4 answers
Jordyn
Student
Cary, North Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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What sort of careers combine environmental sciences with directly working with animals/in the environment?
I'm interested in studying for a career in this field but I'm not sure exactly where to start to find the type of work I'm looking for.
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4 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1179
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
You have such wonderful interests that I believe will result in a most satisfying career !
The first thing that came to my mind was a career as a Zoologist. You can work with animals in a zoo or in the wild as a zoologist. Another profession that may be interesting is that of a Seeing Eye/Guide Dog Trainer. But than I thought of a career as a Park Ranger. You would work with the environment and I am sure there would always be some times where animals would be involved.
To be a Park Ranger, you would take courses in public safety and resource protection., and outdoor recreation. It is an Associates Degree. You than would go for a Bachelors Degree and take courses in natural and earth science, natural resource management, park and recreation management, law enforcement police science, social sciences, cellular biology and museum sciences.
Zoology requires a Bachelors Degree and you'd study wildlife biology, zoology and ecology in college. Those who do research as a zoologist require a PhD.
The qualities that you would need to be a guide dog trainer would be physical fitness, self-control, patience, empathy, tact and cooperation. