BIO 540 Wildlife Ecology Wildlife Careers Careers in

BIO 540 – Wildlife Ecology Wildlife Careers

Careers in Wildlife What is a typical job for students in majoring in wildlife?

TYPICAL FW EMPLOYMENT? • Management • Research • • • Conservation Law Enforcement • Environmental Education Game Non-game Endangered Species Wetlands & Waterfowl Habitat – Birds – Mammals – Amphibians & Reptiles

ENTRY LEVEL POSITIONS · These positions typically require a Bachelor’s Degree · · · · Wildlife Technician Park Naturalist Conservation Officer/Game Warden/Park Ranger Wildlife Research Assistant Outdoor Educator Marine resources technician Environmental specialist

WILDLIFE TECHNICAN (Mich. DNR) • • • Employees in this class perform a range of wildlife management support activities in order to protect, develop, and maintain the state’s natural wildlife population for environmental and recreational purposes. Work is normally performed outdoors within a state game, recreation or forest area. Requirements -- Possession of an associate degree in wildlife technology, wildlife biology, wildlife management or agriculture. No specific type or amount of experience is required at the entry level. Examples of Work -- Participates in improvement activities in the game area, planning the area habitat management program, and evaluating habitat conditions; obtains biological data by trapping and tagging animals and waterfowl, making hunter-use checks, game-bag checks, waterfowl counts, and similar investigations; assists in planning food and cover for wildlife species; plows, seeds, and cultivates herbaceous food and cover crops, and plants trees and shrubs; maintains trails and roads, makes brush shelters, and manages PDF vegetation in food patches.

WILDLIFE TECHNICAN (Mich. DNR) • • • Employees in this class perform a range of wildlife management support activities in order to protect, develop, and maintain the state’s natural wildlife population for environmental and recreational purposes. Work is normally performed outdoors within a state game, recreation or forest area. Requirements -- Possession of an associate degree in wildlife technology, wildlife biology, wildlife management or agriculture. No specific type or amount of experience is required at the entry level. Examples of Work -- Participates in improvement activities in the game area, planning the area habitat management program, and evaluating habitat conditions; obtains biological data by trapping and tagging animals and waterfowl, making hunter-use checks, game-bag checks, waterfowl counts, and similar investigations; assists in planning food and cover for wildlife species; plows, seeds, and cultivates herbaceous food and cover crops, and plants trees and shrubs; PDF maintains trails and roads, makes brush shelters, and manages vegetation in food patches.

WILDLIFE TECHNICAN (Mich. DNR) • • • Employees in this class perform a range of wildlife management support activities in order to protect, develop, and maintain the state’s natural wildlife population for environmental and recreational purposes. Work is normally performed outdoors within a state game, recreation or forest area. Requirements -- Possession of an associate degree in wildlife technology, wildlife biology, wildlife management or agriculture. No specific type or amount of experience is required at the entry level. Examples of Work -- Participates in improvement activities in the game area, planning the area habitat management program, and evaluating habitat conditions; obtains biological data by trapping and tagging animals and waterfowl, making hunter-use checks, game-bag checks, waterfowl counts, and similar investigations; assists in planning food and cover for wildlife species; plows, seeds, and cultivates herbaceous food and cover crops, and plants trees and shrubs; maintains trails and roads, makes brush shelters, and manages vegetation in food patches. PDF

ADVANCED POSITIONS · These positions typically require an M. S. or Ph. D. · · · · · Wildlife Biologist or Manager Refuge Manager District Biologist Regional Biologist Endangered species biologist Marine biologist or ecologist Professor Wetlands ecologist Research Biologist

WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST (Mich. DNR) • Employees in this class participate in a variety of wildlife management activities designed to protect, develop, and maintain wildlife populations and habitat. • Requirements -- Possession of a bachelor degree with a major in animal ecology, wildlife biology, wildlife management. No specific amount or type of experience is required at the entry level. • Examples of Work -- Plans and carries out habitat manipulation for the benefit of wildlife in forested and agricultural areas of the state; collects data in special fields such as waterfowl, deer and pheasants; plans and develops timber sale proposals in forest areas to improve game habitat. Inventories game birds and mammals on experimental or managed state-owned lands; traps and transports animals to establish new populations or resolve animal conflicts. PDF

