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Wildlife Biologist Resume Samples
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0-5 years of experience
Developed annual wildland fire plan including tracts to burn, prescriptions, staffing fire operations, and evaluating results.
- Participated in update to the Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan
- Developed and implemented Openfields/Native Barren Habitat Management Plan.
- Coordinated with MWR Outdoor Recreation to oversee hunting and fishing programs.
- Prescribed, implemented and evaluated prescribed fires on over 6000 acres of native barrens for wildlife habitat improvement operations.
- Developed, implemented and analyzed wildlife surveys.
- Evaluated various Army projects for NEPA, state (KY and TN) and Federal regulation compliance.
- Implemented nuisance animal control measures.
0-5 years of experience
Aided in the rehabilitation and care of over 200 animals including big game animals such as Elk, Musk Oxen, Moose, Bear, Sitka Deer and Caribou along side a team of 12 interns
- Led private and public tours of the largest conservation center in Alaska
- Gave conservation lectures to local/visiting youth with the help of a resident porcupine
- Studied and trained captive bears and participated in the reintroduction of endangered Wood Bison to Alaska
0-5 years of experience
Collected, entered, and analyzed data on a long-term study of bald eagle demographics and wildlife populations on Shasta Lake, CA.
- Monitored lake use by resident and migratory waterfowl, passerines, and raptors, as well as fish populations.
- Conducted surveys of the lake for fish carcasses during a food habits study, and monitored the effects of recreational fishing on eagle foraging behavior.
- Hired, coordinated, and supervised a field crew of four.
- Affixed radio transmitters to adult bald eagles in order to track and map their movements and foraging locations. Also affixed satellite transmitters to juvenile bald eagles to monitor their movements post-fledging.
- Interacted with the public regarding reservoir management and area closures.
- Collected data on nest attendance by bald eagles for Masters thesis research. Developed a baseline reference for future habitat monitoring using current mapping and survey techniques.
- Produced year-end report presented to Bureau of Reclamation, [company name], and Predatory Bird Research Group.
0-5 years of experience
Implemented nest searches and checks to ensure a stable population of endangered bird species of piping plovers, American oystercatchers and roseate terns.
- Collected and maintained data on egg counts and live chicks hatched.
- Monitored chicks until they fledged.
- Conducted night stints to protect tern colony from predatory coyotes and night herons.
0-5 years of experience
- Established efficient and effective strategies for trapping and transporting wildlife.
- Performed in the Top 5% in district sales and closing percentage monthly.
- Improved customer satisfaction ratings by developing and maintaining relationships with a diverse group of clients and partners.
- Maintained detailed records recapping client interactions, work performed, and expenses.
0-5 years of experience
Inspected homes and businesses to identify the presence of wildlife and evaluate any damage they may have caused.
- Performed exclusions to prevent any wildlife from reentering unsafe locations.
- Communicated with clients on a daily basis to initiate services and resolve existing problems. Recognized by company president and upper management for outstanding customer service on multiple occasions.
- Surfaced health concerns regarding unhygienic living areas as a result of wildlife activity and worked through appropriate decontamination strategies with customers.
- Issued depredation permits when appropriate in order to remove wildlife.
0-5 years of experience
Completed a one hour hike before sunrise daily, to conduct a two hour survey beginning at dawn for the endangered Marbled Murrelet
- Recorded sighting data and mapped flight patterns of birds observed
- Used topographic maps as well as GPS to find and set survey points
- Worked both independently and with a team to compile and tabulate data
0-5 years of experience
- Supervised 6 full-time and 4 seasonal employees.
- Lead, trained, and supervised employees in survey methods, habitat assessment procedures, predator monitoring, and GPS equipment use.
- Lead the successful conservation of the black-tailed prairie dog and re-establishment of a wild population of the federally listed endangered black-footed ferret on a 2 million acre Reservation.
- Conducted extensive field work including habitat assessment, population surveys, species inventory, in-situ anesthesia, predator assessment and control, telemetry monitoring, disease monitoring and control, and ground truthing habitat data.
- Developed experimental designs, analyzed scientific data, analyzed spatial data using ArcView.
- Integrated multiple cultures and land uses, and coordinated with representatives from congress, solicitors, county commissioners, Tribal Council, BIA, FWS, and Dept. of Interior.
- Conducted numerous presentations to various entities and hosted public meetings for outreach efforts and NEPA scoping.
0-5 years of experience
Senior staff biologist responsible for complex projects involving wildlife surveys, habitat evaluations for special status
species, ecological assessments, and reporting the findings and determinations according to NEPA and ESA
requirements.
- Prepared biological assessments and evaluations according to ESA and NEPA standards.
- Planned, coordinated, and conducted wildlife surveys including, but not limited to, Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-owl,
- Prepared cost estimates for all biology-related projects.
