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Job outlook for fisheries biologists in the United States
Are fisheries biologist jobs in demand?
Fisheries biologist job and salary trends over time
Fisheries biologist jobs over time
Fisheries biologist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,145 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 2,316 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 2,592 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,404 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,384 | 0.00% |
Average fisheries biologist salary over time
Fisheries biologist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,758 | $22.96 | +4.9% |
| 2024 | $45,541 | $21.89 | --0.2% |
| 2023 | $45,649 | $21.95 | +1.8% |
| 2022 | $44,836 | $21.56 | +2.9% |
| 2021 | $43,562 | $20.94 | +1.4% |
Fisheries biologist jobs by state
Most common states for fisheries biologists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | 739,795 | 16 | 2% |
| 2 | California | 39,536,653 | 252 | 1% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 63 | 1% |
| 4 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 33 | 1% |
| 5 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 12 | 1% |
| 6 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 11 | 1% |
| 7 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 10 | 1% |
| 8 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 9 | 1% |
| 9 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 8 | 1% |
| 10 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 7 | 1% |
| 11 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 4 | 1% |
| 12 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 28 | 0% |
| 13 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 24 | 0% |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 16 | 0% |
| 15 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 8 | 0% |
| 16 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 6 | 0% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 4 | 0% |
| 18 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 1 | 0% |
| 19 | Vermont | 623,657 | 1 | 0% |
| 20 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 1 | 0% |
Most common cities for fisheries biologists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sacramento | 4 | 1% | $56,513 |
| 2 | San Francisco | 1 | 0% | $57,015 |
Fisheries Biologist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of fisheries biologist experts
University of Northern Iowa
Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Lake Superior State University
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Coastal Carolina University
University of Rhode Island
Stockton University
Macalester College
Pennsylvania State University - York
Cornell University
University of Rhode Island
Norfolk State University
American University
Quinnipiac University
Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Maryville University
What general advice would you give to a Fisheries Biologist?
Amy Welsh Ph.D.: I think people like the freedom that the job enables. Many biologists have flexibility with scheduling. In addition, when they are at work they are doing something that really interests them anyway. Wildlife professionals aren't paid as much as some other professions so that would be a negative but there are trade offs that are rewarding.
What will help Fisheries Biologists increase their earning potential?
Amy Welsh Ph.D.: Depends on the specific job and the specific day. There are species project leaders (in fish, game, or conservation) that have specific research projects that require field work but also inside data analysis and writing. Most of these people have a M.S. degree. Someone entering the field with a B.S. typically does more outside work. This would depend on their specific job but may be data collection, taking care of wildlife management areas, etc.
What general advice would you give to a Fisheries Biologist?
Theresa Spradling: All of the jobs that biologists do help other people, and that brings biologists personal satisfaction with their job.
What will help Fisheries Biologists increase their earning potential?
Theresa Spradling: Biology is the study of life, including bacteria, plants, animals, and people, so biology is an incredibly diverse field! What biologists do day to day depends on the area of biology that the biologist works in. Some biologists work in the field of conservation to protect animals and plants, some work in scientific research labs to advance our knowledge of nature and of medicines, some biologists teach, and some biologists specialize in helping people in healthcare settings by serving as doctors, nurses, physicians assistants, physical therapists, genetic counselors, dentists, and more. Each of these people have jobs that differ day to day and hour to hour.
Scott Henke PhD
Regents ProfessorTexas A&M University - Kingsville
Wildlife And Wildlands Science And Management
What general advice would you give to a Fisheries Biologist?
Scott Henke PhD: Be an active listener. Often new graduates what to show their knowledge, but being too eager to demonstrate what you know can be misunderstood as an attempt into being superior. If you are a new biologist in the area, research what issues face the citizens of the area first so you become aware of what may be needed. Then arrange a meeting with the key people or local groups and ask questions as to what they believe are their most important questions and concerns. During this meeting, only listen. Do not offer suggestions unless specifically asked to do so. Often people want to be heard so actively listen to their concerns. Get to know the locals as individuals. They will be more receptive to you as the ‘new’ person, if they feel respected by you first.