RESEARCH BIOLOGIST (Mich. DNR) • Employees in this class participate in a variety of fisheries or wildlife research assignments involving systematic observation and experimentation to search for new knowledge. • Requirements -- Possession of a thesis based master’s degree with a major in fisheries biology, fisheries management, wildlife biology, wildlife management or a related biological science with research emphasis. Included must be 12 term credits (8 semester credits) of upper undergraduate or graduate level courses which provide training in experimental design, statistics, computer science and other quantitative methods such as advance calculus or mathematical modeling. No specific amount or type of experience is required at the entry level. • Examples of Work -- Conducts original research on assigned areas in either fish biology or wildlife management to acquire information on various aspects of a species’ biology, habitat and behavior. Plans and organizes individual research projects, conducts literature searches, and carries out field and laboratory studies. Develops and tests new scientific methods in fisheries or wildlife management. Records and interprets findings of fisheries or wildlife research in technical reports and professional publications. PDF

MDNR WILDLIFE POSITION REQUIREMENTS • REALITY Wildlife Technician – Requirements -- Possession of at least a BACHELOR’S degree in wildlife biology, wildlife management or agriculture. • 2 recent Wildlife Technician hires had either completed or were completing their M. S. • Wildlife Biologist – Requirements -- Possession of at least a MASTER’S degree with a major in animal ecology, wildlife biology, wildlife management. • 5 Wildlife Biologists hired in October 2003 – 2 w/ Ph. Ds, 2 w/ M. S. , and 1 w/ B. S. who had been a MDNR Wildlife Technician for 3 -4 years. • Research Biologist – Requirements -- Possession of a thesis based DOCTORAL (Ph. D. ) degree with a major in fisheries biology, fisheries management, wildlife biology, wildlife management or a related biological science with research emphasis.

Where do you think wildlife students are finding jobs?

EMPLOYMENT BREAKDOWN

FEDERAL AGENCIES • Department of the Interior – Bureau of Indian Affairs • Native American Tribes – Bureau of Land Management – Bureau of Reclamations – Fish & Wildlife Service – Geological Survey • Biological Resources – National Park Service • Department of Agriculture – U. S. Forest Service – Natural Resources Conservation Service – APHIS - Wildlife Services • Environmental Protection Agency • Army Corp of Engineers • National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration – National Marine Fisheries Service

EMPLOYMENT OF BIOLOGISTS

STATE AGENCIES • STATE OF MICHIGAN – Department of Natural Resources – – – Fisheries Division Forest Management Division Parks and Recreation Division Land & Mineral Services Division Wildlife Division – Department of Environmental Quality

PRIVATE SECTOR • Zoos & Aquariums • Environmental Consulting Firms • Paper Companies • Georgia Pacific • International Paper • Boise Cascade • Fisheries and Wildlife related Retail Stores • Cabela’s • Gander Mtn. • Hunting Guide Services • Free Lance Writers, Photographers

NONPROFIT • • The Nature Conservancy World Wildlife Fund Ducks Unlimited Pheasant Forever Ruffed Grouse Society National Wildlife Federation National Audubon Society Michigan United Conservation Clubs

EMPLOYMENT LOCATIONS DO NOT LIMIT YOURSELF GEOGRAPHICALLY!!!!

EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK • The types of jobs most students want (Wildlife biologist/manager) you’ll need an M. S. • BUT, there are expected increased employment opportunities within the federal government – U. S. Forest Service and Fish & Wildlife Service expect close to 50% of their employees to retire in the next 5 years • which means an increase in entry level positions for graduating students

Careers in Ecology-Ecological Society of America DEGREE AND NUMBER OF YEARS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL ASSOC. SCIENCE DEGREE 2 years BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (BS) 4 - 5 years MASTER OF SCIENCE (MS) 6 - 8 years DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (Ph. D) 8 - 14 years COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES AND RESEARCH INSITUTES Field/Research Technician or Laboratory Assistant Field/Research Tech. or Laboratory Assistant Research Assistant Professor at some 2 year colleges Research Assistant Post Doctoral Associate College/University Prof. Lecturer Research Assoc/Scientist Research Administrator PRIVATE CONSULTING AND INDUSTRY Field/Research Technician or Laboratory Assistant Field/Research Tech. or Laboratory Assistant Research Assistant Environmental Consultant Environmental Planner Program Manager Sr. Environ. Consultant Research Assoc/Scientist Research Administrator GOVERNMENT Intern Docent Field Crew Member Intern Park Naturalist Wildlife Specialist Research Assistant Program Manager Wildlife Biologist Forester Natural Resource Manager Research Assoc/Scientist Research Administrator Natural Resource Manager Intern Docent Intern Volunteer Coordinator Program Scientist Environmental Analyst Field Ecologist Research Coordinator Research Administrator Teaching Assistant Outdoor Educator K-12 Teacher Science Specialist K-12 Teacher Superintendent Dir. Curriculum & Instruction NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS SCHOOLS http: //www. esa. org/education/career_funding/careers_undergraduate. php

