Conservation Biology Jobs: Career Options and Education Info

Conservation biology jobs provide opportunities for individuals to find ways to protect and preserve wildlife and ecosystems and meet the needs of people. These careers usually require at least a bachelor's degree in a field like biology, ecology, environmental science or conservation biology.

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Conservation Biology Jobs

Conservation biologists plan ways to utilize natural resources but still protect the environment. Some participate in ecosystem management like range managers, environmental consultants and habitat-restoration specialists. Others may work with specific animals like fish, wild horses, desert tortoises, bald eagles or marine mammals to preserve biodiversity.

Conservation Biology Career Options

A review of Society for Conservation Biology job postings for August 2011 indicates that jobs range from unpaid volunteer internships to post-doctoral fellowships. Sample postings include vegetation modeling and climate vulnerability, regional nature preserve manager, ecologist, molecular laboratory technician, restoration ecologist and wild horse behavior internship (www.conbio.org). Many of these jobs require both field-work and work in an office.

Conservation Biology Employers

Employers are state agencies, universities, federal agencies, nonprofit conservation organizations and private companies. Federal agencies provide most conservation biology positions. These include the U.S. Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Geological Survey, National Park Service, Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Reclamation and National Marine Fisheries Service.

Conservation Biology Jobs Education Info

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most jobs in conservation sciences require a bachelor's degree, but a graduate degree is needed for research and teaching jobs (www.bls.gov). Some universities, like Texas A&M and University of Michigan, offer bachelor's and master's degree programs. Colorado State University also offers a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) program. Concentrations might include aquatic ecology and conservation, wildlife ecology or conservation biology.

Conservation Biology Courses Available

The University of Michigan provides a picture of some conservation biology courses. These might include ecosystem science, social science, environmental design, quantitative analysis and causes of species extinction. Colorado State University offers graduate courses in design of fish and wildlife studies, conservation biology, managing human-wildlife conflicts and wildlife habitat management. Some courses focus on fish and fisheries.

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Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics