Wildlife and conservation biology careers

Wildlife researcher Geoffrey Dutton sets out the path to becoming a veterinarian working in conversation biology

Geoffrey Dutton

There are many varied jobs in conservation biology. These include zoo veterinarian involved in not only the veterinary care of the captive animals but also captive breeding and the possible release of animals into the wild. You may also find yourself in the field doing research or in an advisory role to government or non-government bodies on issues of conservation. The possibilities are wide and varied and in our changing world with climate change and other conservation issues the jobs for a vet in conservation biology are becoming more varied and interesting.

Most veterinary conservation biologist have postgraduate degrees. These range from the initial postgraduate diplomas (generally in zoo medicine or conservation) up to doctorates if you are to follow up in the research area. Some areas do not need these and you can work your way through on-the-job training. The extra education does often help move you along a particular career path of your choice in conservation, and to some degree gives you more credibility.

You need to be somebody willing to work hard and to be very tenacious. Fix your sights on a particular path and try to stick with it. You need to also be a person that volunteers in many areas because often you find contacts are the key to some success. But it is mostly hard work!

It is very rewarding and satisfying but at times hard work. I chose the academic pathway, so I also lecture to veterinary students and try to bring wildlife and conservation into my teaching. As part of my job I also do research on wildlife. My main research has been on reproduction in seals and breeding patterns which are important for not only captive breeding populations but also monitoring in the wild to ensure continued viable populations. I am also looking at early disease and stress markers that can indicate a population is under environmental stress or having other problems. We are also monitoring the populations of platypus in our area. Therefore my research is wide-reaching and varied. I am also asked at times to comment on environmental issues such as oil spills as well as on conservation policies. 

Volunteer if possible with some research or other projects that may be going on. In this way you will make many contacts that could lead you to where you want to get to. You also get valuable experience and explore the many areas that you may wish to be involved with. The skills that you learn as a volunteer can then be taken with you to improve your career prospects.

Because there are so many areas that a conservation biologist can be involved in (and this may sound a bit clichéd), the world is your oyster. Your career can take you anywhere in the world if you continue to strive for what you want.

Join the conservation biology special interest group