Zoologist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job by doing a university course.

University

You could study for a degree in a subject, such as:

• zoology
• animal ecology and behaviour
• conservation
• marine biology
• environmental biology

You may need a relevant postgraduate qualification like a master's degree or PhD for certain jobs, particularly in research.

Some degree courses offer a placement year where you can get relevant experience in areas like conservation.

Doing an internship during the summer holidays can also help you gain useful knowledge and skills. Your university careers department will be able to give you information about opportunities. They may also have links with wildlife or conservation organisations in the UK or overseas.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Volunteering

Volunteering in conservation work is a good way to strengthen your application for university courses.

Many opportunities won't be advertised, so you could contact organisations directly.

You can also use sites like:

• Royal Society of Biology
• The Wildlife Trusts
• World Wildlife Fund
• Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• knowledge of biology
• science skills
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• maths knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• excellent written communication skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to read English
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of geography
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• thinking and reasoning skills
• administration skills
• active listening skills

What you'll do:

Zoologists study animals and their behaviour.

As a zoologist, you could work in agriculture, conservation, pharmaceuticals or for government departments.

You'll usually specialise in an area like:

• ecology - animal environments
• herpetology - reptiles
• entomology - insects
• ornithology - birds
• parasitology - parasites
• paleozoology - fossil remains

Depending on your role, sector and specialism, you could:

• do field and laboratory research
• study animals in their natural environment or in captivity
• identify, record and monitor animal species
• gather and interpret information and data
• write detailed technical reports, give presentations and publish research findings in journals and books

Location : You could work in a laboratory or at a research facility.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you'll travel often.

Salary:

Starter : £23,000
Experienced : £48,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours variable

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays attending events or appointments

Career Path:

As an experienced zoologist, you could become a research manager. You might also work with zoos on wildlife conservation projects, or overseas on habitat and conservation management assignments.

In an academic post in higher education, you could progress to senior fellow or professor and lead your own research team. You might also supervise postgraduate research students, or work in scientific journalism.

You can get more details about research career development options through Vitae .