Careers in Ecology-Ecological Society of America BACHELOR OF DEGREE AND NUMBER OF YEARS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL ASSOC. SCIENCE DEGREE 2 years COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES AND RESEARCH INSITUTES Field/Research Technician or Laboratory Assistant PRIVATE CONSULTING AND INDUSTRY Field/Research Technician or Laboratory Assistant Field/Research Tech. or Research Assistant Laboratory Assistant Environmental Consultant Laboratory Assistant Research Assistant Environmental Planner Research Assistant Program Manager GOVERNMENT Intern Docent Field Crew Member Intern Program Manager Intern Park Naturalist Wildlife Biologist Park Wildlife Naturalist Specialist Forester Research Assistant Wildlife Specialist Natural Resource Manager NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS SCHOOLS BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (BS) 4 years 4 --55 years MASTER OF SCIENCE (MS) 6 - 8 years Field/Research Tech. or Professor at some Field/Research Tech. or Laboratory Assistant 2 year colleges Laboratory Assistant Research Assistant DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (Ph. D) 8 - 14 years Post Doctoral Associate College/University Prof. Lecturer Research Assoc/Scientist Research Administrator Sr. Environ. Consultant Research Assoc/Scientist Research Administrator Natural Resource Manager Intern Docent Intern. Assistant Research Program Scientist Environmental Analyst Field Ecologist Research Coordinator Research Administrator Teaching Assistant Volunteer Coordinator Outdoor Educator Program Scientist K-12 Teacher Science Specialist K-12 Teacher Superintendent Dir. Curriculum & Instruction Volunteer Coordinator Program Scientist Intern K-12 Teacher Teaching Assistant Outdoor Educator K-12 Teacher

Careers in Ecology-Ecological Society of America DEGREE AND NUMBER OF YEARS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES AND RESEARCH INSITUTES ASSOC. SCIENCE DEGREE 2 years MASTER OF SCIENCE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE MASTER OF SCIENCE (MS) (BS) 6 - 8 (MS) years 4 - 5 years 6 - 8 years Professor some Professorat at some 2 year colleges Research Assistant DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (Ph. D) 8 - 14 years Field/Research Technician or Laboratory Assistant Field/Research Tech. or Laboratory Assistant Research Assistant PRIVATE CONSULTING AND INDUSTRY Field/Research Technician or Laboratory Assistant Research Assistant Field/Research Tech. or Research Assistant Environmental Consultant Sr. Environ. Consultant Laboratory Assistant Environmental Consultant Research Assoc/Scientist Environmental Planner Research Assistant Environmental Planner Research Administrator Program Manager GOVERNMENT Intern Docent Field Crew Member Intern Park Naturalist Wildlife Specialist Research Assistant Intern Docent Intern Volunteer Coordinator Program Scientist Teaching Assistant Outdoor Educator K-12 Teacher NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS SCHOOLS Program Manager Post Doctoral Associate College/University Prof. Lecturer Research Assoc/Scientist Research Administrator Research Assoc/Scientist Program Manager Wildlife Biologist Research Administrator Wildlife. Forester Biologist Natural Resource Manager Forester Program Scientist Natural Resource Manager Field Ecologist Environmental Analyst Field Ecologist Program Scientist Research Coordinator Research Administrator K-12 Teacher Environmental Analyst Science Specialist Field Ecologist K-12 Teacher Superintendent Dir. Curriculum & Instruction K-12 Teacher Science Specialist

QUESTIONS? ?

HOW MUCH DO CAREERS IN FW PAY?

Fisheries & Wildlife Positions (Mi DNR) Hourly wage Annual wage Fisheries/Wildlife Assistant $11. 67 – $20. 11 $24, 274 - $41, 829 Fisheries/Wildlife Technician $12. 68 - $24. 39 $26, 374 - $50, 731 Fisheries/Wildlife Biologist $15. 45 - $27. 44 $32, 136 – 57, 075 Fisheries/Wildlife Biology Specialist $22. 05 - $32. 42 $45, 864 - $67, 433

Research Biologist Positions (Mi DNR) Hourly wage Annual wage Research Biologist $15. 45 - $27. 44 $32, 136 – 57, 075 Research Biologist Specialist $22. 05 - $32. 42 $45, 864 - $67, 433 Research Biologist Manager $23. 60 - $35. 81 $49, 088 - $74, 485

