Jobs / Science and research / 19-1023.00
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.
- US jobs
- 18,120
- Median wage
- $76,780 a year
- Job family
- Science and research
Can agents do the work of zoologists and wildlife biologists?
We read the evidence for the whole job family, Science and research: Some tasks (no change in 12 months)
Agents complete 20% or more of the tasks (or projects) on a direct benchmark.
Evidence: CORE-Bench, declared solved.
0% of this occupation's work, by O*NET work activities, is measured by a direct benchmark.
- 15%Research biological or ecological phenomenaNot measured
- 9%Monitor environmental conditionsNot measured
- 9%Advise others on environmental sustainability or green practicesNot measured
- 8%Investigate the environmental impact of industrial or development activitiesNot measured
- 8%Present research or technical informationNot measured
- 8%Maintain current knowledge in area of expertiseNot measured
- 8%Communicate environmental or sustainability informationNot measured
- 7%Coordinate regulatory compliance activitiesNot measured
Benchmarks for the job family
These cover work in science and research, not always this occupation's tasks.
Direct evidence
Work benchmarks mapped primary to this family. They set the step when they report how many tasks agents complete.
- 95.5%Claude Code + Claude Opus 4.5 (after manual regrading) · 3 Dec 2025Solved
Also relevant
These benchmarks cover part of this family's work, or have no result yet. They do not set its step.
- 64.8%Claude Code + Opus 5.5 (max) · 6 Oct 2026Strong
Typical tasks
From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.
- Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
- Disseminate information by writing reports and scientific papers or journal articles, and by making presentations and giving talks for schools, clubs, interest groups and park interpretive programs.
- Develop, or make recommendations on, management systems and plans for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.
- Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
- Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
- Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
- Organize and conduct experimental studies with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings.
- Conduct literature reviews.
- Coordinate preventive programs to control the outbreak of wildlife diseases.
- Check for, and ensure compliance with, environmental laws, and notify law enforcement when violations are identified.
- Perform administrative duties, such as fundraising, public relations, budgeting, and supervision of zoo staff.
- Analyze characteristics of animals to identify and classify them.
Other job titles for this occupation (31)
Aquatic Biologist · Conservation Biologist · Fish and Wildlife Biologist · Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist · Fisheries Biologist · Habitat Biologist · Migratory Game Bird Biologist · Wildlife Biologist · Wildlife Refuge Specialist · Zoologist · Aquarist · Cryptozoologist · Dolphin Researcher · Ethologist · Field Naturalist · Fish Biologist · Fish Culturist · Fisheries Management Biologist · Fishery Biologist · Herpetologist · Ichthyologist · Lepidopterist · Limnologist · Mammalogist · Marine Biologist · Ornithologist · Protozoologist · Shark Biologist · Wetland Ecologist · Wildlife Conservationist · Wildlife Specialist