How to Be Wildlife Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 13, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The rapid destruction of habitats due to urban development has had a detrimental effect on wildlife populations. As human populations expand and roads, buildings, and other infrastructure are constructed, wildlife is forced to find new places to live. This often means that wildlife populations become fragmented, leading to a decrease in genetic diversity and an increased risk of extinction.

Wildlife technicians play an important role in mitigating the effects of habitat loss on wildlife populations by ensuring that animals have enough space to survive and thrive. They also work to restore and maintain habitats, reintroduce species to their natural environments, and monitor animal populations. In addition, wildlife technicians educate the public about the importance of preserving and protecting wildlife habitats, which can help reduce the impact of urban development on endangered species.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. To become a wildlife technician, you will need at least a high school diploma or GED.
Pursue a College Education. A post-secondary or college education is essential to becoming a wildlife technician. You should pursue a degree in wildlife management or a related field such as biology, zoology, ecology or forestry.
Obtain Field Experience. Wildlife technicians need to have field experience in order to understand the environment and the animals. You can gain this experience through internships, volunteer work or working on research projects.
Obtain Certifications. Obtaining certifications can help you become a wildlife technician. Certifications show that you are knowledgeable about the environment and wildlife. Examples of certifications include Certified Wildlife Biologist, Certified Wildlife Manager, and Certified Wildlife Educator.
Become Licensed. Depending on the state, you may need to become licensed in order to work as a wildlife technician. Check with your local state or federal agency to see what the requirements are.
Obtain Professional Training. Professional training can help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques in wildlife management. You can obtain this training through seminars, conferences and other continuing education opportunities.
Get a Job. Once you have obtained your education and certifications, you can begin applying for jobs as a wildlife technician. Look for jobs with state and federal agencies, universities and private organizations.

Wildlife technicians are highly skilled and qualified individuals who are trained in the study and management of wildlife. These technicians are knowledgeable in a wide range of topics from biology and ecology to environmental science. They understand the complex relationships between plants, animals, and their ecosystems, and how these elements interact with human activities.

As such, they can identify environmental issues and develop strategies to mitigate them. Their expertise helps protect endangered species and habitats, as well as manage the impacts of human activities on wildlife populations. In turn, these activities contribute to the conservation of natural resources, which helps ensure that future generations will have access to healthy and thriving ecosystems.

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Job Description

Monitor wildlife habitats and populations
Collect data on wildlife species and habitats
Prepare reports on population trends, health assessments and species diversity
Conduct research on wildlife behavior, movement and habitat
Create management plans to conserve and protect wildlife populations
Track and report on wildlife threats such as poaching and illegal hunting
Participate in public education and outreach programs
Capture, handle and relocate animals in danger or need
Apply pesticides and other chemicals to control pests and diseases
Administer animal health treatments and vaccinations

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of general wildlife biology and ecology
Knowledge of species-specific behaviors, habitats, and diets
Understanding of wildlife survey and monitoring techniques
Ability to recognize signs of wildlife presence
Ability to identify animal tracks and scat
Knowledge of local wildlife regulations and laws
Familiarity with animal capture and handling techniques
Ability to safely operate firearms and other wildlife control equipment
Understanding of wildlife diseases and pathogens
Ability to accurately record data
Ability to use GIS and GPS technology
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
Good problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Ability to handle difficult situations with tact and diplomacy
Ability to work long hours in often challenging conditions

Having a strong knowledge of wildlife biology is essential for Wildlife Technicians. This includes understanding the behavior, habitats and needs of animals, as well as the impact of humans on their environment. By understanding the ecology of wildlife and their interactions with their environment, Wildlife Technicians are able to develop effective plans to manage and protect these creatures.

good communication skills are important in order to effectively explain policies and regulations to the public. They must also be organized and have strong problem-solving skills in order to best assess and manage the wildlife situation. Furthermore, it is important for Wildlife Technicians to have an awareness of current laws and regulations related to conservation, as well as an understanding of the impacts of climate change on wildlife populations.

