Wildlife Biologist Job Description (Responsibilities, Skills, Duties and Sample Template)

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If you’ve Googled “Wildlife Biologist job description,” chances are you’ve seen the same thing over and over again: a few bullet points, some vague tasks, and a generic list of requirements that could apply to half the roles in environmental science.

But here’s the problem—those types of job posts don’t attract great candidates. They attract generic ones.

Why? Because the best wildlife biologists aren’t just looking for a job. They want to do meaningful work. They want to know what kind of ecosystems they’ll be studying. What species they’ll help protect. Who they’ll collaborate with. And whether your mission actually aligns with their values.

Yet most job descriptions say none of that.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to write a wildlife biologist job description that actually connects with top candidates. One that shows who you are, what the role really involves, and why your opportunity is worth applying for.

And if you want a deeper breakdown of how to write modern job posts that attract top talent, you can check out this full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/  we created—covering everything from structure, examples, and what makes bad posts fail.

Let’s dive in.

Smart Hiring Starts Here

WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results

What the Wildlife Biologist Role Actually Is

A wildlife biologist studies animals and their natural habitats to better understand ecosystems, monitor species health, and support conservation efforts.

Depending on the organization, they might track endangered species, assess the impact of human activity on wildlife, analyze field data, or collaborate with policymakers to protect vulnerable ecosystems.

But here’s what really matters: a great wildlife biologist doesn’t just collect data. They ask the right questions, stay curious, and look for patterns that help solve real environmental problems.

The role blends fieldwork and analysis. It requires scientific precision—but also adaptability, grit, and a deep respect for nature. And whether they’re studying wolves in Yellowstone or restoring wetlands in Florida, their work has long-term impact on biodiversity, climate resilience, and public policy.

That’s why hiring the right wildlife biologist means looking beyond just degrees and lab experience. You want someone who’s passionate, observant, collaborative—and ready to get their boots dirty when needed.

Two Great Wildlife Biologist Job Description Templates

We’ll provide two tailored job description options:

1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.

2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.

✅ Version 1: Job Description For Experienced Wildlife Biologist

📌 Job Title: Wildlife Biologist – Focus on Ecosystem Monitoring & Conservation (Full-Time | On-Site | Montana)
 💰 Salary: $65,000 – $78,000 (Based on Experience)
 🏢 Department: Conservation & Field Research
 📍 Location: Helena, Montana
 🕒 Schedule: Full-time, occasional weekend fieldwork required

🎥 Meet the Hiring Manager

Want to get a feel for the work and the team before you apply? Watch this quick video from our Lead Ecologist, Mark Jensen, as he walks you through what we’re working on and who we’re looking for:
 👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube link here]

🌿 Who We Are

Montana Natural Heritage Alliance (MNHA) is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the rich ecosystems and wildlife diversity of the Northern Rockies. Our work spans conservation science, field research, policy advocacy, and environmental education.
 We’ve been serving the state for over 20 years—supporting land managers, legislators, and local communities with science-based insights that drive responsible land stewardship. From monitoring grizzly populations to restoring wetlands, we work on the ground to protect what makes Montana wild.

🌱 About the Role

We’re hiring an experienced wildlife biologist to lead our fieldwork and conservation initiatives across the Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide regions. This role is part field scientist, part conservation strategist. You’ll collect, analyze, and present data that helps inform habitat protection and policy across Montana’s most threatened ecosystems.

🧠 What You’ll Be Doing

  • Conduct species population studies and habitat quality assessments

  • Lead seasonal field surveys (mammals, birds, amphibians) and GPS tagging projects

  • Collect and analyze ecological data to detect long-term trends

  • Prepare technical reports for stakeholders and grantors

  • Present findings to land management agencies and conservation partners

  • Collaborate with GIS analysts, rangers, and partner nonprofits

  • Contribute to scientific publications and environmental review processes

  • Ensure compliance with state and federal research guidelines

✅ What We’re Looking For

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, or Environmental Science

  • 3+ years of experience in field-based ecological research

  • Advanced skills in wildlife monitoring tools (camera traps, telemetry, GIS)

  • Strong data analysis and report writing skills

  • Willingness to work in remote terrain and variable weather conditions

  • Clear communicator who can adapt language for both technical and non-technical audiences

  • Bonus: Experience working on collaborative land management or conservation planning projects

🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit

This isn’t just a research job—it’s a chance to shape the future of wildlife conservation in Montana. If you care deeply about biodiversity, want your work to influence real-world decisions, and thrive in both solitude and collaboration, this role was made for you.
 You’ll be part of a small, mission-driven team where your contributions are visible and your voice matters.

