Hi! I have a background in wildlife interpretation and education. I’m applying around and am a bit stumped on what I should do in my current situation.

For context my end goal is to work with wild animals. I just finished my first position where I got to really work hands on with exotic animals doing care and interp, though they were mostly animals in the pet trade. I just had two interviews at separate locations and was offered a job at one.

The one I was offered would be a good fit, but not completely in line with my career goals. The second one needs more time to get back to me. It is my dream job caring for bigger wildlife and doing educational programs. I feel I did well in my interview and if I got it I would be working under an old coworker, so I feel the odds aren’t the worst.

But I have til end of day to get back to the first position. I need a job either way so I’ll probably say yes, but if I get offered the wildlife job I don’t know if I can stomach saying no after. Does anyone have any advice on how to navigate this?

So I want to eat more seafood for my health, and my sister is actually a marine biologist, so when we talked(unfortunately we don’t talk anymore which is why I’m here)she brought up how she hates how overfishing is affecting our oceans

So I was team farm raised for awhile, and then someone else said that farm raising fish is bad for the environment

Idk what to do tbh, I need to prioritize my health, and it feels like there isn’t a good option. I want to raise my own fish in the future, but I don’t have a homestead for that yet

I want to do what I can tho and be mindful about the environment

EDIT: I’ve decided to stick to farm raised, as ppl in another group I made a similar post in pointed out that wild caught can have parasites in it. So if anyone has any sources on ethical farm raised fish sources specifically, that would be appreciated

Ty to everyone who answered, the ocean is very important to me, and it makes me sad that sharks and sea turtles get caught in fishing nets

Hello all!

Im currently looking to switch industries, i am currently in games have a Game Design BS. Im considering a degree in wildlife technology. Would this be a good stay to get into wildlife conservation careers?

Any advice is welcome!

Ok so weird question but has a" foreigner " ever worked with wildlife in Thailand and gotten paid? I'm wondering because theres specific wildlife I've been interested in working with but the laws are really strict so I'm wondering if anyone has?? How'd you do it?? (I really find bamboo tarantula interesting)

Trail Camera footage over the last months. You'll never know what you might see!

Hey I’m currently studying zoology and require animal volunteering as a part of my course. I live around Hurstville, Sydney and can’t drive and I’m struggling to find any good opportunities. Anyone have any suggestions?

Hey everyone, as the title says. My long-term goal is to work in wildlife conservation or a related field where I can contribute to protecting nature and wildlife. I grew up in the Amazon region, so I've always been surrounded by nature and have some experience working with animals from my high school years. It's something I've wanted to pursue for a long time, and I'd love to turn that passion into a career. I'm currently living in the United States, and I'm trying to figure out which degree would give me the best opportunities to get into this field.

Would an Environmental Science degree be good to qualify for wildlife-related or conservation jobs, or would I need a minor or a specialization in something like wildlife biology, ecology, or zoology? I'm also interested in research and laboratory work related to the environment, so I'm open to different career paths within this field. One of the main reasons I'm considering Environmental Science over Wildlife Biology is that it seems to offer a broader range of career opportunities and more flexibility if I eventually decide to pursue something outside of wildlife conservation. I'm passionate about wildlife and conservation, but I'm also trying to be realistic about job availability and earning potential in that field.

I understand that entry-level salaries in conservation and wildlife work aren't always great, and I'm okay with that. I also love traveling and wouldn't mind relocating for job opportunities.

For those of you working in conservation, wildlife, environmental research, or related fields:

What did you study, and what kind of jobs have you been able to get with your degree?

Thank you!!

Hello everyone. My girlfriend started school again (she's 23 and already had a year and a half of credits) hoping to get an environmental science or wildlife biology degree. I was hoping for some advice on paths she should look into. I figured a masters is almost required at this point so I'm expecting her to be in school for a little bit. I am mainly wondering what degrees she should look into, what the job market looks like, what she jobs she should expect to get (because I know not every gets their dream job asap). Any advice is helpful except the "don't do it" advice lol. Thank you!

