Working With Wildlife

Many people sit behind a desk and dream of working outdoors with wildlife, but they never get out and actually experience it. There are so many great opportunities to get out in the wild, be it for just a summer or a lifetime. Once most people get even a small taste of what it’s like to work with wildlife, they never look back.

Working outside with wildlife is fun and will give you great stories to share with friends and park visitors. But it can be very challenging work at times, too.

Wildlife jobs will vary in the amount of contact that the workers might have with people and the animals. Although jobs working with animals can range from planting trees to being a wildlife veterinarian, every aspect of it can make it a challenging and competitive field. Almost every person you meet who works with wildlife has some amazing and unforgettable story of an encounter with the wilderness.

Did You Know? Wildlife jobs might allow you to see a bear or bobcat up close and personal out in the wild, while others might involve working at a fish hatchery.

Wildlife Jobs

Working with wildlife is great and you often get to experience and see things others will only read about or see in photographs. Wildlife volunteers may observe whales in California or Hawaii, care for injured wolves in Montana or count bald eagles in Washington. While some volunteers only work outdoors for the summer or during a school break, many find they love it and want to make it their life’s work.

Field workers often have very close encounters with wildlife, especially those that tag birds, fish or big game, and then release them to be tracked. Tree planters come in contact with many types of plants and trees, as well as the creatures that make their homes in those plants. Others working for a wildlife service may spend their time walking trails, counting livestock and patrolling beaches. Volunteers may work side by side with field scientists, including biologists, botanists and ecologists.

Depending on the type of wildlife job you want to apply for, you may need advanced education, training and experience. There are many technician and aid jobs that just about anyone can do if they have the desire. These jobs are a great way for people to get their feet wet and see if they really like working with wildlife as much as they think they will. On the other hand, certain jobs will require years of schooling and experience.

Did You Know? All animals, including humans, are heterotrophs because we can’t produce our own food. This means that we rely on plants and other organisms to get the nutrients we need.

One of the greatest rewards anyone can take away from working in the wilderness is a better understanding and appreciation for the natural world around you. The more we learn as a species to respect the life around us, the more we will flourish both in and out of the wilderness. Many volunteers find that once they’ve been a part of the outdoor world, they can’t help but share their experiences with others. The more they spread the word, the more volunteers are inspired to step up and help make a difference in the world.

Quick Summary:

• Many people dream of working with wildlife but never actually do it.
• While some wildlife positions require education and experience, many require no more than a desire to make a difference.
• Working in the wilderness will most likely give you fun and memorable experiences to share with friends, co-workers and family.
• Working in the wilderness allows you to learn about our natural world and share what you learn with others, hopefully inspiring them to care.
• Volunteering is great way to get the same experience as professionals while making an impact at the same time