Zoologist Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

Zoologists work in a wide range of areas including:

• developing and testing new drugs
• improving agricultural crops and livestock
• disease and pest control
• conserving endangered habitats and species
• animal welfare and education
• developing policies and enforcing regulations for government agencies.

You would usually have a specialism, for example ecology (animal environments), herpetology (reptiles), entomology (insects) or parasitology (parasites).

Your tasks would vary depending on the particular job, but could include:

• carrying out field and laboratory research
• studying animals in their natural environment or in captivity
• identifying, recording and monitoring animal species
• gathering information and interpreting it
• using complex procedures, such as computerised molecular and cellular analysis, and in-vitro fertilisation
• producing detailed technical reports
• giving presentations and publishing information in journals and books
• supervising technicians.

Hours

In industry, research and higher education you would usually work regular hours from Monday to Friday. As a field researcher you would work variable hours. For example you would need to work at night if you are studying nocturnal animals.

If you work in conservation you may have to work evenings, weekends and public holidays, for example to attend evening meetings, supervise volunteers or host public open days.

Income

Zoologists in research posts can earn around £30,000 a year. Senior research staff can earn around £50,000.

Salaries for those working in private industry and other organisations vary considerably.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

You will usually need a degree in a subject such as zoology, animal ecology, parasitology, animal behaviour or conservation.

See the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website for a list of foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees. You should check entry requirements with individual colleges or universities.

• UCAS

For some jobs, particularly in research, you will need a postgraduate qualification, usually a PhD. Visit Hobsons Postgrad website to search for courses.

• Hobsons Postgrad

For conservation and fieldwork, it is common to spend some time volunteering before looking work to become familiar with identification and conservation techniques.

Training and development

You will need to develop your skills and knowledge throughout your career. Membership of professional organisations such as the Institute of Zoology (IoZ) and the Society of Biology offer opportunities for continuing professional development (CPD) and networking.

• Institute of Zoology
• Society of Biology

You can also do a wide range of professional development courses through the Field Studies Council.

• Field Studies Council

For some jobs, such as conservation and fieldwork, you are likely to need experience in subjects such as scientific data collection and research methods, which you could gain by volunteering. See the IoZ website for details of volunteering opportunities, research projects, postgraduate courses and PhD studentships.

Before you can be awarded a PhD you will need to:

• work on a research project alongside senior colleagues to develop your research skills
• produce a thesis based on your findings
• be interviewed at length about your research.

Skills and knowledge

To become a zoologist, you will need to have:

• an interest in animals and the environment
• an aptitude for science, particularly biology and chemistry
• the ability to carry out detailed work accurately and methodically
• the ability to plan research, analyse and interpret data, and write reports
• practical skills
• problem-solving skills
• patience, perseverance and the ability to concentrate for long periods
• the ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• strong communication and IT skills.

More information

Society of Biology
Charles Darwin House
12 Roger Street
London
WC1N 2JU
www.societyofbiology.org

Institute of Zoology
Zoological Society of London
Regent’s Park
London
NW1 4RY
www.zsl.org/science

Field Studies Council
Preston Montford
Montford Bridge
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
SY4 1HW
Tel: 0845 3454071
www.field-studies-council.org

British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
www.biaza.org.uk

Opportunities

You could be employed by:

• universities
• government research institutions
• the NHS
• medical research establishments
• museums and other cultural organisations
• zoos and wildlife trusts
• environmental protection agencies.

In the private sector you could work as a consultant or in a technical and research role, for example in:

• agriculture
• fisheries
• biotechnology
• chemicals
• pharmaceuticals.

You could use your experience as a zoologist to move into other jobs such as management, marketing, sales or scientific journalism. You may also be able to work and study overseas.

You may find the following links useful for vacancies and further reading (links open in new window):

• Science Careers
• New Scientist Jobs
• naturejobs

Job profiles are based on the latest information supplied to us by industry bodies, such as Sector Skills Councils. Please be aware that with the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework there has been, and will continue to be, changes to vocational qualifications. For more information, please check with industry bodies directly.

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