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Job outlook for wildlife biology technicians in the United States
Are wildlife biology technician jobs in demand?
Wildlife biology technician job and salary trends over time
Wildlife biology technician jobs over time
Wildlife biology technician job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 289 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 312 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 349 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 324 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 321 | 0.00% |
Average wildlife biology technician salary over time
Wildlife biology technician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $34,231 | $16.46 | +4.9% |
| 2024 | $32,642 | $15.69 | --0.2% |
| 2023 | $32,719 | $15.73 | +1.8% |
| 2022 | $32,136 | $15.45 | +2.9% |
| 2021 | $31,223 | $15.01 | +1.4% |
Wildlife biology technician jobs by state
Most common states for wildlife biology technicians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 101 | 8% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 57 | 6% |
| 3 | Alaska | 739,795 | 44 | 6% |
| 4 | Vermont | 623,657 | 40 | 6% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 353 | 5% |
| 6 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 485 | 4% |
| 7 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 226 | 4% |
| 8 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 197 | 4% |
| 9 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 134 | 4% |
| 10 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 79 | 4% |
| 11 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 326 | 3% |
| 12 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 232 | 3% |
| 13 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 194 | 3% |
| 14 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 184 | 3% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 156 | 3% |
| 16 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 117 | 3% |
| 17 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 87 | 3% |
| 18 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 36 | 3% |
| 19 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 70 | 2% |
| 20 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 47 | 2% |
Wildlife Biology Technician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of wildlife biology technician experts
Texas A&M University - Kingsville
University of Oklahoma
University of Rhode Island
Texas A&M University - Kingsville
University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
Carleton College class of 2020 Biology major
North Carolina State University
The Wildlife Society
Emeritus Scientist, U.S. Forest Service
Northern Arizona University
University of Wisconsin
What general advice would you give to a Wildlife Biology Technician?
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 Wildlife Biology Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Amy Welsh Ph.D.: Funding is very good for wildlife management in America. There are many different kinds of specific jobs someone can find depending on their interests (how much they want to work inside vs. outside, do they want to supervise, do they want to be a project leader, etc.)
What will help Wildlife Biology Technicians 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.
Scott Henke PhD
Regents ProfessorTexas A&M University - Kingsville
Wildlife And Wildlands Science And Management
What Wildlife Biology Technician 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 Wildlife Biology Technicians 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 Wildlife Biology Technician?
Dr. Keng-Lou Hung: My answer here will be biased by my limited experience outside of academia. I think the first step in maximizing salary potential is to pick a high-potential career path. Veterinary doctors, professors at major research universities, data scientists, and high-level environmental consultants can have fairly high incomes. Wildlife department professionals, fisheries biologists, zoology teachers, and state and national park rangers seem to have very solid middle-class incomes. It seems that zookeepers and seasonal biologists tend to have more limited salary potential. Once one has settled on a career path that has the potential of high salary with promotions, the best strategy is probably to continue seeking opportunities to learn more advanced skill so as to be able to take on greater responsibilities, including both technical skills (data analysis, taxon expertise, field methodology expertise, policy/bureaucracy expertise) and personnel / logistical management skills.
What Wildlife Biology Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Keng-Lou Hung: I would in fact like to start my answer from BEFORE one graduates with a Zoology degree. During one's undergraduate days, I would highly encourage students to get involved in hands-on research in a lab that works on topics related to their interests, or get a summer internship working with an agency aligned with their interests—such as a state wildlife department, local zoo with a conservation / research arm, a natural history museum, or an environmental consulting firm. Having some experience in the field will help students to gain a better understanding of and appreciation for what the real-life day-to-day work looks like in a job that they might be interested in, and they will also gain valuable perspective and career advice (and even connections) from their mentors and supervisors. For graduates who are lucky enough to have already landed a job in the field, my advice would be to keep an open mind and keep learning new skills, and make meaningful connections with colleagues to build a strong professional network.
Dr. Scott McWilliams Ph.D.
ProfessorUniversity of Rhode Island
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What general advice would you give to a Wildlife Biology Technician?
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 Wildlife Biology Technician 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 Wildlife Biology Technicians 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.
Abe Woodard
Ph.D. Candidate - Wildlife Science, Research Scientis, East FoundationTexas A&M University - Kingsville
Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute
What skills will help Wildlife Biology Technicians 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 Wildlife Biology Technician 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 Wildlife Biology Technicians?
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.
Jason Riddle Ph.D.