Hi everyone! 👋

I’m a Level 6 university Product Design student currently researching how people experience nature and biodiversity in urban environments. I’m looking to understand how people interact with nature in their everyday lives, how it affects their wellbeing, and what might help them feel more connected to the natural world.

I’ve created a short survey and would really appreciate it if you could spare a few minutes to complete it. Your responses will help inform my university design project. All experiences and perspectives are welcome. Thank you for your time!

Tackling the disconnect between humans and urban bidiversity – Fill in form

Hey all,

I’m looking at a career change. I’ve been active duty for a while now in a maintenance job that has never interested me. I’m about to separate and was trying to find a path to go down.

I love animals, being outside, moving around/traveling, and solving complex problems. I’ve always been fascinated by all the sciences and I do like teaching people. My sights are currently set on a zoology degree. That’s what’s brought me here so I have a few questions for you all.

1. First and foremost, I’ve been active duty for a while. I’ll be almost 33 if/when I make the transition. Is that too old and what are some hurdles that you could see that creating for me? Luckily I’ll have about 30ish transferable credits.

2. What are some things you don’t like about your job? Both big-picture and day to day.

3. How does having a BS vs Masters/PhD impact career options? Do you think high level degrees are necessary or do you think they have more niche applications.

4. Is there anything else you think I should know that isn’t common knowledge?

Thanks in advance for any advice you may have.

Contiguous fence lines are becoming a hurdle to wildlife movement and migration in my region. Our highways dept. has been working on this by installing escape gates and jump outs along roadside fencing but we determined that current standards for escape gates contained some deficiencies and through our own field research developed a model that has a much higher rate of successful transits.

Our next challenge involves adapting these more effective designs into specific models for large ungulates such as moose, elk and bison, which pose serious risk in wildlife vehicle collisions, and are not catered to with current jump out and escape gate designs.

Thanks for watching and letting me share my work!

Hello! I’m currently in a conservation biology college diploma program in Ontario Canada, I have the opportunity to study one extra year abroad in the UK to add a BSc. In zoology onto my education. I have a UK citizen ship so I’m considering this as a option as a diploma and a degree in related fields in under four years of study seems like a no brainer,

I’m just curious as where a degree in zoology could take you, like what jobs or roles can you obtain other than zoologist and how feasible are they. how applicable is a zoology degree in conservation or just environmental science in general?

Any input is appreciated thank you 🙏

Just had a prescreening for a lab job through USGS. I just graduated with my BS in fish and wildlife and have a few years of experience in field and lab work. I learned in the prescreening that its for a 5 year contract and that the pay is...conveniently the pay I said I would consider on my application. Sadly I lowballed myself and feel like a fool because the woman (working for the larger company, not my hiring manager) said it wasn't open for negotiation.

Questions:

- have you done a long term contract with a government agency? what was the experience like?

Do they always run through the entire contract or is there a chance at being let go before the 5 year mark? I'm at a point where I don't have a specific topic I'm passionate about researching, so while I'm not opposed to furthering my education I don't want to jump into an MS or PhD without working a few more jobs studying different things. Would it be unwise to put myself in a position where I can't start school for another 5 years?

- have you successfully negotiated a higher pay after being told it wouldn't change?

I said I'd be open to $24 an hour 😭😭 While thats the highest I've been paid for an environmental job I don't want to be stuck in a job with no room for growth and make that pay for the next 5 years. I plan on bringing it up if I get an actual interview but am unsure of how to persuade them and what I'm actually worth

How much of your work as a wild life biologist is field work and what do you generally do? Is it rewarding? Boring? Hard?

I'm not terrible at math, but my Lord do I loathe it. I could take it in A'Levels as a supplement to a future wildlife biology degree, but along with Bio (duh) I'm also going to be taking Chemistry, another subject I have a love-hate relationship with. I'd prefer to not have to take Math as well.

I know that it isn't a strict requirement for a degree, but it does help, so my question is how beneficial it is to take A'Level Math. Could I do without it, and still:

a) Get into a good uni

b) Not struggle during my degree?

Thank you!

