How to become a wildlife ecologist

Is becoming a wildlife ecologist right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do wildlife ecologists do?

Still unsure if becoming a wildlife ecologist is the right career path? to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a wildlife ecologist or another similar career!

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How to become a Wildlife Ecologist

Becoming a wildlife ecologist involves a combination of education, field and research experience, and often specialization in a wildlife ecology subfield. Here is an overview of the pathway to the career:

High School Diploma or Equivalent
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. High school education provides a foundation in basic communication and math and organizational skills, and it lays the groundwork for further learning.

Bachelor's Degree
Obtain a relevant bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Since many schools do not offer a distinct undergraduate degree in wildlife ecology, many wildlife ecologists opt for a related degree with a strong foundation in biological sciences. Options include biology, ecology, environmental science, and wildlife science and management. Coursework during the undergraduate years should cover foundational subjects such as ecology, zoology, botany, conservation biology, and statistics.

Graduate Degree
While a bachelor’s degree can be adequate for entry-level positions, some wildlife ecologists pursue graduate degrees for career advancement, research opportunities, or post-secondary teaching positions. A master’s is often sufficient for certain positions in research or education. For more advanced research or conservation positions, university faculty roles, or leadership positions, a Ph.D. is typically required. Graduate programs provide the opportunity to conduct in-depth original research and contribute to the scientific understanding of wildlife ecology.

Research / Teaching Experience
Seek opportunities for undergraduate and graduate wildlife ecology fieldwork, laboratory research projects, or internships that specialize in the study of the relationships between wildlife species and their environments. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing observation and sample collection skills as well as capabilities in habitat assessment, data analysis, experimental design, and scientific writing.

Familiarize yourself with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and data analysis tools, as these are key skills for research and conservation work.

As a graduate student, seek research funding through grants and fellowships to support your projects and contribute to the field.

If you are interested in academic positions, gain teaching experience during your graduate studies. This can be achieved through teaching assistantships and guest lecturer opportunities.

Specialization / Research Focus
Choose a research focus within wildlife ecology based on your interests and career goals. Options include mammalogy, ornithology, herpetology, and conservation biology. For a complete list of specializations in the field, please refer to the What does a Wildlife Ecologist do? section in the career overview.

Continuing Education and Research Publication
Stay informed about emerging technologies and research methodologies in the wildlife ecology field. Attend workshops, conferences, and seminars to present your work, and participate in professional development and networking activities to keep your knowledge current.

As you progress in your academic journey, aim to publish your research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals. This enhances your visibility in the field and establishes your expertise.

Certification and Professional Organizations
There isn't a certification that is universally recognized as a standard credential for wildlife ecologists. Instead, the qualifications and credentials of wildlife ecologists are primarily based on their educational background, research experience, and contributions to the field. However, wildlife ecologists may obtain certifications offered by professional organizations and societies related to wildlife ecology and conservation. Here’s a sampling:

  • Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB) – The Wildlife Society (TWS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of wildlife management and conservation. It grants the Certified -Wildlife Biologist (CWB) professional designation, which is designed to recognize individuals who have met specific education and experience requirements in the field of wildlife biology and management.
  • Certified Senior Ecologist (CSE) – The Ecological Society of America (ESA) offers the CSE designation, which is designed for ecologists who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in the field of ecology. The certification program covers various ecological disciplines, including wildlife ecology.
  • Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) – Administered by the Society of Wetland Scientists, the PWS certification is relevant for ecologists working on wetland-related projects. It signifies expertise in wetland science, ecology, and management.
  • Certified Fisheries Professional (CFP) – The American Fisheries Society (AFS) awards the CFP certification for fisheries professionals, which may be relevant for wildlife ecologists involved in aquatic ecosystems and fishery management.
  • Certified GIS Professional (GISP) – The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is a non-profit organization that promotes the advancement of proficient Geographic Information Systems (GIS) professionals through its international certification program, which awards the Certified GIS Professional (GISP) designation. The GISP credential can be valuable for wildlife ecologists working with spatial data and habitat mapping.
  • Research Methodology and Statistics – Proficiency in statistical analysis software is crucial for analyzing wildlife ecological data. Certifications for software like R or SAS can demonstrate a strong foundation in statistical methods.

In addition to these certifying bodies, the following organizations also support the wildlife ecology community, providing advocacy, access to resources, and platforms for networking, information exchange and collaboration, and continuing education and professional development:

  • Society for Conservation Biology (SCB)
  • International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
  • Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC)
  • Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS)
  • National Wildlife Federation (NWF)