Zoologist

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Zoologist
Agricultural Careers By Dr. Frank Flanders and
Asha Wise Georgia Agricultural Education
Curriculum Office Georgia Department of
Education April 2006
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Job Duties Responsibilities

• Study animals in their natural habitat
• Raise specimens for observation or use in
  experiments
• Collect and dissect animal specimens
• Examine slides under a microscope
• Prepare collections of preserved specimens or
  slides for identification and study
• Conduct research studies and analyze findings
• Write reports and give presentations
• Analyze characteristics of animals to identify
  and classify them
• Manage departments and supervise staff
• Monitor animals' diets and breeding
• Develop exhibits
• Buy or rescue animals for exhibits

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Qualities and Skills

• Zoologists should be personal and versatile
• Able to work independently or as part of a team
• Have strong business and communication skills
• Be familiar with the various standard regulatory
  issues and marketing and management techniques
• Exhibit patience, good work habits, and
  self-discipline to conduct long and detailed
  research projects
• If teaching, have a healthy tolerance for
  students and a love for teaching and learning
• Have the ability to work through problems
  methodically and be able to communicate clearly
  and concisely, both orally and in writing

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To Learn More and Prepare for this Career

• Take classes heavily concentrated in the sciences
  and in technology. (biology, chemistry, physics,
  mathematics, computer science, and agriscience)
• Participate in any wildlife projects and
  nature/wilderness camps offered through either
  the school or the community
• Participate in agricultural clubs such as 4-H and
  FFA
• Volunteer at a local zoo or wildlife museum

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Work Environment

• May be strenuous if working on outdoor research
  missions
• May work in remote areas, away from modern
  conveniences
• Large amount of time in laboratories and offices
  when conducting tests, running experiments,
  recording results, and compiling data
• 40 hour workweek for both teachers and
  researchers in zoology

• May work overtime when observing animals in their
  habitat
• May travel to animal habitat sites or to
  professional conferences
• May be required to stay at the lab during evening
  hours or on weekends in order to monitor a test
  while conducting research

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Education

• A Ph.D. is usually necessary for independent
  research, industrial research, college teaching,
  and for advancement to administrative positions.
• A masters degree is sufficient for some jobs in
  basic research, applied research or product
  development, management, or inspection.
• Undergraduate biological science majors usually
  study allied disciplines such as mathematics,
  physics, and computer science.
• Computer courses are essential, as employers
  prefer job applicants who are able to apply
  computer skills to modeling and simulation tasks
  and in operating computerized laboratory
  equipment.
• Those interested in studying the environment also
  should take courses in environmental studies to
  become familiar with current legislation and
  regulations.

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Career Resources
International Commission on Zoological
Nomenclature (ICZN) Internet http//www.iczn.org
Smithsonian Institute Internet http//www.si.edu
Society for Integrative and Comparative
Biology Internet http//www.sicb.org Biosis Inte
rnet http//www.biosis.org