Zoologist - Career Advice - Research and Development

Zoologists perform many varied tasks depending on their specialisation and the area they are working in. As part of research they could investigate the relationship between animals and their environment; growth, nutrition, reproduction etc., of an animal; or the prey and predators of an animal. FutureGrowthModerate

They may develop programs to control pests, or to manage the population of wild animals. They will spend time preparing scientific reports and papers. They may also be involved in teaching.

Zoologists, sometimes termed life scientists, study the characteristics of living organisms. They examine the makeup and chemistry of humans, animals, and plants to glean information about how organisms interact with each other. They also may study the environment of living things and perform experiments as needed.

Alternative names: Life Scientist

ANZSCO ID & Description: 234518: Studies the anatomy, physiology, characteristics, ecology, behaviour and environments of animals.

Specialisations: Here are the main Organism oriented branches in Zoology:

Name of Branch	Organisms studied	Name of Scientist (those linked are on "On the Job" )
Arachnology [araneology] – the study of spiders including Acarology the study of ticks & mites Scorpiology – the study of scorpions	Spiders Ticks and Mites Scorpions	Arachnologist
Carcinology	Crustaceans, a type of arthropod	Carcinologist
Cetology	Whales [Cetaceans]	Cetologist
Cnidology	Coelenterates	Cnidologist
Conchology	Shells of molluscs	Conchologist
Entomology including Lepidopterology & Myrmecology	Insects Butterflies and Moths & Ants	Entomologist
Helminthology including Nematology	Helminthes Nematodes (round wormns)	Helminthologist
Herpetology including Ophiology & Saurology	Reptiles & Amphibians Snakes & Lizards	Herpetologist
Ichthyology	Fishes	Ichthyologist
Malacology	Molluscs	Malacologist
Mammalogy	Mammals	Mammalogist
Microbiology including Bacteriology	Microbes Bacteria	Microbiologist Bacteriologist
Ornithology	Birds	Ornithologist
Parasitology	Parasites	Parasitologist
Parazoology	Sponges	Parazoologist
Primatology	Primates	Primatologist
Protozoology	Protozoans	Protozoologist
Virology	Viruses	Virologist

(Source: The Live Learns)

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A Zoologist needs:

a keen interest in research and living animals
excellent oral and written communication skills
a logical approach to problem solving
good observation skills
to be able to perform precise work
to be able to work independently or as part of a team.
Active listening skills
Excellent knowledge of all forms of science
Good knowledge of mathematics
Reading comprehension
Use of logic, critical thinking, and reasoning to solve complex problems

Zoologist at work
(Source: UCAS)

Duties and Tasks

At times, teaching classes on zoology or other forms of science
Designing and conducting experiments to gather information on living organisms
Examining bacteria, fungi, cells, and other microscopic organisms, for information on larger plants and animals
Observing animals and humans in natural habitats and recording their findings
Providing advice to locations where animals are kept in captivity, such as zoos
Studying the cellular makeup of living organisms
Writing articles and publishing findings

Working Conditions

A zoologist's normal workday would be 9 to 5, Monday to Friday. However, in some cases weekend work may also be required, for example if conducting experiments in the field. Most zoologists work in an office or laboratory, but would also be required to work with animals in their habitat or where they are housed (for example a zoo).

Zoologists are found in a variety of workplaces. They may work in laboratories or in office settings. Often they work in zoos or animal reserves, or they may work at a college or university.

Tools and Technologies

Zoologists may be involved with technologies associated with the particular specialisation they are involved with. For example, ichthyologists may need to be proficient at scuba diving. They need to be capable of conducting experiments, typically in a laboratory, to complete the research process

Education and Training

To become a zoologist you usually need to study a science degree with a major in biological sciences, environmental biology, zoology or a related field.

Did You Know?

An elephant is killed every 25 minutes, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

WWF’s global mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. WWF-Australia is part of the WWF International Network, the world’s leading, independent conservation organisation.

Founded in 1961 we are active in over 100 countries and have close to five million supporters internationally. In Australia and throughout the oceanic region, we work with governments, businesses and communities so that people and nature can thrive within their fair share of the planet’s natural resources.