Job Description for a Wildlife Forensic Specialist

Wildlife forensic specialists provide a valuable service in the area of injustices done to animals.

Forensic science provides accurate evidence for court proceedings. Wildlife forensic specialists analyze evidence from crime scenes involving animals.

Duties

Wildlife forensic specialists carefully collect evidence at crime scenes and meticulously test and examine it in a laboratory. These specialists identify animal remains through biological or physical means; examine fingerprints, bullets, gunfire residue, footprints and vehicle tire marks; and discover tool marks or other hidden incriminating evidence, explains the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Character Traits

Workers must be extremely detail-oriented, thorough, persistent, accurate, well-organized, analytical and dedicated to using science to uncover truths in animal-related investigations. Good communication skills through written, detailed reports and court testimony are required. Remaining unbiased, professional and completely honest in all cases is expected.

Involvement

Investigations involve deaths of endangered animals, animal parts sold in illegal trafficking and other infractions of state and federal wildlife protection laws. Because of their involvement in court trials, it is important for wildlife forensic specialists to be able to explain their scientific findings in laymen's terms.

Education

A bachelor’s degree in science is a minimum requirement, according to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. A master's or Ph.D. leads to higher pay and more-challenging assignments. Classes should include English writing, mathematics, biology, chemistry, genetics, molecular biology and animal science.

Job Outlook and Pay

Many forensic specialists are hired by state and federal wildlife agencies where job competition is stiff. Although education, experience and cases influence earnings, PayScale.com reports annual salaries as $40,000 to $50,000 for recent graduates to upward of $80,000 for more experienced specialists.

References

• American Academy of Forensic Sciences: Forensic Science
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Fish and Wildlife Forensics

Resources

• Society for Wildlife Forensic Sciences
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Forensics Lab