- Supervised daily activities/schedules of assistant biologists.
0-5 years of experience
Encouraged public interest through educational programs, presentations, and tours.
- Conducted field work, collecting numerous amounts of data.
- Set up tanks for collected fish & assisted with the movement of fish from tank to tank.
- Maintained tools & equipment in good repair & working order.
0-5 years of experience
Conducted ground and aerial surveys of bald eagles, golden eagles, and other raptors in eastern Idaho.
- Meticulously documented, and mapped, the flight-paths of eagles and raptors.
- Performed mortality monitoring of birds and bats at three different wind farms.
- Designated “field coordinator” of mortality monitoring projects.
- Conducted lek surveys of sage grouse and sharp tailed grouse.
- Effectively performed work under difficult conditions, including exposure to extreme heat, and near-blizzard conditions.
0-5 years of experience
Enacted damage control action plans created by insects, rodents, birds and other animals.
- Performed duties relating to wildlife management and the use of control techniques
- Established and maintained cooperative relationships between individuals, organizations and institutions.
- Frequently incorporated various wildlife exclusion techniques.
0-5 years of experience
- Senior staff biologist responsible for complex projects involving wildlife surveys, habitat evaluations for special status species, ecological assessments, and reporting the findings and determinations according to NEPA and ESA requirements.
- Prepared biological assessments and evaluations according to ESA and NEPA standards.
- Planned, coordinated, and conducted wildlife surveys including, but not limited to, Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-owl, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Flat-tailed Horned Lizard, Desert tortoise, Northern Goshawk, Mexican Spotted Owl, and the pima pineapple cactus.
- Prepared cost estimates for all biology-related projects.
- Supervised daily activities/schedules of assistant biologists.
0-5 years of experience
Performed aerial and ground surveys to inventory species richness and activity. Performed verification of GPS site data (ground truth) covering over 240,000 acres and imported GPS surveyed points into DRGs to display nest sites.
- Built a georeferenced database from shape files to verify occurrence of new nesting sites.
- Produced a scientific report for BLM resource managers for a Colorado Department of Wildlife avian species of concern.
- Created printer-ready map compositions with ArcView using 30-meter resolution aerial photography and USGS DEMs.
0-5 years of experience
Duties:
- Performed Border Collie-assisted goose control.
- Assisted with dog training and care.
- Communicated information about goose control techniques and practices to property owners and the general public.
- Drove between 200-300 miles per day and ensured company vehicle was properly maintained.
- Hiked and kayaked as necessary to reach locations during all weather conditions.
0-5 years of experience
Duties:
- Assisted in monitoring the developmental process and rearing of the Regal Fritillary Butterflies
- Analyzed and monitored over 100 different wildlife and plant species for biological studies
- Mapped and evaluated habitat critical areas as prep work for biological evaluations and proposals
0-5 years of experience
Encouraged public interest through educational programs, presentations, and tours.
- Conducted field work, collecting numerous amounts of data.
- Set up tanks for collected fish & assisted with the movement of fish from tank to tank.
- Maintained tools & equipment in good repair & working order.
6-10 years of experience
Conducted special status species surveys for amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, San Joaquin and desert kit fox, desert tortoise, giant garter snake, Swainson’s hawk, northern spotted owl, burrowing owl, San Francisco garter snake, and mission blue butterfly
- Conducted rare plant surveys in the Mojave Desert for large solar power plants
- Monitored peregrine falcons to determine nesting status and document impacts
- Conducted nesting bird surveys and trained coworkers in the identification of birds and nesting behavior
- Performed environmental compliance monitoring for utility and public works projects
- Designed environmental awareness training materials and performed environmental awareness trainings for construction personnel
- Troubleshot potential compliance issues and recommended solutions to diverse stakeholders
- Wrote survey and monitoring reports, biological assessments, habitat assessments, compliance plans, and environmental protection plans
- Supervised and trained staff
0-5 years of experience
- Coordinated, organized, trained, and supervised other wildlife biologists, crew members, volunteers, and interns on how to conduct wildlife surveys according to protocol.
- Wrote NEPA documents such as BE/BA’s and wrote end-of-season reports.
- Botanical expert for the District and did TES plant surveys when botanists short-handed.
0-5 years of experience
Coordinated, organized, trained, and supervised other wildlife biologists, crewmembers, volunteers, and interns on how to conduct wildlife surveys according to protocol.
- Hiked into remote areas to conduct surveys such as spotted owls, goshawks & willow flycatchers.
- Wrote NEPA documents such as BE/BA’s and wrote end-of-season reports.
- As wildlife GIS data manager produced maps with ArcView for field and to make management decisions.
- Part of Interdisciplinary Team that analyzed hazard trees and identified those to be removed.
- Part of Interdisciplinary Team that analyzed bridge replacement and other projects.
