Zoologists are biologists who study the structures, characteristics,
functions, ecology and environments of animals to increase scientific
knowledge and develop practical applications in wildlife management,
conservation, agriculture and medicine.
How much can I expect to earn?
Full-time employed Zoologist earn an average of $1315 per week. The [average
annual salary for this job is $68380 excluding super.]
Personal requirements
a keen interest in research and the study of living organisms
good observation skills
able to work accurately
a logical approach to problem-solving
good oral and written communication skills
able to work independently or as part of a team.
This job also involves:
Reading or writing
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may
be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as
letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or
writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and
symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing
skills.
This occupation offers jobs at the following skill levels:
Professional Jobs
Jobs in this group usually require completion of a recognised Bachelor Degree,
or extensive relevant experience. Some jobs also require post-graduate study,
such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master Degree.
Study requirements
At school, you can study these subject(s) to get a good foundation for this
occupation:
Biology
School subjects that include some aspect of BIOLOGY provide a useful
background to these jobs. In some cases a biology-related subject is a pre-
requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Chemistry
School subjects that include some aspects of CHEMISTRY provide a useful
background to these jobs. In some cases a chemistry-related subject is a pre-
requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Rural Studies
School subjects that include some aspect of RURAL STUDIES provide a useful
background to these jobs. In some cases an rural studies subject is a pre-
requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Duties and tasks of a Zoologist
Zoologists may perform the following tasks:
investigate the interrelationships between animals and their environment by studying animals in their natural surroundings, as well as in captivity and laboratories
study and perform experiments to identify species and gather data on growth, nutrition, reproduction, prey and predators
study the development and functions of animals
devise methods of population control, especially of vermin and pests
develop programmes to increase or manage the population of wild animals and animals in captivity
undertake surveys of fauna and prepare reports for management agencies
prepare or supervise the preparation of laboratory reports and scientific papers
supervise and coordinate the work of technical officers and technicians
conduct lectures at tertiary institutions
participate in wildlife awareness programmes for the public.
Specialisations
Zoologists usually specialise in one aspect of study such as entomology
(insects), parasitology (internal and external parasites), ecology
(environment of animals), ethology (animal behaviour), ichthyology (fish),
mammalogy (mammals), ornithology (birds), herpetology (reptiles) or physiology
(functions of animals).