoologists include:
What is the average Zoologist’s salary?
What is the job demand for Zoologists?
Zoologists are a specific type of Conservation Scientist – one of the 11 Key Conservation Roles.
Here’s how most Conservation Scientist roles compare with other conservation roles. We’ve given each role a rating from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) for pay, popularity (how many applicants roles receive) and availability (how many jobs are available at a given time). Keep in mind that this is a general guide, and that pay, popularity and availability can vary with employer type, location and job level.
If you plan to work as a Zoologist in the UK, you can review the National Careers Service’s guidance for zoologist careers. If you plan to work as a Zoologist in the USA, you can read the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics guidance for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists.
To research salaries for general Zoologist roles in your region, we recommend searching the Economic Research Institute’s Compensation Hub. To research salaries and availability for Zoologists in your region, we recommend searching our Conservation Job Archive.
What are the education requirements to become a Zoologist?
Degrees related to Zoology
Search our Conservation Training board for degrees and courses related to zoology, such as:
- Animal Behaviour: An Introduction | University of Oxford | Online (Certificate Programme)
- International Wildlife Conservation Practice | University of Oxford | Oxford, United Kingdom (Postgraduate Diploma)
- MSc Marine Vertebrate Ecology and Conservation | University of Exeter | Cornwall, England (MSc)
- Zoology | University of Florida | Gainesville, Florida, United States (Master of Science)
- Zoology | Southern Illinois University | Carbondale, IL, United States (Master’s)
- Master of Science – Zoology | University of Otago | Dunedin, New Zealand (Msc)
- Zoology | University of Johannesburg | Johannesburg, South Africa (Master’s)
- Zoology | University of Innsbruck | Innsbruck, Austria (Master’s)
What kind of societies and professional organisations do Zoologists have?
- ZSL – The Zoological Society of London. ZSL is a global science-led conservation organisation helping people and wildlife live better together to restore the wonder and diversity of life everywhere.
- Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. WCS parks inspire 4 million people each year.
- World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). WAZA is the global alliance of regional associations, national federations, zoos and aquariums, dedicated to the care and conservation of animals and their habitats around the world.
- Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). AZA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. AZA represents more than 200 facilities in the United States and overseas.
- British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). BIAZA is the professional body representing the best zoos and aquariums in the UK and Ireland. They have more than 100 zoo and aquarium members committed to being at the forefront of conservation, education and research.
- European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). EAZA is the membership organisation of the leading zoos and aquariums in Europe and Western Asia. Formed in 1992, EAZA represents over 400 zoos and aquariums collaborating to make a difference.
- Zoological Association of America (ZAA). The ZAA is a non-profit, membership-based accrediting organization dedicated to responsible wildlife management, conservation, and education. ZAA upholds the highest level of professional standards in animal welfare, safety, and ethics.
- The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS). The RZSS is a wildlife conservation charity with a bold vision: a world where nature is protected, valued and loved. The RZSS runs the Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park as gateways to the natural world through which people can experience nature.
- The American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK). AAZK is a membership association for animal care professionals to exchange information and network with one another. Their mission is to advance excellence in the animal keeping profession, foster effective communication beneficial to animal care, support deserving conservation projects, and promote the preservation of our natural resources and animal life.
- The German Zoological Society (DZG). Founded in 1890, the DZG is one of the oldest zoological societies in the world. It aims to promote zoological sciences in their full breadth and interdisciplinarity, supporting approximately 1,600 members in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
- The Zoological Society of Southern Africa (ZSSA). Founded in 1959, the ZSSA aims to promote zoology across all sub disciplines in southern Africa, through conferences and a scientific journal.
- The Animal Behaviour Society (ABS). The ABS is a non-profit professional organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the scientific study of animal behavior, and to creating an inclusive scientific environment that supports a diverse membership.
- The Society for Conservation Biology (SCB). The SCB serves as the premier international membership society for professionals, students and non-profits dedicated to advancing the science and practice of conserving biodiversity.
- The American Society of Mammologists (ASM). Established in 1919, the ASM promotes interest in the study of mammals, and is composed of around 2,500 members, many of whom are professional scientists. They host annual meetings and maintain several publications, including the Journal of Mammalogy.
- Marine Biological Association. Active since 1884, MBA is one of the world’s longest-running societies dedicated to promoting research into our oceans and the life they support, with membership in over 40 countries. Membership includes access to publications, bursaries, networking, discounts, jobs and internships and much more. MBA also run a leading marine biological research laboratory where 7 Nobel prize winners have carried out their research.