Conservation Officers (Mi DNR) Hourly wage Annual wage Conservation Officer (recruit) $13. 24 - $16. 42 $27, 539 - $34, 154 Conservation Officer I $17. 00 - $23. 14 $35, 360 - $48, 131 Conservation Officer II $19. 92 - $28. 54 $41, 433 - $59, 363 Conservation Officer Specialist $21. 24 - $34. 12 $44, 179 - $70, 970 Conservation Officer. Law Supervisor $21. 24 - $36. 87 $44, 179 - $76, 690

Federal Pay Scale Hourly Wage Annual Wage GS-1 $7. 40 – $9. 25 $15, 442 - $19, 314 2 $8. 32 – $10. 47 $17, 363 - $21, 847 $9. 08 – $11. 80 $18, 944 - $24, 623 4 $10. 19 – $13. 25 $21, 266 - $27, 647 5 $11. 40 – $14. 82 $23, 794 -$30, 931 6 $12. 71 – $16. 52 $26, 522 - $34, 478 $14. 12 – $18. 36 $29, 473 - $38, 311 $15. 64 – $20. 33 $32, 640 - $42, 432 $17. 27 – $22. 46 $36, 052 - $46, 870 10 $19. 02 – $24. 73 $39, 702 - $51, 609 11 $20. 90 – $27. 17 $43, 621 - $56, 707 12 $25. 05 – $32. 57 $52, 281 - $67, 968 $29. 79 – $38. 72 $62, 170 - $80, 818 14 $35. 20 – $45. 76 $73, 467 - $95, 508 15 $41. 41 – $52. 83 $86, 417 - $112, 346 3 7 H. S. B. S. 8 9 13 M. S. Ph. D.

Federal Positions Pay grades Annual wage range GS-3/5 $18, 944 - $30, 931 Fishery Biologist (GS-482) GS-5/7 GS-7/9/11 $23, 794 - $38, 311 $29, 473 - $56, 707 Wildlife Biologist (GS-486) GS-5/7 GS-7/9/11 $23, 794 - $38, 311 $29, 473 - $56, 707 Wildlife Refuge Management (GS-485) GS-7/9/11 $29, 473 - $56, 707 Fish and Wildlife Biologist (GS-401) GS-7/9/11 GS-12/13 $29, 473 - $56, 707 $52, 281 - $80, 818 Park Ranger (GS-025) PR – Law Enforcement GS-4/7 GS-5/7/9 $21, 266 - $38, 311 $29, 345 - $42, 239 Biological Science Technicians (GS-404)

KEYS TO SUCCESS • GOOD GRADES • DEPARTMENT INVOLVEMENT • SELECTING BENEFICIAL ELECTIVES • PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT • EXPERIENCE

KEYS TO SUCCESS • GRADES – 3. 00 OR HIGHER GPA • need to set yourself apart from all the other Wildlife students across the U. S. • some companies will only hire students with a 3. 00 or better • federal employers can direct hire you if you have a 3. 50 GPA or higher through their Outstanding Scholar Program. • generally minimum needed to be accepted to graduate school

KEYS TO SUCCESS • DEPARTMENT INVOLVEMENT – CLUBS • Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society – ASSISTING FACULTY & GRADUATE STUDENTS

KEYS TO SUCCESS • SELECTING BENEFICIAL ELECTIVES – Courses needed for certification • The Wildlife Society • Society of Wetland Scientists – Courses need for federal government biologist status – Courses that look good on a resume • Geographic Information System (GIS) • First Aid & Personal Safety – Courses for a CMU Minor or Specialization – Other non-required wildlife courses from the Biology Dept. – Other natural resource courses