Also learn the local customs. People from different areas other than from where you grew up may do things differently. Don’t be judgmental as how things are done in the new area. Different is not necessarily wrong, its just a different way from what you may be accustomed to doing.
What Fisheries Biologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Scott Henke PhD: This answer will age me, but I think today’s generation relies too heavily on technology. Old school ‘hands-on’ training is becoming a lost art. New students, for the most part, seem to have spent little time outdoors and do not seem capable of recognizing animal signs (i.e. tracks, scat, feather, scraps, dens, fur, etc.). I think some of these “lost art” skills will be needed, and up-and-coming students who have such skills will be sought by agencies.
People skills will always be needed. Most kids get into wildlife management because they desire to work with animals, but quickly find out that much of wildlife jobs entail dealing with people. Being able to converse with kids to adults, from lay people to businessmen to scientists is always useful Get as much experience with people as you can. It will pay off. As a student, volunteer to give presentations to school classes, to Rotary Clubs, to Garden Clubs, and give scientific presentations at science-based conferences.
Also, learn how to identify plants. Plants are often thought of as the boring part for wildlife students; however, plants are habitat. Much of wildlife management is habitat management. Do not lessen the importance of this skill.
What will help Fisheries Biologists increase their earning potential?
Scott Henke PhD: The trend in the wildlife field is to seek employees with higher degrees (i.e., MS degrees +), especially when seeking middle management or higher levels (research type job) or supervisory level positions. Therefore to ensure your competitiveness as you develop in your career, seek at least a MS level education. True story: I had a student (let’s call him Bill) who was not interested in a higher education nor did he take his coursework during his BS degree too seriously. Bill graduated from our wildlife program with a satisfactory GPA (~2.75, which is a C+ level). Not stellar, but good to graduate. Bill interviewed well and got a job with the state wildlife agency. After a year of working Bill was asked to train a new employee (who had a MS degree). That new employee eventually became Bill’s boss because the new employee held an advanced degree. Again, Bill was asked to train another student (again with a MS degree) and the same outcome happened again. This time Bill decided to never let it happen again and he desired to earn a MS degree. Unfortunately, Bill’s GPA from his BS degree (2.75) was insufficient to get accepted into a graduate level program. Bill is most likely as high a level as possible in his career, even though he is at best considered mid-career. The moral of this story is to make sure you do as well as possible in your BS program. Stay in school and retake classes if you must, but do not graduate with a BS degree unless you have at least a 3.0 GPA (3.25+ is better). You may not have a desire to ever get a graduate degree (MS or PhD); however, if the opportunity arises or if your job situation changes where a higher degree is needed, at least that door is still available to you. Look at your life in the long-term. Graduate school may not be desired NOW, but it may become necessary or desirable later. Don’t close that door on yourself by the age of 20. That’s too young to make a decision that could affect the rest of your life.
What general advice would you give to a Fisheries Biologist?
Dr. Kevin Kapuscinski Ph.D.: Traditional fisheries skills such as setting and lifting nets, and collecting biological data from fish will continue to be important. Managing, analyzing, and interpreting data using spreadsheets and statistical software are also essential in fisheries. Other skills such as acoustic telemetry (deploying & maintaining receivers, implanting fish with transmitters), analyzing spatial data or other 'big data' sets, and laboratory skills (e.g., eDNA, water quality, emerging contaminants) are likely to increase in demand as technologies continue to develop.
What Fisheries Biologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Kevin Kapuscinski Ph.D.: For fisheries technicians, salary potential can be maximized by obtaining special skills and certifications (e.g., geospatial data analysis, captain's license). For fisheries biologists and researchers, salary potential can be maximized by earning a graduate degree.
What will help Fisheries Biologists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Kevin Kapuscinski Ph.D.: Recent graduates in the areas of aquaculture, fishery science, and fisheries management should say yes to opportunities and challenge themselves. This might mean moving across the country for their first job, going to a workshop to learn a new skill, or presenting at a professional conference. Having a growth mindset will help early career professionals find the path that is best for them and build a rewarding career.
What general advice would you give to a Fisheries Biologist?
