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What does a wildlife technician do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Chris Stockdale
What does a wildlife technician do

A wildlife technician is responsible for supporting wildlife biologists and management personnel on conducting research projects for habitat preservation and environmental welfare. Wildlife technicians create data reports, assist in laboratory examinations, collect biological samples, and maintaining the safety and security of the premises by observing surveillance equipment and adhering to safety policies and protocols. They also operate and inspect the efficiency of tools and equipment, provide routine maintenance, and request immediate repairs as necessary. A wildlife technician helps in planning wildlife programs and managing information dissemination to the public.

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Wildlife technician responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real wildlife technician resumes:

  • Lead fish exclusion and relocation efforts, using backpack electro fishing gear.
  • Research new techniques to properly manage invasive species such a common carp.
  • Perform automated DNA and RNA extraction of clinical specimens.
  • Collect and process biological samples for epidemiology PCR and RT-PCR studies.
  • Work with other volunteers and sometimes independently to search for, identify and record GPS coordinates of invasive plant species.
  • Extract nematode specimens from soil samples, remount old nematode slides, and enter vital information into USDA nematode collection database.
  • Operate work trucks and ATV's.
  • Used ladders on daily basis 24' 32' 40'.
  • Weld mowing equipment damage by use.
  • Remove invertebrates and tadpoles from walleye tanks.
  • Assist in various aspects of wetland management.
  • Used ArcGIS to print maps and delineate habitat.
  • Used ArcMap software to make maps for fieldwork.
  • Handle and climb ladders to put metal on houses.
  • Transfer DNA to final storage containers for future usage.

Wildlife technician skills and personality traits

We calculated that 9% of Wildlife Technicians are proficient in GPS, Hand Tools, and Harvest. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Observational skills, and Technical skills.

We break down the percentage of Wildlife Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • GPS, 9%

    Documented trails using GPS; photographed and recorded condition of infrastructure within management areas; responsible for operating state vehicles.

  • Hand Tools, 8%

    Used power tools and hand tools to improve, repair, and maintain field camp structures and weirs.

  • Harvest, 7%

    Worked with the coded wire tag project, gathered sex ratios, lengths and weights for the salmon harvest.

  • Data Entry, 6%

    Perform data entry, prepare Power Point presentations, construct graphs and data sheets, and perform other computer related activities.

  • Wildlife Habitat, 6%

    Performed general management on state game lands as well as the promotion of wildlife and wildlife habitat.

  • GRASS, 5%

    Implement habitat improvement program operating tractor and seeder to reseed Base airfield with desired grass species.

Most wildlife technicians use their skills in "gps," "hand tools," and "harvest" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential wildlife technician responsibilities here:

Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a wildlife technician to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what wildlife technicians do because "biological technicians need to conduct scientific experiments and analyses with accuracy and precision." Additionally, a wildlife technician resume shows how wildlife technicians use analytical skills: "collected, recorded, analyzed data on habitat restoration in aurora, nc collected water quality samples and presented data"

Observational skills. Many wildlife technician duties rely on observational skills. "biological technicians must constantly monitor their experiments," so a wildlife technician will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways wildlife technician responsibilities rely on observational skills: "monitored nesting habits of malaclemys terrapin (diamondback terrapin) by collecting gps and observational data. "

Technical skills. This is an important skill for wildlife technicians to perform their duties. For an example of how wildlife technician responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "biological technicians need to set up and operate sophisticated equipment and instruments." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a wildlife technician: "performed general scientific and technical data collection and analyses. ".

Communication skills. A big part of what wildlife technicians do relies on "communication skills." You can see how essential it is to wildlife technician responsibilities because "biological technicians must understand and follow the instructions of their managing scientists." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical wildlife technician tasks: "used keen observational skills and strong communication with conservation law enforcement to find and remove trespassers. "

All wildlife technician skills

The three companies that hire the most wildlife technicians are:

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Compare different wildlife technicians

Wildlife technician vs. Laboratory internship

A laboratory intern is responsible for assisting laboratory operations and perform examinations and experiments under the supervision of tenured laboratory staff. Laboratory interns shadow all the laboratory processes, document their observations, and conduct an in-depth analysis of the results. They must have excellent knowledge of scientific procedures, demonstrating their class learnings to practical applications. A laboratory intern must be detail-oriented, especially on conducting and verifying the accuracy of research materials. It is also required for a laboratory intern to be a fast-learner, understanding the scientific complexities to master various approaches.

