Taylor Collier

7-12-14
Career Research Paper
Wildlife technicians monitor animals in the wild to help scientists in their efforts to study
and manage our wildlife populations. Examples of tasks wildlife technicians may have to
perform are to track and catch animals in the wild, examine animals to assess health levels,
attach tags to animals so they can be tracked, keep detailed logs and write reports, process and
analyze samples in the lab. Wildlife technicians help scientists collect information about wild
animal populations. This can involve travelling to remote areas to collect water and soil samples,
or plant specimens. It may also require study and documentation of wildlife habitats, or
collection and analysis of animal droppings.
Part of maintaining and protecting our natural ecosystems is watching the health and
habitats of the fish and wildlife populations. Environmental scientists and biologists study these
living things in order to better understand them and their place in the environment. To carry out
this work, they rely on the help of wildlife technicians. Tracking and catching animals is a
common duty of wildlife technicians. They may do this on the ground, or from the air in
helicopters or airplanes. When they catch the animals, they collect blood samples for analysis,
take measurements and weigh the animals, or examine them to see if they suffer from disease or
have other health issues. Technicians may also attach tags to the animals they catch. These may
be plastic tags that explain that the animal has already been seen or had medication. Or they can
be electronic tags that are used to track the animals movements or traveling routes.

Technicians dont just work in the wild, however. They also work in offices and
laboratories. In offices they work with wildlife biologists and other scientists, helping them
analyze data and write reports. They must also keep detailed logs of the work they do in the field.
In the lab they work with other techs and scientists, helping to process and analyze samples taken
from the wild. They set up and calibrate equipment, prepare samples, and clean and maintain
equipment. Wildlife technicians often work for government agencies that are responsible for
natural resource management and conservation. Some organizations associated with wildlife
technicians are the US Fish and Wildlife Service, The Wildlife Society, North American Wildlife
Technology Association, Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Wildlife Federation,
and the World Wildlife Fund. They may also work for universities or colleges, or wildlife parks
or zoos. Technicians often spend a large part of their time working outdoors. They may have to
work in extreme weather conditions, including heat, rain, or snow. The work can also be
physically demanding. They may have to track animals over rough terrain for many miles or
handle large, strong animals. When working in very secluded areas, some technicians may spend
short periods living in tents and cooking by campfire. They also operate transport equipment
such as boats, quads, or four-wheel trucks. When working with animals, especially those that live
in the wild, there is always some danger of injury from scratches or bites. To minimize the risk,
wildlife technicians often wear safety equipment, such as gloves and pads, when interacting with
the animals. In some situations they may also carry firearms with them.
Technicians generally work regular 40-hour weeks. However, when they are working in
the field, they work irregular hours as their schedules can be dictated by the habits of the animals
they are tracking. Some jobs are seasonal. Wildlife technicians can be employed by hospitals,
government agencies, colleges, wildlife parks, and zoos. They work outdoors in all kinds of

weather. The work is noisy, dusty, and physically demanding. Use microscopes, centrifuges, and
other scientific equipment in the lab. Earning levels for wildlife technicians depend on many
factors, including level of education, responsibilities, employer, location, and experience. They
may be paid an annual salary or an hourly wage, depending on the employer. Some part-time
work may also be available. Seasonal technicians are paid hourly. Those who work full-time are
often paid an annual salary. Though exact figures are not available for wildlife technicians, most
biological techs, a group that includes wildlife technicians, earn between $25,000 and $64,000 a
year. The national median income is $39,000 a year. Depending on their employer, technicians
who are employed full-time may also receive benefits, such as health insurance and paid
vacation and sick leave.
Attributes and abilities for wildlife technicians include being detail-oriented and
analytical, communication skills, committed to wildlife and the environment, observation skills
and the ability to live and work alone in rural areas, physical strength and stamina. The minimum
education requirements for this job depend on the position. For some positions, an associate
degree in wildlife or resource management, or a related field is required. Other positions,
including those with the federal government and many other senior positions, require completion
of a bachelors degree. Applicable programs include those in conservation biology, wildlife
biology, environmental biology, or zoology. Programs that prepare you for this career include
instruction in subjects such as ecosystems, aquatic studies, habitat classification, wildlife
observation skills. Preferably, they will also include experience working in the lab and in the
field. They should communicate knowledge of wildlife species assessment, data analysis,
terminology, and animal pathology. Certification is also available from professional associations
such as the Wildlife Society (TWS). Although not required, this sort of certification can improve

your chances of finding a position. Related college programs include wildlife and wild lands
science and management, wildlife biology, animal health, animal physiology, animal sciences,
conservation biology, zoology/animal biology.
Some suggested qualifications to be a wildlife technician include having a strong interest
in nature, wildlife, and science. Its also important to have good observation skills and the ability
to live and work alone, often in rural and remote areas. The job demands good health and
physical conditioning. Technicians need strength, agility, and stamina. Experience in wilderness
travel, such as canoeing and hiking, or experience in hunting or trapping can be helpful in
securing an entry-level position. Some positions may also require that applicants have additional
credentials, such as a firearms license, drivers license, or first aid certificate. Competition for
these jobs is stiff. When asked if there are many opportunities in her field, Jo a wildlife hospital
manager, replied There arent a lot of job openings in my field, as job openings are limited. The
best way to break in is to become a volunteer or intern at a wildlife facility. There are a lot of
people who want to work outdoors. Many people increase their chances by getting as much
volunteer experience in conservation as possible. Careers related to wildlife technicians include
animal breeder, animal caretaker, animal services worker, animal trainer, biological tech,
biologist, conservation officer, ecologist, environmental technician, forest firefighter, horse
trainer, marine biologist, medical lab tech, park warden / ranger, veterinarian, veterinary
technician, zookeeper, zoologist.