How to Obtain a Position as a Zoologist
A zoologist is a scientist who specializes in animal biology and studies animals' habits, behaviors and interactions with other animals. A zoologist may conduct research for government agencies or universities, or work for a zoo or museum. Many qualifications are necessary to become a zoologist. The education alone can take as long as nine years, so you must be willing to make a big commitment. Learn more about how you can get started in this exciting field.
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Instructions
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Education
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Obtain a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university, preferably with a major in biology or zoology. This usually takes four years.
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Earn a Master's degree in zoology, wildlife management, biology, anthropology, chemistry or mathematics. This usually takes two years. A Master's degree alone may be enough to obtain a position as a research assistant or teacher, but you'll want to continue your education if you desire a different position.
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Earn a doctoral degree, typically focusing on a specific area within zoology. Earning a doctoral degree will take an additional two to three years, and will gain you a specialized skills set.
Finding a Job
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Decide what kind of a zoology position you want. Network with professors and those working in the field to discover the job possibilities in research, zoo and museum work, and specialized zoological work, such as fish diseases or animal genetics. If research is your goal, see if your professors and colleagues need a research partner.
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Speak with a graduate placement advisor upon graduation to see if they know of any job openings.
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Contact zoos, universities, government agencies, museums and private companies to inquire about job opportunities.
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Check the Association of Zoos and Aquariums website for available job positions and internships.
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Search for zoology positions on websites like Jobing.com, Career Builder and Monster Jobs. Simply enter the location and the position you desire and browse for jobs.
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Check the classifieds section of the newspaper to see if there are any zoologist positions available.
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Tips & Warnings
Get involved in the zoological field while you're still a student. Volunteer at a local zoo or marine park, apply for internships or assist professors who are conducting research. These efforts will become important highlights on your resume.
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