ProfessorUniversity of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
College of Natural Resources
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Wildlife Biology Technicians?
Jason Riddle Ph.D.: Becoming a Certified Wildlife Biologist with The Wildlife Society is helpful. While many employers don't make this certification a requirement, it still carries important credibility in our field. Specifically, it demonstrates a serious and rigorous commitment to the profession as well as the resource. In addition, any certifications that professionals can acquire in the areas of first aid, wildland firefighting, herbicide application, and safe use of equipment (such as chainsaws) are helpful as well. Any course that improves communication skills is critical in our field.
What technical skills for a Wildlife Biology Technician stand out to employers?
Fin Ouweleen: Regarding technical skills, for the positions I applied for in field biology, most jobs were looking for people that had the most experience specifically for that job, making it hard for someone without that experience to find an entry point into the field. It definitely gives someone an edge if they have writing skills and know some knowledge of coding languages, data sheets, and other software like ArcGIS.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Wildlife Biology Technician job market given the pandemic?
Lara Pacifici Ph.D.: Strong communication skills, whether remote or in-person, are more important than ever. The ability to lead video conferences used to be an added bonus, but now it is a necessity. In the future, internships and volunteering for research projects will be more important. Additionally, membership and involvement in professional societies and student clubs will demonstrate a holistic commitment.
What skills stand out on Wildlife Biology Technician resumes?
Lara Pacifici Ph.D.: Skills that require specific training and practice to develop can really set apart an applicant. Expertise with Geographic Information Systems, R coding,, mist netting and bird banding are some examples from the field of wildlife management and conservation. Additionally, we look for internship and volunteer activities, undergraduate research, presentations, publications, and contributions and memberships in professional societies and student clubs.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Wildlife Biology Technicians to find work opportunities?
Lara Pacifici Ph.D.: Wildlife conservation opportunities exist throughout the United States. The most successful candidates are willing to go anywhere and experience new things. Employment opportunities exist with local, state, and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and private organizations.
Indianapolis Zoo
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Wildlife Biology Technicians?
: Challenges are entering the zoo and aquarium field in the COVID era. A good majority of zoos and aquariums have felt the impact of lower attendance, which has led to lower revenues and fewer available positions. However, there is reason to be optimistic. Animals at zoos and aquariums still must be fed and looked after. Recent graduates should look to internships and volunteer experiences to bolster their resumes if they truly are committed to entering the field.
What experience really stands out on Wildlife Biology Technician resumes?
Jamila Blake: You may want to be a wildlife biologist, wildlife educator, consultant, or any number of career options. So the experience listed on your resume really depends on which discipline you are interested in pursuing, within the wildlife field, but hands-on experience will be valuable no matter what. This could be through internships, assistantship, volunteer work, or workshop, just something that shows you are working to build up your skillset and apply your knowledge of wildlife.
How do you envision technology impacting Wildlife Biology Technicians in the next 5 years?
Jamila Blake: Technology is a vital aspect of the wildlife field, and it will only continue to become more integrated into the work of professionals over the next five years. Emerging technologies will enhance professionals' abilities to monitor and protect species, conduct genetics research, and reduce wildlife diseases. Use of tools like live cams, genetic engineering techniques, GIS, artificial intelligence, and bioacoustics technology will enable efficient and effective contributions to wildlife management and conservation.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Wildlife Biology Technicians?
Jamila Blake: Impacts of the coronavirus will definitely be seen in the lack of opportunities for in-person interactions, training, and work opportunities, but it is certainly not all bad. While students may have been hoping to gain some field experience, remote or modified positions have been developed, and a number of online learning opportunities have been enhanced to continue students' skill-building. Many organizations have been able to adapt to virtual workplaces, events, and professional development offerings - such as conferences, workshops, mentorship connections, and networking events. This year of adjusting and learning will likely enable the wildlife field to be more flexible with remote working options.
What type of skills will young Wildlife Biology Technicians need?
Richard Pouyat: Besides developing your expertise in wildlife ecology, it is the ability to communicate with the public and other professionals regarding your knowledge area (in this case, wildlife ecology or related field). Related to this is the development of your "EQ" or emotional quotient (a measure of emotional intelligence), which is the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways, to communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges, and defuse conflict. As we can see with recent political developments, science is not being taken seriously by much of the public, which, in my opinion, is a direct result of the public's lack of trust in scientists or the users of science (e.g., conservation managers). Obviously, there are not any courses one can take to develop your EQ, so this must be done on an individual basis. One way to accomplish this would be to choose an issue in your community that they care about and get involved. In this way, the student will get experience working with a diversity of perspectives on an issue. My wife, who is a Career Consultant, gives this advice to all of her students.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Wildlife Biology Technicians to find work opportunities?
