Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists — Tasks

Task statements

• Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
• Disseminate information by writing reports and scientific papers or journal articles, and by making presentations and giving talks for schools, clubs, interest groups and park interpretive programs.
• Develop, or make recommendations on, management systems and plans for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.
• Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
• Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
• Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
• Organize and conduct experimental studies with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings.
• Conduct literature reviews.
• Coordinate preventive programs to control the outbreak of wildlife diseases.
• Check for, and ensure compliance with, environmental laws, and notify law enforcement when violations are identified.
• Perform administrative duties, such as fundraising, public relations, budgeting, and supervision of zoo staff.
• Analyze characteristics of animals to identify and classify them.
• Prepare collections of preserved specimens or microscopic slides for species identification and study of development or disease.
• Collect and dissect animal specimens and examine specimens under microscope.