- The MarineBio Conservation Society. MarineBio is a nonprofit volunteer marine conservation and science education group active since 1998. They work “online together to educate the world about ocean life, marine biology, marine conservation, and to provide a sea ethical that we should all attempt to follow.”
- American Fisheries Society. AFS is “the world’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to strengthening the fisheries profession, advancing fisheries science, and conserving fisheries resources.” They promote scientific research and sustainable management, publish fish journals, organize scientific meetings, and encourage education and professional development. Their 8,000+ worldwide members include fisheries managers, biologists, professors, ecologists and more.
- The American Society of Icthyologists and Herpetologists. The ASIH is dedicated to the scientific study of fishes, amphibians, and reptiles. They work to increase knowledge about these organisms, to disseminate that knowledge, and to encourage and support young scientists. They offer professional and student awards, an annual meeting, a members directory, job listings and much more.
- American Cetacean Society. Founded in 1967, ACS “is recognized as the first whale, dolphin, and porpoise conservation group in the world.” They are “dedicated to bringing education, current research, and critical conservation issues to people who care about cetaceans and the habitats on which they depend. Membership benefits include publications, networking, presentations, volunteering, discounts on whale watching trips, and much more. They also have a student coalition.
- Cetacean Society International. CSI is an “all-volunteer, non-profit conservation, education and research organization working on behalf of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) and their marine environment.” They offer grants and resources.
Would you like to find a zoological society in your country to region? There are 100s of societies and professional organisations for zoologists worldwide. Try searching zoological societies by region on Wikipedia.
Zoologist resources
Zoologist podcast episodes
Dr. Fernando Mateos González works as a conservation biologist in the Czech Republic and supports expeditions as a nomadic mercenary scientist. His long list of expeditions includes sailing to Iceland as chief scientist for British Exploring Society. Listen here.
Have you ever considered doing a conservation science master’s to kick-start your career in conservation? We speak with Brendan Godley, Professor of Conservation Science at the University of Exeter, who is probably best known for his research with marine turtles. Listen here.
Professor Bill Sutherland is the Miriam Rothschild Chair of Conservation Biology, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge and Founder of Conservation Evidence. He shares his drive to develop a sound evidence base for conservation and practical advice on how to apply for PhDs (and jobs). Listen here.
Zoologist interviews
- Conserving Lions through Evidence-Based Conservation and Local Rights: An Interview with Amy Dickman
- Delivering science to manage coral reefs: an interview with Professor Peter Mumby
- How to become a research ecologist?
- Securing a job in research science – advice from lemur scientist Lydia Greene
- Saving sloths and starting from scratch: An interview with Dr Becky Cliffe
- From intern to inspiration story: landing an adventure job in the Peruvian Amazon
Ultimate Guides for Zoologists
Explore all Zoologist resources here.
Example Zoologist jobs
To help illustrate Zoologist roles, here are several job descriptions that represent (real) entry level Zoologist jobs. Pay particular attention to the selection criteria (specifications) to learn more about what conservation employers are looking for when they hire Zoologists.
Marine Zoologist | New York Natural Heritage Program | East Setauket, USA
The New York Natural Heritage Program seeks a Marine Zoologist to work with program partners to refine the list of marine animal species tracked in New York State’s statewide database of rare species, and identify appropriate spatial methodology for mapping occurrences of marine animals.
The person filling this position will act as a liaison to agency and university faculty and staff and serve as coastal and marine project manager as needed. Project manager duties could involve overseeing contractors conducting surveys for marine animals.
The Marine Zoologist may conduct limited field work and will lead all data storage/database tasks and GIS mapping of marine animal data in collaboration with other NY Natural Heritage Program and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation staff.
The position requires knowledge of developments in marine species monitoring, ecology, conservation, and technologies and tools. Strong time management skills and the ability to prioritize multiple competing demands are required.
Graduate Zoologist | Biosis | Port Melbourne, Australia
Biosis is a business that lives to influence better client decisions about ecology and heritage.
We are ethical, independent and genuine.
We employ highly experienced multi-disciplinary teams of aquatic ecologists, archaeologists, botanists, zoologists, environmental planners and GIS analysts, across our offices in Albury, Ballarat, Melbourne, Newcastle, Sydney, Wangaratta, Western Sydney and Wollongong.
