Zoology : Job Prospects & Career Options

Pin It

Anyone with a genuine interest and love for animals and wildlife can pursue a career as a professional Zoologist. Career as zoologist is an attractive option for those, who love to spend time with nature. There are several specializations in zoology; taxonomists are mostly concerned with naming and classification of animal species, physiologists study the metabolic processes of animals and embryologists focus on the early stages of animals. You can also specialize in one animal group, as per your interest. For example, ornithologists deal with birds, ichthyologists study fishes and mammalogists deal with mammals and so on.

Some of the places that hire people who have studied Zoology, are Zoos, Wildlife services, Botanical Gardens, Conservation organizations, National parks, Nature reserves, Universities, laboratories etc. Various options available for zoologists are:

Zoo Curators or Educators
A zoologist can work in zoos and museums as administrators or managers, educators and curators. Zoo curators are responsible for managing and taking care of the zoo animals. Zoo curators concentrate on acquiring animals for the zoo by practicing breeding programs as well as purchasing from other organizations or at times, from the wild, take care of food and recreational needs of animals etc. Wildlife educators answer queries of visitors regarding the zoo animals. Zoologists also take keen interest in knowing the ways in which the animals interact with each other, the diseases from which they may suffer, classifying the animals into different categories based on their appearance, habitat and eating habits etc. Zoologists also use the method of dissection to study the dead animals in detail.

Teachers and Researchers
After completing a master's degree in zoology, one can teach in schools and colleges. Researchers conduct research in private organisations or in university departments. In order to pursue a career in research, one should at least have a master's degree in zoology. The zoologist can conduct research about a specific topic related to a particular animal species. After completing research, one can continue as an independent researcher or work as a professor in colleges or universities. Another option is to join as project leader or research director and lead other budding zoologists in research projects.

Biological Laboratory Technician
After earning a bachelor's degree in biology or zoology, a candidate can work as a biological technician. The job responsibilities include collecting data, taking care of animals and habitat management of the animals. But usually there is less career growth in this field. A laboratory technician can also assist a researcher or work with other private companies.

Animal Behaviorists and Rehabilitators
Animal behaviorists are professionals who train employees of zoos and museums on how to interact and care for animals. They mainly focus on behaviors of animals in the natural habitats (ethology). Animal rehabilitators care for ill, injured or orphaned wild animals which have been damaged by bushfires, oil spills, or other major disasters. After the animals regain their normal conditions, the rehabilitators release them in the wild.

Conservationist
Wildlife conservation agencies recruit zoologists as Wildlife Conservationists where their major responsibility is to conserve the extinct species of wildlife and animals. The job of an animal conservationist is exciting, which is mainly based on the conservation of wild animals and their habitats.

In addition, a zoologist can work in private companies or as ecological consultants, which is one of the most demanding jobs at present. Private television channels recruit experienced and skilled zoologists for making and presenting documentaries on animals and wildlife. Probably this is the most glamorous career choice available for Zoologists today.

Zoology : Remuneration

Salary vary depending on the education, experience, nature of work, area of specialization, and type of employing organization. Professionals working in the research and development department can earn handsome salaries in this field. In the initial stages of the career, one can earn about Rs.8000 to 13000 per month. After five to seven years of work experience, this can surpass to Rs. 25000 per month mark. Abroad, after gaining few years of experience in the industry, you can earn more than $75,000 per year.