Jennifer Slate PhD: Because there are so many types of jobs in biology, there is a job to suit everyone! Jobs may be people-oriented, focus primarily on labwork, or even allow one to spend time outdoors. Many (but not all) jobs in biology require further education after finishing the bachelor’s degree. Biology graduates often go on to health professional programs, to obtain teaching certification, or to obtain a master’s or PhD degree.
What Fisheries Biologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jennifer Slate PhD: There is currently a huge demand for workers in biology and other STEM professions. Healthcare workers are especially needed in nursing, medicine, and physical therapy. There is a shortage of teachers, particularly those who can teach biology or other sciences. The huge amount of biological data that is available, such as in genetics and environmental biology, means that scientists with analytical skills have great job opportunities.
What will help Fisheries Biologists increase their earning potential?
Jennifer Slate PhD: There are so many different types of jobs in biology, to suit people of different interests. Biologists work in health care, in research labs, in environmental protection, and in teaching- just to name a few fields. Responsibilities on a day-to-day basis will depend upon the particular job field. Common skills required on a daily basis include use of computer software, ability to make and record detailed observations, and teamwork/communication skills.
What Fisheries Biologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Falk Huettmann: FH Some people might dismiss education overall, others do not like to acknowledge, or work on, environmental or biological aspects. But reality remains, we are living beings and surrounded by the living world. We are part of the world's biology; so it's best to be fluent on those matters and well educated.
What will help Fisheries Biologists increase their earning potential?
Falk Huettmann: FH Biology is a very big topic and a large discipline. Many biologists work on microbiological aspects. In my case our graduates often do biodiversity and species work, employing data, using geographic information system (GIS) mapping and modeling predictions using machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for environmental applications worldwide, e.g. climate change, impact and risk assessments. That's a big field for employment across the board.
What general advice would you give to a Fisheries Biologist?
Danielle Silvia: There are many emerging trends and changes in the natural world making biology a fascinating career to embark on. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of biology is predicted to see a 5% increase in job growth through 2032, as biologists are in high demand across areas such as healthcare, environmental science, sustainability, biotechnology, and more. Due to pressing issues like climate change, the disappearance of species and nature, public health crises, drug development, and genetic engineering, becoming a biologist today will provide career advancement tomorrow. You’ll have the opportunity to make a difference in important areas of society while pursuing an intellectually stimulating career for the long-term.
What Fisheries Biologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Danielle Silvia: A day in the life of a biologist typically involves researching various forms of life, such as bacteria, animals, plants, how they impact the world around them, and vice versa. Biologists may run experiments to work towards answering these questions, using some of the latest and greatest scientific tools and techniques in a laboratory setting. The job scope also includes collecting and reviewing data from research and experiments, and creating reports based on findings to solve important problems. Biologists work at all levels on organisms from the molecular to the whole organism to populations.
What will help Fisheries Biologists increase their earning potential?
Danielle Silvia: Working in the field of biology offers a variety of distinct occupations, and the likes and dislikes may vary from person to person. However, if you’re somebody who enjoys thinking analytically, asking big questions then testing them, and exploring natural environments, this career path may be the right fit for you.
Derek Crane Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorCoastal Carolina University
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, And Population Biology
What general advice would you give to a Fisheries Biologist?
Derek Crane Ph.D.: The great thing about biology is that it is an incredibly broad and diverse field that people with a variety of skill sets and interests can work in. Based on the field of biology someone is in, their day-to-day activities can vary from sampling and observing plants and animals, working in a lab processing samples, or analyzing data and communicating results (sometimes all within a single day for someone!). Entry-level biologists are typically involved in more of the hands-on work in the field or lab, collecting data, and as they gain experience they become more involved in the analytical and communication aspects of the job.
What will help Fisheries Biologists increase their earning potential?
Derek Crane Ph.D.: Some of our greatest challenges as a global society, such as food security under a changing climate, predicting, preventing, and handling of future pandemics, and rapid loss of biodiversity are based in biology. We need smart, energetic, and motivated people to address these issues.
What general advice would you give to a Fisheries Biologist?