🎁 Perks and Benefits

  • $65K–$78K salary, based on experience

  • Full health, dental, and vision insurance (covered 90%)

  • 401(k) plan with 4% employer match

  • 20 days PTO + 12 paid holidays

  • Paid field gear and equipment allowance

  • Flexible scheduling outside of required field seasons

  • Professional development stipend ($1,200/year)

  • Annual wellness retreat in Glacier National Park

📥 How to Apply

We care about making the hiring process fair, efficient, and respectful. That’s why we use WorkScreen, a platform that helps us evaluate candidates based on skills—not just resumes.
 To apply, follow the link below and complete your short, structured evaluation:
 👉 [Insert WorkScreen link here]

We’ll review every application, keep you updated along the way, and let you know our decision—no ghosting, no guessing.

✅ Version 2: Job Description For Entry-Level Wildlife Biologist (Willing to Train)

📌 Job Title: Wildlife Biologist (Entry-Level, Training Provided) – Northern Plains Conservation Project
 💰 Salary: $48,000 – $55,000 (Based on Qualifications)
 🏢 Department: Wildlife Research & Education
 📍 Location: Pierre, South Dakota
 🕒 Schedule: Full-time | Field seasons: Spring–Fall
 🎓 Training Provided | Ideal for Recent Graduates or Career Changers

🎥 Meet the Hiring Team

Want to understand what the job is really like? Watch this short video from our Program Director, Alana Ruiz, where she shares what we do, what the training includes, and who will thrive in this role:
 👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube link here]

🌿 Who We Are

The Dakota Ecological Initiative (DEI) is a conservation nonprofit focused on restoring grassland ecosystems and protecting species native to the Northern Plains. We work alongside local landowners, tribal nations, and state agencies to track wildlife populations, improve habitats, and support environmental education across South Dakota and surrounding regions.
 Our mission is simple: protect prairie biodiversity while supporting the communities who live closest to it. We blend traditional ecological knowledge with modern science to preserve the land for future generations.

🌱 About the Role

We’re hiring a full-time, entry-level wildlife biologist to join our research and fieldwork team. You don’t need years of experience—we’ll train the right person. If you’re curious, dependable, and eager to make a real impact on native species and their habitats, we’d love to hear from you.

This role includes both hands-on fieldwork and data collection. You’ll work alongside senior biologists and habitat specialists, learning everything from GPS tracking to species identification and environmental reporting.

🧠 What You’ll Be Doing

  • Support fieldwork operations: setting traps, monitoring wildlife, collecting samples

  • Enter and organize data from field surveys using DEI tools

  • Assist with habitat assessments and mapping wildlife corridors

  • Help maintain monitoring equipment and trail cameras

  • Join public outreach events to educate local communities

  • Attend team trainings and learn safety protocols for field research

  • Contribute to internal reporting and wildlife impact evaluations

✅ What We’re Looking For

  • Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, or related field (or currently completing one)

  • Strong interest in wildlife conservation, ecology, or field research

  • Willingness to work outdoors in changing conditions

  • Attention to detail and a positive attitude

  • Able to work independently and within a small team

  • No prior experience needed—training and mentorship will be provided

  • Bonus: Volunteer experience with conservation or environmental groups

🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit

If you’ve ever dreamed of working with wildlife but weren’t sure how to break in—this is your chance.
 We built this role for someone who’s passionate about nature, eager to learn, and wants to turn that curiosity into a career. You’ll be supported by a team that values growth, patience, and collaboration. You’ll get real field experience, mentorship from experienced biologists, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful conservation work from day one.

