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Careers in Conservation Biology

Conservation biology students find employment in a variety of government agencies, at the municipal level (for example, as land use planner), state level (such as with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation or State Heritage Program), federal level (such as with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, U. S. Forest Service, or National Park Service), and occasionally at the international level (such as with the United Nations Environmental Program). Many private conservation agencies such as The Nature Conservancy preferentially hire broadly trained conservation biologists. Ecological consulting firms are an increasingly important source of employment for conservation biologists. Training in conservation biology also provides a strong basis for a rewarding career in teaching and environmental education.

Students should consider that employment opportunities in conservation biology are enhanced, in addition to the general coursework outlined below, by the acquisition of one or more specific skills (for example, computer programming, GIS, biostatistics, advanced communications and genetics), some practical experience working as an intern for a conservation agency, and taxonomic proficiency with one or more plant or animal groups.

There are many generically trained individuals seeking to get involved. Ask what distinguishes you in terms of special skills or perspectives. For students contemplating pursuing graduate education (virtually a pre-requisite for a research-focused career or a higher-level administrative position), undergraduate training in conservation biology provides an excellent point of departure for a variety of subsequent career tracks, including working not only as a biologist but also as administrator, policy-maker, litigant, organizer, or communicator in positions related to conservation biology.