Zoologist Job Description Template

Closeup of a zoologist holding a baby chimpanzee and smiling.

Zoology is a broad field that involves the study of genetics, habitat, health, behaviors, and other important attributes of a wide variety of animals. Their professional goals often include the rehabilitation of endangered species and educating the public. Those who go into this profession are generally passionate about animal welfare and view it as more of a calling than simply a job.

If you’re on the hunt for a new zoologist, this zoologist job description sample can help you find well-qualified candidates. You can customize the specific job duties and requirements to suit your needs, while our existing zoologist job listings can provide additional ideas for what you could include.

Closeup of a zoologist holding a baby chimpanzee and smiling.

Zoologist

[Intro Paragraph] Use the introductory paragraph to introduce your zoo or wildlife organization to prospective candidates. Take two or three sentences to describe the facilities and your working environment, such as your wildlife rehabilitation, research, and outreach efforts. Let applicants know what sets you apart from other organizations.

Zoologist Job Responsibilities:

  • Conducts research on animal behavior, habitats and population trends.
  • Contributes to scientific journals through research and scholarly articles.
  • Studies effects of environmental changes and human influences on animal life.
  • Supports animal conservation efforts.
  • Observes animals in controlled and natural habitats.
  • Collects and analyzes data for research and educational purposes.
  • Studies and forecasts animal populations to assist in planning and management.
  • Presents studies and findings to assist in educational and conservation efforts.
  • Contributes to organization efforts by accomplishing related tasks as needed.

[Work Hours & Benefits] Next, it’s a good idea to list your organization’s working hours and benefits. Let candidates know what your typical work hours are and if you offer things like flexible scheduling options. Don’t forget to include benefits that set you apart, like employee development and education programs, field research opportunities, paid parental leave, and commuter benefits.

Zoologist Qualifications/Skills:

  • Highly skilled in math and statistics
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong research skills
  • Detail oriented and highly organized
  • Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills
  • Working knowledge of applicable computer software, such as geographic information systems and modeling software
  • Comfortable working outdoors

Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in zoology, wildlife biology, or related field (master’s and PhD preferred)
  • Experience in zoology preferred

[Call to Action] It’s also important to include a call to action in your job description. This is where you encourage candidates to apply and explain the steps to do so. For example, you could instruct them to click the “apply” button at the top of the job posting or have them email their application and resume to your HR department.

Get Results With Your Zoologist Job Description

Once you’ve crafted a well-written job description, you can focus on other strategies to find qualified zoologists. This includes posting your job ad on a high-profile job board that will be seen far and wide. Get started today with a free listing on Monster!