🎁 Perks and Benefits

  • $48K–$55K starting salary

  • Health insurance coverage (90%)

  • Annual field gear stipend ($500/year)

  • Paid training, including field safety and research protocols

  • 15 PTO days + 10 holidays

  • End-of-season team retreats and workshops

  • Access to regional wildlife conferences and mentorship programs

  • Clear pathway to promotion after 12–18 months

📥 How to Apply

We believe in giving everyone a fair shot—and we care about hiring for potential, not just past experience. That’s why we use WorkScreen, a platform that evaluates applicants based on real-world scenarios—not just resumes.
 To apply, just follow the link below and complete a short, structured evaluation:
 👉 [Insert WorkScreen link here]

We’ll review every application and keep you informed at each step. Whether you’re selected or not, you’ll hear from us.

Don’t let bad hires slow you down.

WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.

Breakdown of Why These Wildlife Biologist Job Posts Work

Let’s break down what makes both the experienced and entry-level wildlife biologist job descriptions effective—and how they help attract high-quality, motivated candidates (not just anyone looking for a paycheck).

🔹 1. Clear, Specific Job Titles

Both titles go beyond a generic “Wildlife Biologist” label. They include:

  • The type of role (experienced or entry-level)

  • The project or focus (ecosystem monitoring, Northern Plains)

  • The location

That extra context helps the right candidates quickly identify whether the job is relevant to them—and filters out those who aren’t a fit.

🔹 2. Warm, Purpose-Driven Introductions

The intros aren’t stiff or transactional. They open with why the role matters and what the organization stands for. This instantly connects with mission-driven candidates, especially in conservation fields where purpose is often the primary motivator.

🔹 3. Specifics Over Buzzwords

Each description avoids vague phrases like “fast-paced environment” or “team player.” Instead, they use concrete tasks and real-world context—like leading GPS tagging operations or supporting prairie biodiversity—which help candidates visualize the job.

🔹 4. Human, Transparent Application Process

The call to action doesn’t say “send your resume and wait.”
 It tells candidates:

  • What to expect

  • How the evaluation works

  • That every application is reviewed

  • That they won’t be left in the dark

This builds trust and sets your hiring process apart in a market full of ghosted applicants.

🔹 5. Personal Video from the Hiring Team

Including a video link gives the job post a personal, authentic touch. It shows there are real humans behind the role—and helps candidates feel more connected before they even apply.

This especially matters in smaller organizations or nonprofits, where culture fit and leadership tone can be make-or-break.

🔹 6. “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Section

This section reframes the job from a list of tasks into an opportunity. It speaks directly to what the right candidate is looking for—impact, mentorship, growth, or working outdoors. It turns a job into a mission.

🔹 7. Clear Perks and Benefits

These posts don’t shy away from talking numbers or specifics:

  • Salary range included

  • Health coverage details

  • PTO and holidays

  • Gear stipends

  • Growth pathways

This kind of transparency shows respect for the applicant and attracts serious candidates who value clarity and fairness.

🔹 8. Inclusive Language That Encourages Applications

Especially in the entry-level post, the wording is welcoming—not intimidating. It makes it clear that passion and curiosity are valued just as much as experience. This opens the door to diverse candidates and career changers who might otherwise self-select out.

Bad Wildlife Biologist Job Description Example (And Why It Fails)

Job Title: Wildlife Biologist
 Location: United States
 Job Type: Full-Time
 Department: Environmental Services
 Salary: Competitive
 Deadline to Apply: May 30, 2025

Job Summary

We are hiring a wildlife biologist to support conservation projects and conduct fieldwork. The ideal candidate will be responsible for conducting habitat assessments, collecting samples, preparing reports, and assisting with ongoing wildlife monitoring programs.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct fieldwork and biological assessments

  • Collect and analyze data

  • Prepare scientific reports

  • Maintain compliance with federal and state regulations

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology or related field

  • 2–5 years of experience preferred

  • Familiar with field tools and data entry

  • Ability to work independently

How to Apply

Submit a resume and cover letter to hr@environmentalagency.org. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

❌ Why This Job Post Falls Short

Let’s break down why this kind of post doesn’t attract great candidates:

🔻 1. The Title is Generic

“Wildlife Biologist” says what the role is—but not where, for whom, or why it matters. There’s no hook. It could be any job, anywhere.