Richard Pouyat: I suggest getting experience (not necessarily a job) working with communities on a local conservation issue. These types of experiences will give you an edge over others in finding a position in wildlife ecology. Another way to get an edge would be to consider being certified as an ecologist through the Ecological Society of America (ESA). Please visit ESA's website for information. As for finding positions in the field, there are opportunities that range from the private sector (consulting firms) to government positions to non-government organization (NGO) positions. A good place to start would be visiting ESA's website, which provides listings of positions in the field. The best way to find out about potential jobs or volunteer opportunities is to discover opportunities through personal interactions at local, state, and national meetings related to your field. That is how I found out about my first job after graduating with my M.S. degree. Again, ESA is a good place to do this with the annual meeting (every August) and Chapter regional meetings (again, refer to the website for opportunities). Finally, you can proactively find out about jobs by asking professionals in the field for their advice! One does this through "informational interviews." Again, something my wife advocates with her students. Most professionals in the field are more than happy to discuss opportunities in their organizations with students. When seeking advice, please respect the fact that these individuals are often extremely busy and that you should first contact them and see if they would be interested and then follow that up with a request to set up a meeting (now, probably virtual). And when you go, be prepared!
Laura Huenneke
Individual ecologist, Professor Emeritus, Environmental Sciences, Northern Arizona UniversityNorthern Arizona University
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Wildlife Biology Technicians to find work opportunities?
Laura Huenneke: Many places in the U.S. are coping with rapid changes in the relationship between natural resources, recent land-use patterns, and regional economies. Examples include much of the western U.S. where logging, oil and gas development, and ranching are being overtaken by recreational use and suburban development as major economic activities; and areas along the southeastern coasts where the sea-level rise and pollution concerns threaten communities and fisheries. Those prepared to work with wildlife and fish populations will have much to contribute to these settings.
How do you envision technology impacting Wildlife Biology Technicians in the next 5 years?
Laura Huenneke: Technology is bringing "big data" approaches to these fields, as it is elsewhere. Drone technology and remote sensing can reduce the time involved in data collection but requires more informatics and analysis for processing and interpreting results. Genetics approaches (e.g., the ability to use "environmental DNA" to detect rare fish in a stream or rare bats in a cave) are transforming sampling. Zoologists must keep up with these new technologies or have a collaborative mindset to team with others.
Dr. Scott Hygnstrom
Professor and Extension Wildlife SpecialistUniversity of Wisconsin
Center for Wildlife
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Wildlife Biology Technicians to find work opportunities?
Dr. Scott Hygnstrom: Work in the wildlife field can be found across the country. The best opportunities for new graduates will be associated with programs that still are well funded. Programs that are mandated by state or federal legislation, such as environmental compliance, clean-up, and monitoring likely will be resistant to recent economic dips. Funds generated by the Pittman-Robertson Act actually have increased in the last decade, and associated state wildlife programs still are doing well.
In addition, many state agencies and organizations are investing in hunter and angler recruitment, retention, and revitalization, which opens doors for the right people. Those recent graduates who have done well in courses gained valuable work experience and established a professional network, while going to college, invariably do well getting entry-level jobs in the wildlife field. It may take a few temporary wildlife jobs before landing that permanent position, but graduates will have the time of their lives banding birds, burning prairie, running transects, and surveying landowners. They just have to keep an eye on the Texas A&M Jobs Board https://wfscjobs.tamu.edu/job-board/where nearly all wildlife jobs are posted.
How do you envision technology impacting Wildlife Biology Technicians in the next 5 years?
Dr. Scott Hygnstrom: Without a doubt, social media and mobile technology will continue to have a huge impact on the wildlife field in the next 5 years. I can't keep up with it, but it is in the blood of our recent graduates. I was the first graduate student to write a thesis on a computer at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1983. It has been incredible to see how computers have advanced our work and lives in the last 37 years. Knowledge is increasing at an exponential rate. The latest edition of our trade magazine, The Wildlife Professional https://wildlife.org/the-september-october-issue-of-the-wildlife-professional-3/ features artificial intelligence on the cover and addresses the opportunities that machine learning is providing in the conservation and management of wildlife. Who knows where technology will take us in the future?