The Pros & Cons of Being a Zoologist

A zoologist is a person who studies the biology, behavior and life processes of animals. Zoologists study animals both in the wild and in controlled environments, such as zoos and labs. Many zoologists are employed by academic institutions, such as universities and museums, and by government agencies that regulate wildlife and natural resources. While the position is attractive to many, particularly individuals who wish to work with animals, the profession does have a number of downsides.

One of the chief advantages of becoming a zoologist is the ability to be paid to study animals. While not everyone may find this a benefit, for animal lovers, few jobs provide a better opportunity to spend time around and learn about the thing they love. Depending on the specific job a zoologist takes, he may be allowed to handle and care for animals in zoos or aquariums, or he may simply observe the animals from a distance and research them.

Zoology provides its practitioners with a number of different satisfactions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, zoologists and wildlife biologists are often responsible not only for studying wild animals and their natural habitats, but also for determining how they are affected by land use and other changes to the ecosystem, work that will potentially help preserve endangered species.

Studying animal behavior and animal populations can be incredibly rewarding work. Similarly, zoology and animal care is an intellectually challenging field, one with literally thousands of career paths in which a practitioner can pursue. Zoologists hold the esteem afforded most members of academia and the sciences.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most zoologists are required to receive a doctoral degree, in addition to a high school diploma, bachelor’s degree and master's degree, to conduct independent research and to advance to administrative positions.

While an undergraduate education in zoology, ecology, wildlife biology, and other related fields typically requires four years to complete, a master's degree in zoology will take two years of additional study, while a doctoral degree will generally require at least three more years and sometimes as much as six.

Throughout schooling, prospective zoologists should expect to conduct research and participate in fieldwork and internships.

Less than 20,000 zoologists are employed in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, full-time zoologist jobs are relatively scarce, and competition for research grants is fierce.

Prospective zoologists can therefore expect to have to contend with a difficult labor market after they have completed their schooling. The profession does not afford its practitioners with the same sort of job opportunities given many other professionals who have undergone the same sort of schooling. Prospective zoologists should also be prepared for inconsistent and potentially dangerous working conditions.