About the role
We have an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated zoologist to join our team in Port Melbourne on a full-time permanent basis.
To be successful in this role you will need to have an interest in developing knowledge of applied botany or zoology and be able to demonstrate your strengths against the selection criteria below.
There is a fantastic opportunity to grow into specialisms under the guidance of industry recognised experts etc.
Our offer
Biosis prides itself on having a supportive and progressive workplace culture in all our teams. All our employees enjoy:
- Mentoring from experts in their field
- Employee spot rewards like Shoutouts and gift cards
- Flexible work arrangements
- A learning and development program actually valued and championed by senior staff including team retreat days
- Study assistance to pursue higher qualifications
- Internal job opportunities throughout Australia
Selection criteria
To be considered for this role, please forward your CV and cover letter which demonstrate these required skills and attributes:
- Tertiary qualifications in environmental science, ecology, botany or zoology.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Demonstrated ability in problem-solving and completing tasks with minimal supervision.
- Strong written communication skills, such as formal report and proposal writing.
- Strong organisational skills including being able to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
- High attention to detail and competence with database management and administrative processes.
- South-Eastern Australian flora and/or fauna identification skills.
- Basic knowledge of relevant Commonwealth and state legislation.
- Experience with ecological field surveys and logistics.
- Competency with MS Word, Excel, Outlook, or similar software packages.
- A current manual driver’s licence.
- Australian citizenship or residency, or a valid work permit.
Zoologist | Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society | West Palm Beach, USA
The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is currently seeking a full-time Zoologist to provide world-class animal care to a wide variety of species, with a focus on our large carnivores (tigers, jaguars, black bears), avian (psittacines, waterfowl, birds of prey), primates (callitrichids, spiders, capuchins) and small mammal collection.
We are in the process of re-imagining of our beautiful tropical Zoo, and are looking to bring in new expertise and enthusiasm. The Zoo staff work in a positive, team-oriented environment to support our mission to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife. Zoologists promote increased environmental awareness and conservation through excellent animal care and management practices, coupled with positive visitor experiences.
The ideal candidate will have a strong animal care background with a deep experience in operant conditioning, welfare input/outputs, habitat design criteria, animal nutrition and animal social interactions, including introductions and breeding. They will also have experience engaging visitors with formal and informal animal encounters where they share their passion for animal wellness and preservation of wild places. Finally, they will demonstrate a solid track record of workplace competency performance, including communication, teamwork, efficiency, emotional intelligence, leadership, planning, change management and administration.
WHAT WE OFFER:
- A competitive salary, commensurate with your skills and experience
- An EXCELLENT benefits package (current year/plan), which includes:
- 100% paid employee level coverage for designated medical & dental plan
- 100% paid coverage for 100K of life insurance
- 100% paid short-term & long-term disability
- 401K – Employer contributes 3% of your salary
- Optional vision, accident and critical illness coverages available through pre-tax payroll deductions
- Generous paid time off policy, Zoo Membership and FREE admission to other Florida Attractions!
REQUIREMENTS
Experience:
- Minimum of 2 years’ paid experience in a zoological facility caring for animals
- Bachelor’s degree (Biology, Psychology or a related field) is preferred
- Experience with the husbandry and behavior of a variety of birds, mammals and primates
- Physically able to stoop, bend, reach, lift, carry or push at least 50 pounds in a south Florida climate
- Must have valid driver’s license, able to work weekends, holidays and special events as needed
- Demonstrated ability to research and write effectively
- Participation in AZA programs and other zoo related organizations
- Use hand and power tools for minor carpentry and habitat modification projects
- Demonstrated initiative and problem solving
- Competence in behavior analysis and animal training
- Excellent communication skills with co-workers, managers and veterinary staff
- Be familiar with AZA, USDA and FWC regulations and expectations
Competencies:
- Integrity/Trust — Maintaining social, ethical, and organizational values and norms; building trust and confidence with the staff and with internal and external customers; respecting the confidentiality of personal and proprietary information.
- Initiative — Taking actions to achieve goals; self-starting and proactive; asserting oneself to support others in the achievement of their goals; originating action rather than responding only to the actions of others; anticipating the needs of both internal and external constituencies.
- Customer Focus – Demonstrates courtesy, cooperation and friendliness with staff, volunteers and customers. Actively listens, anticipates and evaluates the customer’s needs. Ensures that customer satisfaction is a priority in all areas of responsibility. Actively engages our customers while fulfilling job responsibilities.
