Increasingly these positions require strong backgrounds in social science, including motivational courses and courses in teaching techniques, crowd management strategies, legal liability, and other people skills beyond biology. Even animal handlers in zoos can expect to have contact with the public. Emphasize courses in conservation, marine biology, zoology, avian biology, fisheries, or mammalogy, depending upon your special interest. A degree in general biology, or environmental science, with experience in your field of interest, is also appropriate.
- Ranger/naturalist - limited number of positions are available at federal, state, regional and local levels.
- Marine biology attendant, assistant, educator (aquarium work) - there are a small number of positions available, usually at private aquaria that serve the public, or as assistants in marine science research centers
- Zoo or animal park attendant, assistant, educator - with increasing public interest in zoos there are expected to be a continuing number of positions available
- Marine biologist/oceanographer - serious research positions in marine biology almost always demand a Master's degree, and a doctorate is preferred. Those who work in this field are incredibly dedicated, and usually cannot imagine living their lives any other way, but there is often a continual effort to win research support. Professional marine biology is for the truly dedicated scientist.
Many students with such interests are often discouraged to learn how much they have to be involved in political processes to be effective. It is important to remember that all issues that affect the environment are, ultimately, people issues rather than scientific issues, and that educating and motivating people, and securing the passage of laws and regulations, are essential to protecting any environment. Degrees that include a broad range of science and social science courses, plus statistics, are excellent selling points when seeking entry positions. Ask your professors about opportunities to help them in their work as a way of introducing yourself to what the field entails.
- Environmental Policy Development:
Many such positions do not require much formal training in biology, but rather rely upon professional consultants in biology. Government officials and a range of lobbyists at all levels - the people who actually write environmental regulations and laws - usually do not themselves have backgrounds in science, but they rely upon staff members and paid consultants for expert information.
Many federal and state agencies, such as Departments of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Interior, Coastal Preservation, and others, offer a wide range of positions that touch on environmental issues. Most students only become aware of such opportunities later in their studies, so it is worthwhile to scan things like federal and state job registers periodically just to get a feel for what kinds of positions do exist. Government scientists always have to be aware of political issues, but do not necessarily have to engage in political activities in their work.
- Environmental Consultants:
The segments of EIRs that involve life forms are usually written by experienced biologists at master's or Ph.D level, who work for industry or for private environmental consulting firms. The main "product" is a set of written analyses and recommendations, presented to government agencies, relating to specific proposals for development or for conservation projects (e.g., recovery plans for endangered species).
These positions often require a master's degree for entry-level and a Ph.D. for senior responsibility. They are usually found in universities, government agencies or environmental consulting firms and run the gamut from laboratory work with viruses and bacteria, to field expeditions in uncharted wilderness areas. While most environmental science is regarded as basic research rather than applied, virtually all has one of two goals: (a) a general conservation of species to preserve earth's life forms, or (b) some relation to health issues that require the control of insects, microorganisms and environmental toxins, or problematic animals (e.g., rats that might be spreading disease).
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