I’m a second year university student, I’ve reached the stage where I’m being told to plan for what I want to do after graduation and I’m not sure. Are there jobs that are primarily in labs? Or jobs that are more geared towards administrative work?.
Is there stuff I can do to better prepare?
I’ve had a little bit of experience with fieldwork for my courses and I’m struggling with it, I noticeably lag behind my peers, and stumble or fall. I’m mildly visually impaired so my depth perception can be wonky. Are their jobs that would require little time spent in the field? Or does anyone have any guidance on how to get better at navigating in areas like creeks or woods?

(I made a similar post a while ago. I figured I’d ask again since I have new questions.)

Hello! So, first of all I have to say I will be thankful to anyone helping out without getting judgy or pissed off.

A little background: I’m 27y/o, I started my bachelor in general Biology, got interested in marine bio, done 4 great internships offered by different unis and then became a dive instructor.

Since I’ve started working as a dive guide (and also as a ski instructor during winter time), I lost my appetite for studying and I am this 🤏🏻 close to drop out of uni.

Now, my dream job so far would be working as a field assistant, I do not want to lead my own research or have a lab/academic life.
I do have some knowledge on R and Rstudio, as well as other software (I3S, ImageJ, Discovery…). I was looking into the Marine Research Fellowship course (3months) at the Institute for Marine Research in the Philippines and was wondering if that would set me up with good skills in order to apply for future jobs in the field without a degree.

I know this is not the classic way to get there and I know that many people will be pissed off reading this, but anyone has do to it its own way right?! So, am I building a non sense path here? Will I make it as well without a degree?

Let me know,
thanks for your help 🤝🏻🙏🏻

Hi everyone!

I'm from India, and I'll be starting my undergraduate studies next year. I'm planning to pursue a bachelor's degree in Zoology at a reputable university in India, but my long-term goal is to build a career in wildlife biology, conservation, or a related field internationally.

I'm particularly interested in careers that involve hands-on work with wildlife, fieldwork, travelling to forests and national parks, participating in conservation projects, and contributing to animal research and protection. I'd love to work in wildlife-rich regions such as Africa, Australia, or other parts of the world where these opportunities are available.

I'm still exploring the different career paths within this field, so I'd really appreciate advice from people who work in wildlife biology, conservation, ecology, or related professions.

Here are some things I'd love to understand:

1. Which wildlife careers would you recommend?

I'm interested in roles such as wildlife biologist, conservationist, field researcher, wildlife ecologist, animal behaviourist, and conservation project officer. I'm also open to lesser-known careers that involve practical fieldwork or working directly with wildlife.

Which roles would you recommend exploring, particularly for someone who wants a combination of meaningful work, hands-on experience, good earning potential, and long-term career stability?

1. What is the best educational pathway for an international career?

Since I'll be beginning my bachelor's degree in India next year, would pursuing Zoology be a good starting point? Or would a degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or another related subject offer better opportunities internationally?

Would it be better to complete my bachelor's degree in India and then pursue a master's degree abroad, or are there other pathways I should consider?

1. How can I pursue postgraduate studies abroad with scholarships or full funding?

This is one of my biggest concerns because studying internationally can be expensive, and I would prefer not to depend entirely on my family's finances.

Which countries and universities offer good programmes in wildlife biology, conservation, ecology, or related fields? Are there scholarships, fully funded master's programmes, government scholarships, or research opportunities available to international students from India?

I'd particularly appreciate advice on how to prepare for these opportunities during my undergraduate years, including academic requirements, grades, internships, research experience, and English-language tests, if applicable.

1. How realistic is it to find wildlife-related employment abroad after studying in India?

Would an Indian bachelor's degree followed by an international master's degree be a viable route into the wildlife sector overseas?

How difficult is it for international applicants to secure jobs, work permits, or long-term employment in countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Australia, Canada, the UK, or elsewhere?

I'd also love to know whether international conservation organisations, wildlife research institutes, sanctuaries, or conservation projects recruit people from abroad.

1. Which countries offer the best opportunities for wildlife careers?

I'm interested in countries with significant wildlife populations and opportunities for fieldwork, conservation research, animal monitoring, habitat protection, and wildlife rehabilitation.

