Management combines science, conservation, and the hands-on stewardship of ecosystems to protect and maintain wildlife populations. If you pursue a degree in Wildlife Management, what can you do with it? Truthfully, there is so much you can do. Our world is vast, and preserving its natural wonder requires many involved hands and hearts. From fieldwork to policy, research to rehabilitation, there are countless paths for those who want to make a difference.
Potential Careers
Conservation Scientist - Works to protect natural environments and manage natural resources. Conservation efforts may include field research, developing and implementing conservation plans, or working with communities to improve environmental practices and awareness.
Environmental Scientist - Studies environmental conditions and develops solutions to improve and prevent ecological problems like pollution, habitat degradation, and other threats to the environment.
Park Ranger - Protects public natural and historical sites while educating visitors about the environment and wildlife, as well as teaching about responsible land use.
Natural Resource Manager - Bridges the gap between nature and society. They study the environment and monitor habitats. They ensure that both people and nature can thrive by mitigating environmental risks (like forest fires) and developing strategies for the protection of both nature and society.
Wildlife Rehabilitator - Cares for sick, injured, or misplaced animals. Their main goal is to prepare an animal to be re-released into its natural environment.
Educator / Outreach Specialist - Whether working in schools, nature centers, parks, or nonprofits, educators raise awareness and help to inspire others to care about wildlife and conservation.
Graduate School - A degree in Wildlife Management can be a strong foundation for further study in law, conservation policy, research, or environmental education.
Wildlife Management vs Wildlife Biology vs Conservation Biology
Wildlife managers, wildlife biologists, and conservation biologists have similar goals, but they differentiate in their focus:
- Wildlife Management - Wildlife Managers apply their biological knowledge to actively manage and conserve wildlife and habitats.
- Wildlife Biology - Wildlife Biologists study and research wildlife behavior, ecology, and reproduction.
- Conservation Biology - Conservation Biologists use scientific research to protect natural ecosystems and reduce human impact, especially for endangered species.
Even though these are different careers, they often overlap, and many professionals move between them throughout their careers.
Possible Employers
Federal or state wildlife agencies - U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, National Parks, State Parks, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service. State Departments of Natural Resources, Fish & Game.
The coursework required at BYU-Idaho fulfills requirements for state and federal hiring prerequisites.
Nonprofit organizations and Private organizations- There are many non-profit and private conservation organizations that seek to protect wildlife. They can specialize in protecting endangered populations, wildlife rehabilitation, public awareness, and research.
Academia and Research Institutions - Universities and labs conduct essential wildlife studies and will often employ researchers, technicians, and educators. Research is crucial to the continuing conservation of wildlife.
Zoos and Aquariums - When they are run ethically, zoos and aquariums can become a sanctuary for non-releasable wildlife, and inspire public interest in conservation. They rely on caring hands and knowledgeable minds.
Making a real difference for our world
Wildlife management is not just a career, but it is a passion-driven mission. Conservationists protect the beauty of God’s creations and seek to preserve them for future generations. Without wildlife conservation, many species would already be extinct. The natural world needs active protection for its preservation.
“And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.”
Genesis 1:25