🔻 2. The Introduction is Cold and Vague

There’s no story, no context, and no mission. The reader has no idea what the organization actually does or why this role exists. It reads like someone copied and pasted from a government HR file.

  • 🔻 3. No Salary Transparency

“Competitive” is a red flag in today’s hiring landscape. Candidates want to know what they’re signing up for. Lack of transparency often signals lack of trust.

🔻 4. Responsibilities are Broad and Bland

Every wildlife biologist does “fieldwork” and “data analysis.” What kind? Where? For what purpose? This list offers no depth—which means serious applicants will scroll past.

🔻 5. Zero Insight Into Culture

There’s nothing about who they’d be working with, what the team values, or how the organization approaches conservation. Candidates care about alignment—and this post gives them nothing to connect with.

🔻 6. The Application Process Feels Dismissive

“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” signals that the company doesn’t value applicants’ time. It discourages people from applying—especially those who are thoughtful and mission-driven.

🔻 7. No Personality or Human Touch

There’s no video, no invitation to learn more, and no emotional resonance. It reads like a task list—not an opportunity.

This kind of post might check boxes for compliance—but it won’t inspire passionate, skilled biologists to apply. And that’s the whole point of writing a job description that works.

Bonus Tips to Make Your Wildlife Biologist Job Post Stand Out

Once you’ve nailed the structure of your job post, these advanced tips will help you connect with the right candidates, build trust, and show that your organization is thoughtful, respectful, and mission-aligned.

✅ 1. Add a Privacy & Security Notice for Applicants

In a time where job scams are rising, a simple notice can build instant trust. It shows candidates you take their safety seriously.

Example:

“We take your privacy seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial information at any stage of the hiring process.”

This is especially helpful if you’re a lesser-known nonprofit, a remote-first team, or operating in regions where conservation jobs are targeted by scams.

✅ 2. Mention Leave Days or Flex Time

Many candidates in conservation roles work long, seasonal hours. Showing that your organization supports rest and recovery goes a long way.

Example:

“Enjoy up to 20 paid time off days, plus 12 holidays—because conservation work requires energy, and rest matters.”

It signals that your team doesn’t glorify burnout.

✅ 3. Highlight Training and Growth Opportunities

Especially important for entry-level roles or those transitioning from academia. Make it clear that you invest in your people.

Example:

“We offer structured mentorship, paid certifications, and an annual $1,200 development stipend to support your growth.”

This attracts motivated candidates who want to learn and stay.

✅ 4. Include a Video Message from the Hiring Manager

If you haven’t already added a video, this is one of the easiest ways to build connection and transparency. Candidates love seeing the face behind the job.

Bonus tip: Even a 2-minute Loom recorded on a laptop can dramatically improve engagement and application quality.

Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4

✅ 5. Include Field Safety and Support Info

Wildlife biology roles often involve fieldwork in remote or rugged areas. A quick note that you provide training, safety equipment, or buddy systems shows care.

Example:

“We provide all field safety gear, including GPS, radios, and first aid kits. All new hires complete certified field safety training during onboarding.”

Should You Use AI to Write Wildlife Biologist Job Descriptions?

Lately, it seems like every hiring tool has a “1-click AI-generated job post” feature. Sounds convenient, right?

But here’s the truth: if you use AI to write your job post without giving it any real context, you’ll end up with something that looks like every other bland, forgettable post on the internet.

And that’s exactly what drives top candidates away.

🚫 Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone

  • It sounds generic. You’ll get lifeless phrases like “fast-paced environment” or “must be detail-oriented,” instead of real insights about the work.

  • It attracts the wrong people. AI-generated posts often read like filler, which attracts filler applicants—people who are spraying their resumes at anything that moves.

  • It erases your culture. A great job post reflects your mission, values, and leadership style. AI can’t replicate that without your input.

Your job post is your first impression. If it feels robotic, rushed, or cookie-cutter, high-caliber wildlife biologists won’t waste their time.

✅ The Smarter Way to Use AI

AI can still be useful—as long as you are steering the ship.