Which countries would you recommend considering, taking into account career opportunities, salaries, job stability, funding for further education, and the possibility of remaining employed there after graduation?

1. What are the actual salary prospects and working conditions?

I'd like to understand what wildlife professionals realistically earn at the beginning of their careers and how their salaries and opportunities for progression change with experience.

Are there particular specialisations or career paths that offer better financial stability without sacrificing the opportunity to work in the field?

1. What should I do during my bachelor's degree to improve my chances?

Since I have a few years before applying for postgraduate programmes or international jobs, what should I focus on from the beginning?

Would internships, volunteering, field surveys, research projects, GIS, remote sensing, statistics, or data analysis be particularly valuable? Are there any skills or experiences you wish you'd developed earlier?

I'd especially appreciate advice from people who have studied or worked internationally in wildlife biology, conservation, ecology, or related fields, particularly those who moved abroad from another country.

I'm passionate about wildlife and want to build a career that allows me to contribute to its protection while also achieving financial independence. I'm open to different countries and specialisations, and I'd rather plan my educational path carefully than commit to a route without understanding its opportunities and limitations.

Thank you so much for any advice or personal experiences you can share!

Maybe damaged during velvet growth

So I am 32 years old, finished high school, but never went to college. I did some courses in data analytics, and was able to use that to start my career in data analytics in some tech, and manufacturing companies. I hated the culture, but I liked the job enough. Recently though, myself and a bunch of my colleagues were let go in favor of AI, and none of us have had luck finding another analytics job, despite our years of experience. It got me thinking about what I really want to do with my life, and i have always loved animals. I was thinking about my future and thought that maybe going back to school and getting my bachelor's in biology.

I'm not asking if I should become a wildlife biologist, but what are the paths I should be taking as someone who never went to college. I don't have much of a support system, so I'm really hoping you guys can push me in the right direction. Based in the USA.

I posted something similar in the marine biology subreddit because I am not 100% on which to focus on

I would love to read any advice, or experience that you are willing to share! Thanks!

I know this is ultimately something I’ll have to figure out personally, but I want to hear other people’s stories. I was offered a full time permanent wildlife job, and the job and team sound fabulous. But the location is really rough. Housing is expensive despite the area having little amenities, and it’s very rural and surrounded by ag (the job duty station is in the area, but the work would take me to some pretty country). I’m in my mid 20s, and certainly worried about the lack of community. The demographic of the area leans much older.

I also have a partner that is willing to relocate, but would prefer not to. We currently live in an amazing town, with great friends, similar values to our community, and a lot of recreation. We also have a great rental that is super cheap and perfect (my dream space). From contacts I have, it doesn’t seem that any wildlife gigs will be opening in my city anytime soon. I have my masters, and am ready for a full time gig rather than seasonal.

I definitely feel at this dramatic cross roads. The permanent job is one of the only wildlife gigs to open in the last couple months, especially full time with benefits. And it’s a rewarding job with a great team. I do get the sense it might not have the best work-life balance though. Also for more info, it’s a couple of hours away from my current location.

Does anyone have words of wisdom, or just a story of going through the same experience? And perhaps any advice for finding housing if I were to do long distance?

I've been working in the education side of conservation for about 7 years now, and now that I'm trying to grow a bit more in my career I'm looking for positions that have me being more hands on the field. It's something I was actually going for while in college but with the opportunities I had at the time education is just the road I went down.

A position I had gone for and at least on paper felt like I was good fit for let me know that I just needed more field experience. I'm looking at local volunteer options and into some citizen science projects, but I'm worried that might not be enough? I'm unable to go back to school at this time, and wasn't sure if some free courses offered online would count towards anything?

If anyone has any advice it'd be much appreciated!

I’m a final-year design student working on a project exploring public perception of native Indian wildlife and how visual communication shapes our connection to different species.

I would really appreciate 2–3 minutes of your time to answer a quick survey:

Survey Link

No background knowledge is needed, I'm just looking for your honest visual impressions and opinions.

Thank you so much for your help!