- Botanical expert for the District and did TES plant surveys when botanists short-handed.
- Completed courses at University of California at Davis in Weed, Plants of California, Aquatic Insects, Fish Physiology, Oceanography, and Fire Ecology to name a few.
- Forest firefighter on several fires as hand crewmember, dispatcher, Status Check-in Clerk, etc.
0-5 years of experience
- Collected and updated computer data relating to state Eagle and Osprey surveys
- Participated in fencing off/monitoring Osprey nesting sites along CT shorelines
- Assisted in taking specimen inventory
- Organized paperwork, completed mailers, performed office tasks for a professional state agency
0-5 years of experience
Performed general ranch duties
- Assessed and repaired all maintenance duties on ranch houses and equipment
- Assigned daily/weekly goals for entire staff (staff ranged from 4-10 employees)
- Responsible for the health and advancement of 400+ deer in breeding facility
- Created and implemented plan for management and development of all free ranging native and exotic species
- Implemented and maintained all supplemental feed necessary for animals on ranch
- Completed all paperwork required to maintain legality of deer breeding facility and hunting program on ranch
- Created and applied ranch advertisement
- Annually created financial reports that projected yearly income and expenses
- Attended to all sales of deer and hunting on ranch
- Guided hunts and assured client satisfaction throughout their stay
0-5 years of experience
- Identified and managed plant and animal species
- Created and navigated monthly and daily maps using Google Maps and Garmin GPS
- Solved human-wildlife conflicts by constructing barriers, wildlife trapping, and habitat manipulation
0-5 years of experience
Designed and developed an ecosystem model for forecasting seagrass production in the Banana River at Kennedy Space Center
- Managed sea turtle strandings, sea turtle hatchling and seagrass production databases including data collection, ingestion and statistical analysis for publications and simulation efforts
- Served as a dive support crew on the Scott Carpenter Space Analog Station mission in Key Largo where I assisted in the deployment, maintenance and retrieval of the station from the seafloor
- Performed field data collection, data analysis and report writing using many collection devices including hydrolab datasondes
- Multiple publications / presentations authored in this position
- Responsible for GIS data collection, digitization and analysis from raw data to final products including advanced geospatial analysis
- Designed and developed several automation and analysis tools in Arc/Info and ArcView software packages
6-10 years of experience
Coordinate and supervise fieldwork at over 300 biological monitoring sites per year
- Responsible for the collection, interpretation, and analysis of environmental data; including report writing, report reviews, and laboratory supervision
- Conduct threatened and endangered species habitat assessments
- Hold VDGIF Threatened and Endangered Species Permit to conduct bat surveys
- Offer environmental consulting to natural resource companies; correspond with local, state, and federal agencies; prepare quotes, manage budgets, and invoicing
- Conduct fish, bird, bat, and terrestrial snail surveys; conduct macroinvertebrate collection, identification, and analysis
0-5 years of experience
- Initiated research study on the ideal growth conditions for restoring oak savanna habitats (Growth and Survivability of Bur Oak Seedlings Planted in Grasslands: Implications for Oak Savanna Restoration)
- Collected data from streams and rivers on water levels, pH, conductivity, and turbidity
- Performed wetland health evaluations using metrics based on identification and numeration of plant and invertebrate species
- Conducted bird surveys and entered previously collected bird surveys into national marshbird database
- Controlled invasive species using mechanical (chainsaws, shears) and chemical (pesticides) methods
0-5 years of experience
- Point counts in remote locations, visual and aural identification of western and northern birds
- Planned survey routes and coordinated with field partner, maintained daily map files and Species At Risk data, online data entry
- Back-country camping, navigating with aerial photographs, topographic maps, compass and GPS
- Extensive hiking over boggy, densely vegetated terrain with subzero temperatures and biting insects
0-5 years of experience
Worked in scientific breeding operation for white-tailed deer
- Guided hunts for dove, quail, ducks, turkey, & white-tailed deer
- Participated in helicopter surveys, wildlife capture & restraint techniques
- Administered medications, vaccinations, & bottle-raised fawns
- Coordinated lake & pond management practices
- Conducted basic ranch maintenance including welding & game fencing
- Operated ranch equipment
0-5 years of experience
Performed mark-recapture studies with various species of herpetofauna, including snakes, lizards and amphibians
- Documented and mapped locations of capture using GPS and ArcGIS
- Describing and documenting the impact of human development
- Studying the effects of the F-35 Strike fighter on Flat-tailed Horned Lizards (P. McCalli) on the Barry M. Goldwater Bombing and Gunning Range.