Brian Plouffe PhD: Recent graduates in the biological sciences traditionally have a broad education in the many aspects of biology. Recent graduates are well prepared to enter the fields of pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, food processing and safety, environmental, and biotechnology. Graduates in the biological sciences may work outside in the field collecting samples for analysis or farms growing crops. Others may work in a research lab doing bench work in cell biology, microbiology, or genetics. Many graduates work in healthcare assisting with disease diagnostics and therapeutics. Given the broad nature of the field, the possibilities are endless on what someone could do with their career. No two days may be the same, and it is a very dynamic field to enter.
What Fisheries Biologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Brian Plouffe PhD: The biological sciences are an ever-evolving field, so graduates may be at the forefront of innovation in the fields of drug discovery and development, agriculture, and healthcare. With the new advances in genetic engineering and molecular biology, graduates will be involved in future advances that may change the work of medicine, food insecurity and sustainability, and climate control. The broad education of recent graduates will also give the foundation to find and keep a career in a wide variety of fields and industries.
What general advice would you give to a Fisheries Biologist?
Dr. Adam Aguiar Ph.D.: Biology offers a variety of career opportunities in labs, industry, journalism, environmental organizations, policy-making, teaching, etc. The field is essential for addressing societal challenges and is stable in society.
What Fisheries Biologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Adam Aguiar Ph.D.: Biologists enjoy different aspects such as fieldwork, lab work, data analysis, and communicating scientific concepts. Some find fulfillment in teaching and public seminars, while others may have preferences for specific tasks within the field.
What will help Fisheries Biologists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Adam Aguiar Ph.D.: The daily routine of a biologist can vary on a day-to-day basis, involving being out in the field collecting data, working in a lab using special instruments, or at a computer organizing and analyzing data. Writing for publications and grant proposals is also essential.
What general advice would you give to a Fisheries Biologist?
Elena Tonc: Big data analysis is becoming an increasingly important skill in both ecology and molecular biology fields so getting as much experience through classes and internships will be valuable, as well as bioinformatic experience specifically with genomics and proteomics for graduates interested in biomedical research. Further, the ability to collaborate across disciplines within biology and outside are becoming increasingly important for tackling complex biological challenges.
What Fisheries Biologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Elena Tonc: Stay curious and keep learning-the field is constantly evolving with new techniques and building on previous knowledge so it will be important to stay up-to-date. Also, more generally, there is always something new to learn in biology or explore a new subfield. Another thing to keep in mind is building relationships. Reach out to professionals who are on the career path you desire and schedule informational interviews as they are a fantastic way to gain insights, advice, and potentially even mentorship. Learning from others' experiences can help you navigate your career path more effectively and open up opportunities you might not have considered otherwise. The diversity of career trajectories in biology means there's no one-size-fits-all approach, so being proactive in seeking guidance and learning from others' journeys can be immensely valuable.
What will help Fisheries Biologists increase their earning potential?
Elena Tonc: Having a specialized skillset is one way to increase your compensation potential early in your career as those jobs are high in demand and companies might offer bigger salary incentives as a recruitment tool. Of course, negotiation is a big part too-don't be afraid to ask for higher compensation after researching salary ranges for similar positions in your location.
What Fisheries Biologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jessica Petko: For teaching my advice for new biology professors is to take an active approach to teaching. During COVID, I redesigned my courses as flipped classes, where students watch lectures outside of class, and then do activities applying the material during lecture time. This has increased retention of introductory material through upper-level course work. I also suggest bringing your research into the classroom for examples where possible. It's a great recruiting tool for getting research students. Lastly, if you are just starting out in teaching, you will have to realize that your first semester will not be perfect. It takes about three times teaching a class to adapt it to your student population. Don't be hard on yourself and be open to suggestions from students. For research at a small campus, I have two pieces of advice. First, find an area of research that you are passionate about, but one where you won't be competing with researchers at huge universities. Second, develop collaborations with experienced researchers.
What will help Fisheries Biologists increase their earning potential?
Jessica Petko: While it is possible to enter a teaching position right after your PhD, it is encouraged to get postdoctoral experience. As a postdoc, you will learn new techniques, gather data, and develop projects you can take with you into a tenure track position. The additional experience will be taken into consideration for compensation. Also, negotiate not only for your starting salary but also start-up funds.
Professor Marvin Pritts
Professor of HorticultureCornell University
International Agriculture
What general advice would you give to a Fisheries Biologist?