Use it to polish, organize, and clarify your ideas—not generate the entire post from scratch. The key is to give it rich, specific ingredients.

Here’s a better way to prompt AI:

🧠 A Better Prompt:

“Help me write a job post for our organization, Dakota Ecological Initiative. We’re hiring an entry-level Wildlife Biologist to support fieldwork and habitat assessments in South Dakota’s Northern Plains. Our culture is supportive, mission-driven, and mentorship-focused, and we’re looking for someone curious, dependable, and ready to learn. We offer a salary of $48K–$55K, provide training and gear stipends, and use WorkScreen.io to make the process fair and skills-based.”

“Here are some notes I’ve already written to help guide you: [paste notes here]

Then let AI organize your content, suggest improvements, and tighten your language.

This way, the job post still sounds like you—not a robot. You’re just using AI to make it smoother, cleaner, and easier to read.

Hiring doesn’t have to be hard.

If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.

Need a Quick Copy-Paste Wildlife Biologist Job Description?

We get it—sometimes you just need a solid starting point.

Maybe you’ve read the full guide and understand what makes a strong job post. But you also want something you can copy, tweak, and tailor to your company quickly.

That’s what this section is for.

✏️ Important Reminder:
 Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
 This is a foundation, not a final draft.
 Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.

In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.

Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.

  • Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
  • Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.

✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)

📌 Job Title: Wildlife Biologist – Field-Based Conservation Projects
 💰 Salary: [Insert Salary Range]
 📍 Location: [Insert Location]
 🕒 Job Type: [Insert Job Type]

🎥 Meet the Hiring Manager

We believe in transparency, and we want you to meet the person behind this job post.
 Watch this short video from [Hiring Manager Name] explaining what we’re working on and who we’re looking for:
 👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube link here]

🌿 Who We Are

At [Company Name], we’re on a mission to protect natural habitats and support the ecosystems that make our planet thrive. From restoring native prairies to studying wildlife migration patterns, we blend science, fieldwork, and community partnerships to make a measurable impact on biodiversity.
 We’re a small but dedicated team that believes conservation is about more than data—it’s about people, persistence, and purpose.

🌱 About the Role

We’re hiring a Wildlife Biologist to help us lead conservation initiatives on the ground. This is a field-based role where you’ll monitor species, assess habitats, collect data, and contribute to real-world conservation decisions.

You’ll work closely with other scientists, land managers, and community partners to protect the wildlife and ecosystems that matter most in our region.

🧠 What You’ll Be Doing

  • Conduct field surveys and ecological assessments

  • Monitor species populations and habitat conditions

  • Collect and analyze environmental data

  • Collaborate with partners and write technical reports

  • Present findings to internal teams and stakeholders

✅ What We’re Looking For

  • Degree in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, or a related field

  • Experience with fieldwork and environmental data collection

  • Familiarity with GPS, GIS, and tracking tools

  • Strong communication and teamwork skills

  • A genuine passion for protecting wildlife and wild places

🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit

This isn’t just another field job—it’s an opportunity to contribute to meaningful conservation work with a team that values your perspective, supports your growth, and gives you the space to make an impact.

If you want to build your career in conservation, work with purpose, and get your boots dirty doing work that matters, this is the role for you.

🎁 Perks and Benefits

  • [Insert Salary Range]

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance

  • PTO and holidays

  • Paid field gear or equipment stipend

  • Flexible scheduling during off-seasons

  • Annual training and professional development allowance

📥 How to Apply

We respect your time. That’s why we use WorkScreen—a short, structured evaluation that helps us understand your strengths based on real skills, not just buzzwords.
 👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]

We review every application and keep you updated at every step.

✅ Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements” Format

Job Title: Wildlife Biologist
 Location: [Insert Location]
 Salary Range: [Insert Salary Range]
 Job Type: [Insert Job Type]

Who We Are

[Company Name] is an environmental organization focused on preserving ecosystems and supporting healthy wildlife populations. Our work spans research, restoration, education, and field-based conservation efforts across [Insert Region].