- Analysis – Obtaining relevant information and identifying key issues and relationships from a base of information; comparing data from different sources (both interactive and written); defining underlying problems or opportunities and recognizing trends; defining and structuring functions and teams based on key strategies and goals.
- Teamwork — Supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrating sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and supporting team goals.
- Professional/Technical Knowledge and Competency — Remains current on developments in the field within and outside the organization; maintains proficiencies
- Planning and Organizing — Establishing a course of action with specific long-range goals for the Zoo; setting priorities among competing requirements and allocating resources in the most efficient and effective way; developing contingency plans that participate changes in the work environment.
- Collaboration — Works well with people outside their immediate work group.
SUMMARY
Minimum Duties & Responsibilities
- Perform animal husbandry tasks (feed, clean, train, etc) for terrestrial animals (mammals, birds, primates, reptiles) – daily
- Clean, maintain and improve animal care facilities, including service areas and surrounding spaces – daily
- Enhance the welfare of the animals by observing and understanding animal behaviors and analyzing welfare outputs to increase mental stimulation and choice within the animal’s environment -daily
- Plan, prepare and feed out nutritious diets – daily
- Assist veterinary team during animal health diagnostic and care procedures – as needed
- Complete animal records including: animal feeding habits, diets, breeding behavior, health status, physical conditions, enrichment and training – daily
- Communicate safety and health concerns to appropriate staff – as needed
- Participate in the capture and restraint of animals for transfer and veterinary procedures – as needed
- Participate in animal behavioral training program and commit to learning training techniques – as needed
- Design and execute behavioral shaping plans for all animals under their care – as needed
- Participate in exhibit concept design and collection planning discussions – as needed
- Provide informal guest presentations – daily
- Initiate informal talks and encounters – daily
- Participate in educational programs as assigned (zoo camp, fee based encounters, etc) – as needed
- Handle program animals for events and encounters – as needed
- Participate in drills and emergency response and provide feedback on the experience – as needed
- Safely operate vans, pickup trucks, golf carts, hand tools, power tools, personal computers, laboratory equipment and general office equipment. – as needed’
- Proactively seek out experiences and information to enhance professional skills and knowledge
Zoologist/Biologist (Postdoctoral Fellow) | Smithsonian Nation Museum of Natural History | Florida, USA
- Professional knowledge of biological sciences, marine sciences, taxonomy, bioinformatics and data management are required.
- Molecular laboratory skills, including best practices for sample preservation, DNA extraction of environmental samples and library preparation are required.
- Demonstrated experience in genetic techniques, genome assembly, annotation, and public repositories (e.g., GenBank) are ‘required’.
- Experience in computing resources, computers, software and bioinformatics is required.
- Ability to work and collaborate with a diverse team of scientists and program managers is required.
- Demonstrated experience in oral and written communication is required.
- Evidence of prior publications in peer-reviewed journals is required.
- Ability to lead and facilitate collaborations across scientists and stakeholders is important.
- Ability to communicate marine related topics to a variety of audiences including general, educational and scientific groups is important.
- Experience with imaging techniques and microscopy is important.
- Knowledge of public repositories for biodiversity records, genetic and genomic data is important.
- Experience with statistical and data analysis platforms such as R, python, and/or MatLab is important.
- Must be able to travel and work independently as well as within a team environment.
- Demonstrated experience in taxonomy of marine invertebrates is preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in marine or estuarine ecology is preferred.
- Laboratory management experience, including following and communicating standard operating procedures to others and maintaining lab resources is preferred.
Search live Zoologist jobs
Related Zoologist career profiles
Marine Biologist | Studying marine organisms
Any Job focused on studying marine organisms and their interactions with the environment (including humans). Examples include: Fish Biologist, Sea Turtle Biologist, etc. Explore.
Ornithologist | Studying birds
Ornithologists are scientists who specialise in the study of birds. Examples include: Seasonal Ornithologist, Consultant Ornithologist, Marine Ornithologist, etc. Explore.
Not sure yet which type of conservation role is right for you? Explore all 11 Key Conservation Roles.
Useful links & free stuff
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- You need answers to top questions about working in conservation? Check out our free Ultimate Guides covering topics like the Top Conservation Skills, Top Conservation Internships | Paid or Free and Marine Conservation Jobs, and answering questions like How to Switch Careers into Conservation, Do I need a Master’s Degree? and much more! Or download our free guides to keep and read later!
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