Professor Marvin Pritts: Everyone has to eat, and as the population grows and resources diminish, there is ever increasing demand for more and better-quality food. Even the animals we eat rely on plant-based food. There will never be a time when plant science becomes obsolete. New pests and climate change require that the genetics of our crops and the ways crops are managed change as well. Preservation of our remaining natural areas is critical for ecosystem functioning and quality of life. When COVID hit, attendance at parks skyrocketed and has not diminished. Participation at pick-your-own farms went way up as people rediscovered a connection with nature and their food. So it's a great time to pursue a profession in plant science.
What Fisheries Biologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Professor Marvin Pritts: Some jobs are mostly lab-based while others are field-based. Still others involve education or data management so would occur mostly inside. I think the best type of job is one that involves all three components, and a career in plant science can allow for one to participate in all of these. Lab-based jobs typically involve some sort of research, genetic studies, propagation, or analyses of samples. Field-based jobs typically involve growing or propagating plants, data collection or scouting, pest management, plant breeding, or crop and natural area management. The number of careers that fall under the plant science category is very diverse so there is no typical day. Even within a particular career, what is done in a day varies greatly by season of the year.
What will help Fisheries Biologists increase their earning potential?
Kristen Willems PhD: Know your worth. How much are other companies and schools paying someone in this position? What are the different expectations and benefits in these positions as well. There are other things to consider when weight job offers than just salary.
Dr. Scott McWilliams Ph.D.
ProfessorUniversity of Rhode Island
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What general advice would you give to a Fisheries Biologist?
Dr. Scott McWilliams Ph.D.: Some skill sets are always essential - be a good communicator (oral and written) because these are common to all vocations in the environmental science fields. Otherwise, have a good understanding of the scientific method, critical and creative thinking skills, and as many directly applicable skills for your chosen field within environmental sciences. For example, if you want to be a wildlife ecologist then you better understand field skills related to how to estimate abundance and distribution of wild animals.
What Fisheries Biologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Scott McWilliams Ph.D.: What will separate you from other applicants (and ensure you maximize your salary potential) is excellence in the classroom (i.e., good grades) and most importantly your outside-of-classroom set of experiences. How much fieldwork and lab work have you done, what projects have you been involved with, what internships have you done.
What will help Fisheries Biologists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Scott McWilliams Ph.D.: Make sure you take courses that teach you applied, field-applicable skills, and most importantly take advantage of experiential learning opportunities outside the classroom - in short, do internships and get involved in field research in environmental sciences and wildlife ecology and management.
Nazir Barekzi Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorNorfolk State University
Biology
What general advice would you give to a Fisheries Biologist?
Nazir Barekzi Ph.D.: In order to maximize the salary potential in the field of Biology, stay focused to the fundamental basics and use your skillset to problem solve obstacles and overcome them with confidence. You are no longer in the classroom, so it's time to show off all that you know. In addition, leverage your skills learned in hands-on labs to maximize your salary potential.
What will help Fisheries Biologists increase their earning potential?
Nazir Barekzi Ph.D.: As a graduate with a degree in Biology, I advise that you keep up with the technology in the biomedical field. In the age of gene editing, personalized medicine, and advanced implants, the biology degree is a valuable asset to have.
What general advice would you give to a Fisheries Biologist?
Meg Bentley: Remember that you are 'starting your career' - even the most brilliant and capable people have to start somewhere, so don't attach a starting salary to your self-worth and don't think that a high salary will make up for a miserable job experience. Ask upfront questions about how your employer sets your initial salary and then handles and manages promotions and raises. Remember, that benefits other than salary count toward your overall compensation package (health insurance, retirement, childcare), so include those as well and ask about benefits that are really important to you. Also, do your homework - don't ask for a $90K starting salary when the CEO makes $110K. Once you accept an offer, be willing to listen to feedback on your performance and address it as best you can. Finally - seek out employers/companies where you can have balance, be happy, and do something that you think is important while also identifying ways to grow professionally and increase your salary.
