Wildlife Jobs

Getting Rough with Wildlife Jobs

Have you ever considered working with animals? If so, perhaps you do not know where to start. There are in fact many careers that involve wildlife jobs and preservation but there are only a few who qualify. Read on and find out what it takes to get careers with animals.

There is nothing more fulfilling than earning while doing what you love. Wildlife job can be one of the many ways you can achieve this especially if you love animals. Although the salary may be just a little higher than the minimum wage, what compensates you is the feeling and excitement of handling dangerous animals in the wild, or even in the zoo. The job is in itself very challenging and requires a lot of skills and patience. It will take years before you can be an expert in certain animal species or group. So what does it take to prepare and what are the common wildlife jobs that you can have?

The Importance of Working with Animals

It is not unknown that the humans overpopulating the earth caused the extinction of many animals. With whatever we have remaining today, it is imperative that we study them and take care of them to preserve them. Without knowledge about these animals, human ignorance will continue to wipe out these precious wonders of nature. Your participation in studying and nurturing their environment will help make a great contribution in their conservation, including their habitats. A great example is the endangered species of big cats, especially tigers and lions. Without passionate people fighting for these animals, we would never see a tiger or a lion in the near future.

The Preparation for the Job

Today, there are many conservation groups that need volunteers and workers for their respective programs. With so many positions available, you can choose from hundreds of jobs. We will discuss more of these later on. For now, read the requirements below so you know what to do to get hired in wildlife jobs.

First off, you need academic training. This is the only way you can guarantee an expansion of knowledge of animals, at least in a documented way. Wildlife jobs require that you have at least been certified in some kind of animal training and this is something you can achieve by accomplishing a degree in college or taking vocational courses. You can also check out your community college for courses offered that specialize in wildlife. If you want to take it further, you can take doctorate courses in things that can involve animals such as microbiology, zoology, and biochemistry.

The next thing that you need to have is experience. You can get experiences by volunteering. Participating in activities that involve animal welfare will increase your knowledge and expertise. This will also help you decide which particular animal you want to specialize in. Being exposed to non-profit organizations will expand your experience and knowledge and thus broaden your horizons as far as wildlife jobs are concerned.

The Career Choices

As mentioned earlier, there are many wildlife jobs out there. Although they are not dime-a-dozen like office jobs, you certainly have many choices and the following are only a few possibilities.

Wildlife Rehabilitator

One job you can look forward to if you have a degree in veterinary medicine is being a wildlife rehabilitator. This, of course, requires a license from the government. Your main function with this job is to cure and tend to wounded animals in the wild, especially those in sanctuaries or protected rehabilitation areas. You will need to study them and observe their health until they become better.

Wildlife Biologist

This job entails a doctorate degree because you will essentially be a scientist specializing in wildlife. You will study a particular animal’s mating habits, life span, feeding habits, and practically everything about it. You will conduct scientific studies and the facts and observations you gather will be used to educate people. You will also study the kind of diseases they get, the medications they need, the number of litters they produce and their migration patterns or habits.

Wildlife Photographer

The third and last example is being a photographer. This is not the same as being a photographer of human beings because you need to know the habits of the animals you take picture of. For example, you should know the accepted proximity to wild animals before they start thinking you are invading their territory or they will otherwise attack you. You should also include art in your photographs to bring life to your still shots.