Certification for Wildlife Biologists Shannon Pederson Associate Wildlife

Certification for Wildlife Biologists Shannon Pederson, Associate Wildlife Biologist® Certification Program Manager The Wildlife Society

Wildlife Biologist – What is it? A person with demonstrated expertise in the art and science of applying the principles of ecology to the sound stewardship and management of the wildlife resource and its environment.

Certification – Why Should I? • Adds credibility when speaking or testifying • Shows initiative, commitment, and professionalism • Becoming increasingly required or recommended • Makes you more marketable when applying for jobs!

Certification Overview Is your exam! (but a take-home) Certification awarded at two levels: 1. Associate Wildlife Biologist – educational requirement. Expires in 10 years. 2. Certified Wildlife Biologist – educational and experiential requirements. Expires in 5 years. Professional Development is required to maintain certification.

CATEGORIES Biological Sciences (36) • Wildlife Management (6) • Wildlife Biology (6) (one –ology) • Ecology (3) • Zoology (9) • Botany (9) (one plant taxonomy/I. D. ) Physical Sciences (9 in > 2 areas) Quantitative Sciences (9) (3 stats) Humanities & Social Sciences (9) Communications (12) Policy, Administration, & Law (6)

Substitutions • Allowed provided at least one college course is taken in that category • Difficulty finding required courses at your college/university? Look for online courses (www. wildlife. org), local community colleges, DOI, USDA Grad School, TWS Chapter/Section workshops (i. e. , NE Section Field Course).

Dividing Courses • Allowed provided you do not exceed credit for that course and you make your case. • For example, general biology may be divided into the zoology and botany categories, depending on your course description.

Course Descriptions • Required for most courses listed • Make or break your application • Write your own

How do I apply? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Read the program booklet Fill out application (certification. wildlife. org) Select 3 references (1+ CWB) Attach or mail ALL transcripts Pay

How do I upgrade to CWB? 1. Anytime after AWB awarded, but before AWB’s 10 -year expiration date 2. Omit educational experience as we have on file already 3. Pay the difference 4. Grad school can substitute for experience

Questions? [email protected] org 301 -897 -9770 X 303 www. wildlife. org