Job Brief

We’re looking for a Wildlife Biologist to assist with conservation and ecological monitoring projects. The ideal candidate will support field surveys, collect data, and contribute to ongoing research and reporting initiatives.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct wildlife and habitat surveys

  • Track population trends using GPS and field equipment

  • Record and analyze environmental data

  • Support restoration or land management planning

  • Help with reporting and presenting findings

Requirements

  • Degree in Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, or similar field

  • Basic experience in fieldwork or data collection

  • Strong attention to detail and organization

  • Ability to work independently in outdoor conditions

  • Knowledge of GIS/GPS tools a plus

Benefits

  • [Insert Salary]

  • Health and dental insurance

  • Paid time off and holidays

  • Training and gear stipends (if applicable)

  • [Add additional perks here]

How to Apply

We use WorkScreen to evaluate candidates fairly based on skill—not just background.
 Click the link below to begin your structured evaluation:
 👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]

Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Phase

You’ve now written a job post that’s clear, compelling, and built to attract the right kind of wildlife biologist.

But writing the job post is only half the battle.

The next challenge? Figuring out who’s actually qualified—and who just looks good on paper.

That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.

✅ WorkScreen helps you:

1. Quickly identify your top candidates

WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.

2. Test for real-world skills with one click

With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.

3. Filter out low-effort and AI-generated applications

WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.

⚡ Ready to Hire Smarter?

Once your job post is ready, share your WorkScreen application link across platforms (LinkedIn, Indeed, your website).
 Let WorkScreen do the heavy lifting—so you can spend less time reviewing bad resumes and more time talking to the right people.

👉 Create your account at WorkScreen.io

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring Wildlife Biologists

While technical knowledge is essential, the best wildlife biologists combine field competence with strong observational and analytical skills. Here’s a breakdown of core skills to look for:

  • Fieldwork readiness: Ability to work in remote, rugged conditions for extended periods

  • Ecological understanding: Knowledge of ecosystems, species interactions, and environmental impacts

  • Data literacy: Proficiency in collecting, organizing, and analyzing ecological data

  • GIS/GPS competency: Use of tracking tools, mapping software, and telemetry

  • Communication: Can clearly explain findings to both technical and non-technical audiences

  • Collaboration: Works well with researchers, landowners, policymakers, and community stakeholders

  • Curiosity and grit: Self-motivated, adaptable, and able to stay focused in unpredictable environments

Bonus: For entry-level hires, prioritize passion, trainability, and situational awareness over formal experience.

As of 2025, the average salary for a wildlife biologist in the United States is approximately $58,000–$65,000 per year, according to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry sources.

However, salary can vary based on:

  • Location (rural vs urban vs remote)

  • Sector (government, nonprofit, private consulting, academia)

  • Experience level (entry-level roles often start around $45K–$50K, while senior biologists can earn $75K+)

  • Field specialty (e.g., marine biology or endangered species recovery programs may have different salary bands)

Not always. Many entry-level roles accept a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, or environmental science. However, a master’s degree or higher can be valuable for:

  • Competitive government roles

  • Research-heavy positions

  • Policy consulting

  • Academic or grant-funded projects

In short: If the role is hands-on and field-based, a bachelor’s is often enough. For leadership or research-intensive roles, advanced degrees are more common.

Here are some signs that a candidate may not be the right fit:

  • Vague or overly general field experience with no specifics

  • Inability to describe past research methods or tools used

  • Poor communication or lack of curiosity during interviews

  • Overemphasis on lab or academic work when the role is field-heavy

  • Discomfort working outdoors or in remote conditions (if required)

Use structured interviews or skill tests (like those offered by WorkScreen) to go beyond resumes and validate real-world fit.

 

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Author’s Details

Mike K.

Mike is an expert in hiring with a passion for building high-performing teams that deliver results. He specializes in streamlining recruitment processes, making it easy for businesses to identify and secure top talent. Dedicated to innovation and efficiency, Mike leverages his expertise to empower organizations to hire with confidence and drive sustainable growth.

Hire Easy. Hire Right. Hire Fast.

Stop wasting time on unqualified candidates. WorkScreen.io streamlines your hiring process, helping you identify top talent quickly and confidently. With automated evaluations , applicant rankings and 1-click skill tests, you’ll save time, avoid bad hires, and build a team that delivers results.

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