Zoologist

1. Zoologist Agricultural Careers By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Asha Wise Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office Georgia Department of Education April 2006

2. Job Duties & Responsibilities • Study animals in their natural habitat • Raise specimens for observation or use in experiments • Collect and dissect animal specimens • Examine slides under a microscope • Prepare collections of preserved specimens or slides for identification and study • Conduct research studies and analyze findings • Write reports and give presentations • Analyze characteristics of animals to identify and classify them • Manage departments and supervise staff • Monitor animals' diets and breeding • Develop exhibits • Buy or rescue animals for exhibits

3. Qualities and Skills • Zoologists should be personal and versatile • Able to work independently or as part of a team • Have strong business and communication skills • Be familiar with the various standard regulatory issues and marketing and management techniques • Exhibit patience, good work habits, and self-discipline to conduct long and detailed research projects • If teaching, have a healthy tolerance for students and a love for teaching and learning • Have the ability to work through problems methodically and be able to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing

4. To Learn More and Prepare for this Career • Take classes heavily concentrated in the sciences and in technology. (biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, and agriscience) • Participate in any wildlife projects and nature/wilderness camps offered through either the school or the community • Participate in agricultural clubs such as 4-H and FFA • Volunteer at a local zoo or wildlife museum

5. Work Environment • May be strenuous if working on outdoor research missions • May work in remote areas, away from modern conveniences • Large amount of time in laboratories and offices when conducting tests, running experiments, recording results, and compiling data • 40 hour workweek for both teachers and researchers in zoology • May work overtime when observing animals in their habitat • May travel to animal habitat sites or to professional conferences • May be required to stay at the lab during evening hours or on weekends in order to monitor a test while conducting research

6. Education • A Ph.D. is usually necessary for independent research, industrial research, college teaching, and for advancement to administrative positions. • A master’s degree is sufficient for some jobs in basic research, applied research or product development, management, or inspection. • Undergraduate biological science majors usually study allied disciplines such as mathematics, physics, and computer science. • Computer courses are essential, as employers prefer job applicants who are able to apply computer skills to modeling and simulation tasks and in operating computerized laboratory equipment. • Those interested in studying the environment also should take courses in environmental studies to become familiar with current legislation and regulations.

7. Career Resources International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) Internet: http://www.iczn.org Smithsonian Institute Internet: http://www.si.edu Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Internet: http://www.sicb.org Biosis Internet: http://www.biosis.org