Wildlife Biologist Certification www. wildlife. org 1. Biological Sciences: Thirty-six (36) semester hours in biological sciences are required (Note: the sum of hours required in subcategories (a)-(e) is 33; the remaining 3 hours may be in any of the five subcategories) and must include: a) Six (6) semester hours in courses emphasizing the principles and practices of wildlife management. 2. Physical Sciences: Nine (9) semester hours in physical sciences such as chemistry, physics, geology, or soils, with at least two (2) disciplines represented. 3. Quantitative Sciences: Nine (9) semester hours in quantitative sciences that must include: a) Three (3) semester hours in basic statistics. b) Six (6) semester hours in calculus, biometry, advanced algebra, systems analysis, mathematical modeling, sampling, computer science, or other quantitative science. b) Six (6) semester hours in courses in biology and behavior of birds, mammals, reptiles, or amphibians with at least 1 course concerning birds or mammals. c) Three (3) semester hours in general plant or animal ecology (excludes human ecology). d) Nine (9) semester hours in courses in general zoology, genetics, physiology, anatomy, invertebrate zoology, or taxonomy. e) Nine (9) semester hours in courses in general botany, plant anatomy, plant genetics, plant morphology, plant physiology, plant taxonomy, or other botany courses. 4. Humanities and Social Sciences: Nine (9) semester hours in humanities and social sciences, such as economics, sociology, psychology, political science, government, history, literature, or foreign language. 5. Communications: Twelve (12) semester hours in courses such as English composition, technical writing, journalism, public speaking, or use of mass media. 6. Policy, Administration, and Law: Six (6) semester hours in courses such as resource policy and/or administration, environmental or wildlife law, or natural resource/land-use planning.

KEYS TO SUCCESS • SELECTING BENEFICIAL ELECTIVES – Courses needed for certification • The Wildlife Society • Society of Wetland Scientists – Courses need for federal government biologist status – Courses that look good on a resume • Geographic Information System (GIS) • First Aid & Personal Safety – Courses for a CMU Minor or Specialization – Other non-required wildlife courses from the Biology Dept. – Other natural resource courses

FEDERAL WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST • The U. S. Office of Personnel Management lists the requirements for federal employment as a wildlife biologist. These requirements include: – A bachelor's or higher degree in biological science from an accredited college or university; or a combination of education and experience in courses equivalent to a major in biological science (i. e. , at least 30 semester hours) including: • At least 9 semester hours in wildlife subjects such as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, or research courses in the field of wildlife biology; • At least 12 semester hours in zoology in such subjects as general zoology, invertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, genetics, ecology, cellular biology, parasitology, entomology, or research courses in such subjects; • At least 9 semester hours in botany or related plant science.

KEYS TO SUCCESS • SELECTING BENEFICIAL ELECTIVES – Courses needed for certification • The Wildlife Society • Society of Wetland Scientists – Courses need for federal government biologist status – Courses that look good on a resume • Geographic Information System (GIS) • First Aid & Personal Safety – Courses for a CMU Minor or Specialization – Other non-required wildlife courses from the Biology Dept. – Other natural resource courses

KEYS TO SUCCESS PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT Professional Memberships – CMU • Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society – State Chapters: • MI Chapter of The Wildlife Society – National: • • The Wildlife Society for Conservation Biology Ecological Society of America Society for Wetland Scientists Professional Meetings – State Chapter Meeting: • The Wildlife Society – Regional Meetings: • Midwest Student Conclave • Midwest Fish & Wildlife – National Conferences: • • The Wildlife Society for Conservation Biology Ecological Society of America Society for Wetland Scientists

KEYS TO SUCCESS • EXPERIENCE, EXPERIENCE – get as much major-related experience as possible • helps you decide what aspects of this field you want to concentrate on – WILDLIFE » » » Game Non-game Endangered Species Wetlands & Waterfowl Habitat Birds, Mammals, Amphibians & Reptiles – CONSERVATION LAW ENFORCEMENT – ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION – STATE, FEDERAL, NON-PROFIT, COLLEGE/UNIV. • you need references from major-related employers

QUESTIONS? ?

CAREER RESOURCES • Michigan Department of Natural Resources – Employment Opportunities • Michigan Dept of Civil Service – Listing of Job Titles and Specifications • Planning a Career in Fish and Wildlife Management and Related Fields of Natural Resource Conservation • USFWS Careers – Student Career Experience Program – Student Temporary Employment Program • US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) – Qualification Standards for Biological Science positions – USAJOBS – STUDENTJOBS. gov

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES The Complete Guide to Environmental Careers in the 21 st Century by The Environmental Careers Organization

FINDING FW EMPLOYMENT • FW Employment Email Listservs – FW-JOBS – http: //www. fw. msu. edu/academics/ugrad/jobs/er_email. html • FW Employment Websites – Fisheries and Wildlife Employment Resources Website – http: //www. fw. msu. edu/academics/ugrad/jobs/er. html • Texas A&M Fish and Wildlife Job Board • Ornithological Jobs • USAJOBS & Studentjobs. gov • Student Conservation Association

Jim Schneider • Undergraduate Advising Center 40 Natural Resources Building Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Michigan State University • Phone: 517 -353 -9091 • E-Mail: schne 181@msu. edu • http: //www. fw. msu. edu/