How to Be Ethologist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 23, 2022 / 4 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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An ethologist is a scientist who studies animal behavior. Through their observations and research, they look for cause-and-effect relationships that can explain how and why animals behave the way they do. They take into account the environment, genetics, hormones and other factors.

By understanding how animals interact with their environments, ethologists can help to protect endangered species, set humane standards for animal care, and provide insight into the behavior of humans. Their work can also help to inform conservation efforts, wildlife management and public health policy.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become an ethologist, you must first earn a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university. While there is no specific major required for entry into the field, relevant coursework includes animal behavior, biology, chemistry, ecology, zoology, and psychology.
Complete Research Experience. Although not required, gaining research experience in the field is highly recommended for those interested in pursuing a career as an ethologist. Research experience will provide you with the skills necessary to conduct experiments and interpret results in the field.
Earn a Master's Degree. Most ethologists opt to pursue a masters degree in order to gain expertise in the field. During this program, students will further their knowledge of animal behavior, anatomy, physiology, ecology, and genetics.
Consider Earning a Doctoral Degree. For those interested in teaching at the college level or conducting research in the field, a doctoral degree may be required. A doctoral program will provide in-depth knowledge of animal behavior, ecology, and evolutionary biology.
Obtain Certification. Although not required, obtaining certification from a professional organization such as the American Society of Ethologists may be beneficial for those interested in advancing their career. This certification will demonstrate expertise in the field and may be beneficial when applying for jobs.
Apply for Employment. After completing the necessary educational and certification requirements, you can apply for jobs in the field. Job opportunities can be found in academia, research facilities, zoos, wildlife centers, and conservation organizations.

Regularly staying up-to-date and capable as an ethologist is essential for success in the field. By attending conferences, seminars, and workshops related to ethology, one can learn about new research and developments in the field. reading scholarly journals and articles on the subject can also help to keep an ethologist informed and knowledgeable.

Furthermore, networking with other ethologists can provide opportunities to discuss and collaborate on research topics, as well as exchange ideas and knowledge. Finally, continuing to stay engaged in the field by participating in relevant conferences and other events is important to remain current, competent, and capable as an ethologist.

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Job Description

Conduct research studies of animal behavior
Design experiments to observe and analyze animal behavior
Collect and analyze data from studies and experiments
Develop theories about behavior and ecology
Write papers based on research findings
Present research results at conferences and seminars
Teach courses related to animal behavior
Supervise and mentor students conducting research projects
Monitor animal populations in their natural habitats
Develop conservation plans for endangered species

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of animal behavior and behavior patterns
Understanding of animal behavior in different environments
Ability to observe and analyze animal behavior
Ability to interpret data and draw conclusions
Knowledge of ethology and related disciplines
Ability to design and conduct experiments
Knowledge of the scientific method
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to write comprehensive reports
Attention to detail and accuracy
Problem-solving skills
Computer literacy
Good organizational skills
Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
Knowledge of safety protocols

The ability to observe and interpret animal behavior is an essential attribute of any ethologist. This skill is developed through a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and keen attention to detail. By being able to recognize subtle body language, vocalizations and environmental cues, a skilled ethologist can uncover the causes and effects of animal behavior.

With this knowledge, they can then devise strategies to address both problematic and beneficial behavior. ethologists are able to use their knowledge to better understand the impact of human activities on wildlife populations and ecosystems. As a result, they play a vital role in the conservation of biodiversity and the protection of endangered species.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in ethology?
What experience do you have working with animals?
Describe a research project you have conducted related to ethology.
How would you go about designing and conducting an ethological study?
What techniques do you use to observe animal behavior?
How do you identify the behavior of animals and how do you interpret the data?
What methods do you use to ensure the accuracy of your data?
How have you incorporated technology into your research on animal behavior?
What challenges have you faced in studying animal behavior?
How do you keep up with the latest trends in ethology?

Common Tools in Industry

Data Analysis Software. A tool used to collect, analyze and visualize data (e. g. SPSS, Stata).
GIS Software. A tool used to visualize and analyze geographic data (e. g. ArcGIS, QGIS).
Behavioral Research Software. A tool used to record and analyze animal behavior (e. g. EthoVision, Noldus Observer).
Research Management Software. A tool used to manage research projects, tasks, and data (e. g. REDCap, Qualtrics).
Statistical Software. A tool used to conduct statistical analysis and inference (e. g. R, SAS).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Mammalogists
The Wildlife Society
International Society for Behavioral Ecology
International Society of Ethology
Animal Behavior Society
International Society of Primatologists
Ethological Society of Japan
Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
American Ornithological Society
Society for Conservation Biology

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Common Important Terms

Comparative Psychology. A branch of psychology that looks at behavior across different species to gain a better understanding of human behavior.
Behavioral Ecology. A field of study that looks at the evolutionary basis of behavioral traits in animals and how they interact with their environment.
Ethology. An interdisciplinary field which examines the behavior patterns of animals in natural settings.
Animal Cognition. The study of the mental processes and behavior of animals, such as learning, memory, perception, and problem solving.
Behavioral Genetics. The scientific study of how genetic variation affects behavior and psychological characteristics.
Neuroethology. The study of the neural basis of behavior in animals.
Developmental Psychology. The scientific study of how and why people change over the course of their lives.
Evolutionary Psychology. A field of psychology that looks at behavior from an evolutionary perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is an Ethologist? A1: An Ethologist is a scientist that studies the behavior of animals in their natural habitats. Q2: What types of research do Ethologists conduct? A2: Ethologists conduct field studies, laboratory experiments, and observations to examine the behavior of animals in their natural environments. Q3: What is Ethology? A3: Ethology is the scientific study of animal behavior, focusing on the behavior of animals in their natural habitats. Q4: How many branches of Ethology are there? A4: There are three main branches of Ethology: evolutionary, experimental, and ecological. Q5: What are the goals of Ethology? A5: The goals of Ethology are to understand the evolutionary basis of animal behavior, the adaptive value of behavior, and the role of behavior in an animal's ability to survive and reproduce.