- Radio telemetry on four species of rattlesnakes and Gila Monster (H. suspectum)
6-10 years of experience
Manage restoration activities for corporate lands including a 95 acre reclaimed landfill
- Coordinate educational programs for local schools, citizens, and youth groups
- Organize annual regional conferences
- Facilitate partnerships between conservation organizations, corporations and federal,
- Educate corporate landowners on sustainable land management and business strategies
- Manage invasive species efforts with volunteers
- Presented conservation lectures for over 1000 corporate EHS managers
- Met fiscal budget goals for 7 consecutive years
Wildlife Biologist Duties and Responsibilities
The day-to-day responsibilities of wildlife biologists vary based on their specialization, location, and employer, but there are many basic duties that apply to all wildlife biologists, such as the following:
Collect Data The primary responsibility of a wildlife biologist is to collect data about plants and animals in their native environment, often through fieldwork. This may include performing surveys, identifying species, recording animal behavior, and assessing the state of habitats.
Conduct Experiments Wildlife biologists design and implement scientific experiments, gathering data and then interpreting and analyzing it. They can publish their findings as research papers in scientific journals or use them to create simulations and wildlife strategies.
Develop Programs Because of their scientific expertise and firsthand observation, wildlife biologists have much to contribute to the development of environment-related programs. They help devise strategies for wildlife assessment, habitat protection, animal care and rehabilitation, and compliance.
Promote Awareness Wildlife biologists may hold demonstrations and lectures for the general public to promote environmental awareness. In addition, they conduct training for employees and other biologists about survey methods and other specialized topics.
Write Reports It generally falls to wildlife biologists to write meticulous documentation about their fieldwork. Their technical reports typically contain tabulated data and statistical analysis, which they must explain during regular updates and presentations to stakeholders.
Wildlife Biologist Skills and Qualifications
Wildlife biologists are detail-oriented, analytical scientists who are passionate about nature and the outdoors. They must have the patience for wrangling data as well as committing long hours to fieldwork. Most employers look for candidates with a master’s degree in wildlife biology or a related field. In addition, the following skills are necessary for the job:
- Biology and ecology knowledge – all wildlife biologists have a fundamental grasp of biology and ecology backed by a more focused understanding of the specimen that they’re studying
- Natural intelligence – since this role frequently involves interacting with wildlife and staying outdoors, wildlife biologists should have a high degree of natural intelligence. They are driven to protect the environment and are comfortable with spending time in nature
- Data analysis – wildlife biologists handle the entire data process, from gathering to interpreting, and they must be proficient with formal research techniques such as statistical and regression analyses
- Attention to detail – the fieldwork for this role requires sharp observation skills, since wildlife biologists derive conclusions from details in the environment. They must also be precise with paperwork during assessments and research
- Critical thinking – successful wildlife biologists practice critical thinking, connecting the dots and perceiving patterns in behavior. This enables them to arrive at accurate findings and create sound action plans
Wildlife Biologist Education and Training
Wildlife biologists need to earn a master’s degree in wildlife biology or a related field, such as ecology, botany, or environmental science. Because intensive knowledge of science is vital for this role, experience and formal education are extremely important. Candidates who have worked in laboratories or published related research papers are at an advantage. Continuous learning is expected on the job, as wildlife biologists must keep up to date with the latest scientific findings and regulations, and a PhD is recommended for those planning to work in the academe.
Wildlife Biologist Salary and Outlook
The median salary for wildlife biologists and zoologists is around $62,000 per year, or $30 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS). Those in the 10th percentile earn less than $40,000, and the highest paid make in excess of $99,700 annually. Wildlife biology positions are projected to increase at an average rate of 8 percent by 2026. Because of increased interaction between humans and wildlife along with environmental concerns such as global warming, wildlife biologists are much needed, but employment growth is tempered by limited funding.
Helpful Resources
Interested in pursuing a career as a wildlife biologist? The following are some helpful resources to get you started:
The Wildlife Society – TWS is an international nonprofit organization for wildlife professionals who are passionate about sustaining wildlife and natural habitats for future generations. A comprehensive resource hub, it offers news articles, learning material such as books and scientific papers, links to jobs and events, and wildlife-related certifications
The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs – written by navigator and explorer Tristan Gooley, this book explores traditional ways of deciphering nature, from predicting the weather to tracking animals. It’s a dense but fun read that’s essential for anyone interested in the outdoors
Wildlife Conservation Society – this LinkedIn group with more than 30,000 members is affiliated with the Wildlife Conservation Society, a nonprofit that aims to protect wildlife and biodiversity
Experimental Design for the Life Sciences – zoologist and ecology professor Graeme Ruxton walks readers through the process of designing effective experiments, drawing from case studies in various fields. The book’s online resource center includes practical exercises, bonus sections, and a list of free software
Wildlife Habitat Council – centered around habitat conservation and management, WHC has a robust knowledge center with webinars, downloadable white papers, and even a biodiversity quiz. Wildlife biologists can apply for WHC Conservation Certification, which teaches how to start, implement, and review conservation projects