A zoology degree can lead to a number of jobs. Animal Zoo workers and Veterinarians are the two most common, but there are many other opportunities for those interested in this area. We have listed a number of jobs below that you can obtain with a zoology degree below as current or previous examples.
Zoology is the scientific study of animals, which can be quite broad in scope. There are a variety of careers you can pursue with this degree like working in zoos and aquariums, consulting for government agencies, researching in universities and teaching at colleges.
A zoology degree can get you a number of different jobs.
Zoologists study the behavior, physiology, and genetics of animals. They work in a variety of settings including research institutions, federal agencies, colleges and universities, zoos, aquariums and veterinary hospitals. Zoologists may also work for private companies that design products for animals.
There are several job titles used in the field of zoology:
- Research biologist – Studies animals to learn more about them and their environments.
- Veterinarian – Cares for sick or injured animals.
- Wildlife biologist – Studies wildlife populations to learn how to protect them from harm or extinction.
What jobs can a zoology degree get you
Introduction
When you think of zoology, what careers pop into your head? Zoologist? Wildlife biologist? You’re not wrong! Those jobs are out there, but the amazing thing about a zoology degree is that it prepares you for a wide variety of careers. The skills required to work with animals are transferable across many industries and job roles. So when you graduate with a zoology degree, you won’t just be qualified for one or two jobs—you’ll be qualified for plenty of them. Let’s take a look at some of the options open to someone who has spent years studying the world’s most interesting species:
Zoologist
You can work in the field of zoology by studying animals and their behaviour. You could work at zoos, wildlife parks or aquariums. Or you may choose to study conservation management at a university or research institute.
In this job, you’ll need to be able to:
- Keep records of animals and their habitats
- Classify animals into groups based on size, shape and other characteristics
- Study animal behaviour in their natural environment
Veterinary surgeon
As a veterinary surgeon, you will be responsible for the health and wellbeing of animals. You may work in a practice and treat pets or livestock, or in an emergency rescue center. Your duties will include:
- Treating sick or injured animals
- Giving vaccinations and inoculations
- Diagnosing diseases and illnesses
- Prescribing medication
Conservation officer or wildlife officer
Conservation officers or wildlife officers are responsible for enforcing regulations relating to the protection of fish, game and wild birds. They also investigate cases of illegal hunting or fishing.
A bachelor’s degree in zoology will provide the knowledge required for a career in conservation law enforcement. Most states require job applicants to have at least two years of experience working as a conservation officer before they can be hired as one. However, this requirement may vary depending on where you live and your chosen career path within the field of conservation law enforcement.
To apply for a position as a conservation officer or wildlife officer, visit your state’s department of natural resources website and look under current job openings within their agency. Some states also allow you to apply online through their website if there are no current positions posted that fit your desired location and experience level; however, other states require that all applications be done via email only (this is usually stated somewhere on the employment opportunities page).
Marine biologist or fishery biologist
If you want to look at the ocean and everything in it as your work space, marine biology is the field for you. Marine biologists study the life in our oceans, from microscopic plankton that form the foundation of food webs to sharks and whales that are found in every ocean on Earth. The job options for marine biologists are varied: you could be studying potential oil spills or working on conservation efforts for endangered species; if you have a more specific interest like dolphins or coral reefs, there are plenty of opportunities available.
As its name suggests, fishery biology focuses on fish. Fishery biologists study fish populations as well as what we do with them—whether that’s catching them or letting them go when appropriate (or not). It’s also possible to combine this degree with an advanced degree program such as conservation biology so that your work will focus specifically on preserving certain species while still allowing fishing practices within reason.
Veterinary nurse
The veterinary nurse is a trained professional, of which there are many in the UK. A veterinary nurse is a person who has received training and education to provide care for animals. The duties of a veterinary nurse vary depending on where they work and what kind of animal they are caring for, but can include:
- Providing medical treatment and care for animals on farms or in petting zoos
- Giving medication to pets in private homes
- Helping with surgery or emergency situations at an animal hospital
Zoo keeper
A zoo keeper is responsible for keeping animals in captivity, maintaining their health and the health of their habitat, maintaining the zoo itself, and training the animals to be sociable with humans.
Animal nutritionist
A zoology degree can get you a job as an animal nutritionist. An animal nutritionist studies what animals eat and the effects of their diet on their health, including how much to feed them, how to make sure they have a balanced diet, and what foods should be included in their food supply. As such, they work with pet owners who want to ensure that their pets are getting the best possible nutrition so that they will stay healthy throughout life.
Animal nutritionists also work on farms where food is produced for livestock or other animals used for meat or dairy products. The goal here is to ensure that all animals receive adequate amounts of nutrients from their food supply so that they grow properly or produce enough milk or eggs for sale at market value prices.
Animal behaviourist
Animal behaviourists are experts in animal behaviour. They study how animals interact with one another, their environment and humans. The knowledge gained from this research is used to improve animal welfare. A career as an animal behaviourist can be very varied, as they have many different jobs within their field.
Animal behaviourists may work at zoos, wildlife parks or sanctuaries helping to develop ways to manage the animals’ behaviour in captivity. They may also work with zoo staff to make sure that the enclosures meet the needs of each species housed there (for example by providing enough space for exercise).
Other types of work include being a consultant for farmers who want advice on how best to manage their livestock herds so as not only keep them healthy but also prevent any problems from arising due to overcrowding or aggressive individuals within groups such as those involving cattle or sheep etcetera…
Animal charity fundraiser or sales advisor
Charity fundraisers work for a nonprofit organization and are responsible for raising funds to support the mission of their company. They may be hired on a contract basis or as full-time employees, depending on the organization’s needs.
Sales advisors help customers find products that meet their needs and budget. They’re often found in retail stores, but they may also work in departments like clothing and sports equipment at big box stores such as Wal-Mart, Target or Best Buy.
To be successful as either type of job candidate: You’ll need good communication skills (i.e., being able to listen) because you’ll be asking people for money! Don’t forget public speaking skills too—you’ll probably have to do presentations about why people should donate time/money/clothes/whatever else it takes
Animal welfare consultant
An animal welfare consultant is an emerging career, and opportunities are growing. You will need a degree in zoology or a related subject to get started, as well as a good understanding of animal behaviour and welfare. You should also be able to understand the needs of the animal you’re caring for.
Conservation education officer and trainer
Conservation education officer and trainer
If you have a passion for wildlife and the environment, then this could be the job for you. You will be working in an organisation that aims to protect animals and their habitats. Your job may involve working with children or adults, both of whom need to understand why it’s important to protect animals. Or perhaps your role will involve teaching people about conservation techniques such as habitat restoration or reintroduction programmes. You might also help set up nature reserves or work with endangered species breeding programmes.
There are many exciting options for you and your zoology degree.
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Zoology is a very broad subject, with many different areas of study to choose from. There are many exciting options for you and your zoology degree. You can apply this knowledge across the animal kingdom, which includes everything from insects and fish to mammals and birds—even humans! As a zoologist, you will have access to all sorts of jobs in different fields: research positions at universities or museums; zoo management or animal caretaker positions; conservation efforts around the world; teaching at elementary schools or high schools; or even work as an accountant where you’ll use your math skills learned in college (hint: it involves counting money).
Conclusion
As you’ve seen, the career prospects for zoology graduates are excellent. You can take your passion for animal science and turn it into a rewarding career that makes a lasting impact. If you’re looking for an internship or full-time position in this field, we can help! Search our job board today to find your dream job.