The annual salary of laboratory interns is $1,843 higher than the average salary of wildlife technicians.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between wildlife technicians and laboratory interns are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like data collection, water quality, and research projects.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a wildlife technician are more likely to require skills like "gps," "hand tools," "harvest," and "data entry." On the other hand, a job as a laboratory internship requires skills like "lab procedures," "chemistry," "python," and "c++." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Laboratory interns really shine in the technology industry with an average salary of $48,851. Comparatively, wildlife technicians tend to make the most money in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $37,047.The education levels that laboratory interns earn slightly differ from wildlife technicians. In particular, laboratory interns are 2.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a wildlife technician. Additionally, they're 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Wildlife technician vs. Laboratory researcher

Laboratory researchers are professionals who manage a research laboratory while performing cellular and biochemical experiments with the primary researcher. These researchers must work with hazardous chemicals and should show expertise in handling lab equipment such as glassware and field equipment. They are required to assist with research projects and interpret the test data of an experiment. They must manage the order of all lab equipment by filling up the purchase requisition forms. Laboratory researchers are required to work with students in all aspects of laboratory research.

On average, laboratory researchers earn a $5,702 lower salary than wildlife technicians a year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both wildlife technicians and laboratory researchers have skills such as "data collection," "dna," and "data analysis. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that wildlife technician responsibilities requires skills like "gps," "hand tools," "harvest," and "data entry." But a laboratory researcher might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "lab procedures," "cell culture," "molecular biology," and "pcr."

On average, laboratory researchers earn a lower salary than wildlife technicians. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, laboratory researchers earn the most pay in the education industry with an average salary of $30,412. Whereas wildlife technicians have higher pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $37,047.laboratory researchers earn similar levels of education than wildlife technicians in general. They're 4.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for wildlife technicians in the next 3-5 years?

Chris StockdaleChris Stockdale LinkedIn profile

Lead National Recruiter, Forest Service

Many of our professional occupations require specific post-secondary degrees and course selection; engineers, foresters, rangeland managers, wildlife biologists, to name just a few. Our technicians may or may not have specific post-secondary education, though it always helps. Regardless - all of our new employees need to be proficient in technology. We see classes in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and another remote sensing often for a wide variety of natural resources focused degree programs and occupations. Proficiency with common spreadsheet and database software is essential, as most occupations move towards data-driven analysis and decision making. A real emerging technology in natural resources work involves Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones for sampling detection. Any courses or experience there can be helpful.

Wildlife technician vs. Biology laboratory assistant

A biology laboratory assistant is in charge of assisting scientists or researchers and performing laboratory support tasks on a daily basis. Their responsibilities include setting up and sanitizing equipment, preparing samples, maintaining documentation of all experiments and procedures, writing laboratory reports, and running errands as needed. There are also instances where they must update databases, answer calls and correspondence, and grade student papers. Furthermore, a biology laboratory assistant must maintain the cleanliness of laboratories, all while implementing its policies and regulations.

On average scale, biology laboratory assistants bring in higher salaries than wildlife technicians. In fact, they earn a $778 higher salary per year.wildlife technicians and biology laboratory assistants both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "data collection," "safety procedures," and "research projects," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a wildlife technician is likely to be skilled in "gps," "hand tools," "harvest," and "data entry," while a typical biology laboratory assistant is skilled in "lab equipment," "biology laboratory," "chemistry," and "anatomy."

Biology laboratory assistants earn the best pay in the government industry, where they command an average salary of $53,128. Wildlife technicians earn the highest pay from the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $37,047.When it comes to education, biology laboratory assistants tend to earn similar degree levels compared to wildlife technicians. In fact, they're 0.0% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Wildlife technician vs. Environmental specialist

Environmental specialists are experts in natural science who are responsible for monitoring the environmental impact of a population, identifying environmental problems, and recommending measures to solve these issues. These scientists perform various duties and responsibilities that include overseeing field examinations and reporting hazard materials and locations, evaluating environmental health concerns, and investigating preparing reports related to environmental issues. Environmental specialists are also responsible for consulting with agencies or clients about an issue or situation and working with other companies to reduce pollution and waste.

Environmental specialists average a higher salary than the annual salary of wildlife technicians. The difference is about $21,020 per year.While both wildlife technicians and environmental specialists complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like gps, data collection, and gis, the two careers vary in some skills.While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "hand tools," "harvest," "data entry," and "wildlife habitat" are skills that commonly show up on wildlife technician resumes. On the other hand, environmental specialists use skills like hazardous waste, environmental compliance, hazardous materials, and epa on their resumes.environmental specialists enjoy the best pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $63,858. For comparison, wildlife technicians earn the highest salary in the manufacturing industry.environmental specialists reach higher levels of education compared to wildlife technicians, in general. The difference is that they're 6.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.7% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of wildlife technician

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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