By having these skills, Wildlife Technicians are able to create strategies that will help conserve and protect our natural resources for generations to come.

Wildlife Rehabilitator, Animal Rescuer, and Ornithologist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with wildlife?
How do you handle difficult situations when dealing with wildlife?
How do you respond in emergency situations involving wildlife?
What safety protocols do you use when dealing with potentially hazardous wildlife?
What do you understand about the principles of wildlife management?
What methods of collecting and analyzing data do you have experience with?
How do you handle stressful situations when working with wildlife?
What techniques do you use to ensure humane treatment of wildlife?
How do you ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations?
What methods do you use to ensure accuracy and consistency when tracking wildlife data?

Common Tools in Industry

Binoculars. Used to observe wildlife from a distance (eg: 8x42 binoculars).
Game Cameras. Used to capture images and videos of wildlife in their natural habitat (eg: Bushnell Trophy Cam HD Essential).
GPS Unit. Used to record and track locations of wildlife (eg: Garmin eTrex 10 Handheld GPS Navigator).
Weather Instruments. Used to measure and monitor weather conditions (eg: Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station).
Animal Traps. Used to capture and relocate animals safely (eg: Havahart 1025 Live Animal Two-Door Raccoon Cage Trap).
Animal Tracking Collars. Used to track the movements of animals (eg: Garmin Alpha 100 TT15 GPS Dog Tracking System).
Field Guides. Used to identify species of wildlife (eg: National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds).
Safety Gear. Used to protect from potential hazards (eg: Snake Guardz Snake Chaps).
Telescopes. Used to observe wildlife from a distance (eg: Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope).
Data Collection Software. Used to store and analyze wildlife data (eg: Wildlife Insights Pro).

Professional Organizations to Know

The Wildlife Society
American Fisheries Society
The Nature Conservancy
National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
The Wildlife Management Institute
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
National Audubon Society
International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
National Wild Turkey Federation

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Common Important Terms

Animal Ecology. The study of the interactions between animals and their environment, including their relationships with other species and their physical surroundings.
Wildlife Management. The application of scientific and economic principles to the conservation and management of wild populations and their habitats.
Habitat Conservation. The protection of natural habitats that provide essential resources for wildlife, including food, water, and shelter.
Endangered Species. Species that are at risk of becoming extinct due to human activities or natural processes.
Biodiversity. The variety of living organisms on Earth, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.
Conservation Biology. The study of the ways in which species, ecosystems, and habitats can be protected from human activities and natural processes.
Wildlife Surveys. A method of collecting data about wild populations and their habitats in order to assess the health of the environment and identify conservation opportunities.
Wildlife Rehabilitation. The practice of caring for injured or orphaned wild animals in order to return them to their natural habitats.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Wildlife Technician?

A Wildlife Technician is a professional who helps with the management of wildlife populations, habitats and ecosystems. They may work for government agencies, nonprofit organizations, universities or private companies.

What duties does a Wildlife Technician typically perform?

Duties of a Wildlife Technician may include monitoring wildlife populations, collecting data on species and habitats, conducting field research, developing conservation plans, and helping to implement programs designed to protect and improve wildlife habitats.

What qualifications are needed to become a Wildlife Technician?

To become a Wildlife Technician, one must usually have a bachelor's degree in a related field such as wildlife biology, ecology, conservation or natural resource management. Additional qualifications may include field experience, knowledge of local wildlife populations and proficiency in GIS and statistical analysis.

What are the job prospects for a Wildlife Technician?

Job prospects for a Wildlife Technician are generally good, particularly in areas where there is increased demand for wildlife management services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of wildlife technicians is expected to grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029.

What is the average salary of a Wildlife Technician?

The median annual salary for a Wildlife Technician is approximately $45,000 per year. Salaries vary depending on the type of employer, geographic location and experience level.