What Fisheries Biologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Meg Bentley: The perfect job does not exist, especially as you are beginning your career. But lots of jobs exist where you can learn from mentors and peers, learn new skills, get exposed to new applications! Don't be a perfectionist early in your career and be thoughtful about what you hope to gain from a particular job experience - then, check in with yourself every few months about whether you are gaining what you want. Also - find and cultivate mentors wherever you end up. These mentors, whether they be peers or bosses or people more junior are your professional network and you should learn as much from them as possible! Also - be nice.
What will help Fisheries Biologists increase their earning potential?
Meg Bentley: Remember that you are "starting your career" - even the most brilliant and capable people have to start somewhere, so don't attach a starting salary to your self-worth and don't think that a high salary will make up for a miserable job experience. Ask upfront questions about how your employer sets your initial salary and then handles and manages promotions and raises. Remember, that benefits other than salary count toward your overall compensation package (health insurance, retirement, childcare), so include those as well and ask about benefits that are really important to you. Also, do your homework - don't ask for a $90K starting salary when the CEO makes $110K. Once you accept an offer, be willing to listen to feedback on your performance and address it as best you can. Finally - seek out employers/companies where you can have balance, be happy, and do something that you think is important while also identifying ways to grow professionally and increase your salary.
Craig Magie Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology Quinnipiac University Department of Biological SciencesQuinnipiac University
Biology
What general advice would you give to a Fisheries Biologist?
Craig Magie Ph.D.: Decide what sort of biology you enjoy the most, and pursue a career based on that. For example, some students enjoy laboratory science and would be a good fit for a job in the pharmaceutical industry. Others enjoy being outside in nature and would be better served by a career in the forest service or something similar. The more you enjoy what you do, the more motivated you will be to do it well. Make sure you have marketable skills employers are looking for and play up your critical thinking skills and adaptability. You may not be familiar with the specific technologies used in a particular job, but if you can demonstrate that you are a quick and eager learner you will be a more attractive candidate.
What Fisheries Biologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Craig Magie Ph.D.: Decide what sort of biology you enjoy the most, and pursue a career based on that. For example, some students enjoy laboratory science and would be a good fit for a job in the pharmaceutical industry. Others enjoy being outside in nature and would be better served by a career in the forest service or something similar. The more you enjoy what you do, the more motivated you will be to do it well. Make sure you have marketable skills employers are looking for and play up your critical thinking skills and adaptability. You may not be familiar with the specific technologies used in a particular job, but if you can demonstrate that you are a quick and eager learner you will be a more attractive candidate.
Abe Woodard
Ph.D. Candidate - Wildlife Science, Research Scientis, East FoundationTexas A&M University - Kingsville
Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute
What skills will help Fisheries Biologists earn the most?
Abe Woodard: Beyond the amount of experience (years and diversity), soft skills help you earn the most when you first enter the job market.
What skills stand out on Fisheries Biologist resumes?
Abe Woodard: I feel experience helps you stand out the most with Wildlife Biologist resumes and the skills associated with those experiences. Examples would be conducted surveys, radio-telemetry, data analysis, and general research, etc. Normally, experience within specific studies indicates the skills associated, such as with various modeling or statistical programs within our field.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Fisheries Biologists?
Abe Woodard: Analytical skills and keeping up with technology are mandatory. Our job revolves around collecting and analyzing data regarding wildlife and their habitats; having the technical skills and ability to analyze this data is a must.
Stacy Donovan Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology and Forensic ScienceMaryville University
College of Arts and Sciences
What soft skills should all Fisheries Biologists possess?
Stacy Donovan Ph.D.: -Ability to work independently
-Ability to work collaboratively
-Ability to communicate effectively to a wide variety of stakeholders
-Ability to ask questions
What skills will help Fisheries Biologists earn the most?
Stacy Donovan Ph.D.: When examining job ads for an entry-level position, as I often see that pay is dependent upon experience. I encourage students to apply for internships to obtain skills outside of research and university laboratory courses. If an internship is not possible, then I encourage students to take as many courses with laboratories as they can to increase their skill level and marketability. Students should look for upper-level biology and chemistry laboratory courses that have tangible skills like biochemistry, quantitative analysis, molecular biology, microbiology, or instrumental analysis. Coding courses are also beneficial for students wanting to apply for jobs involving genomic analysis.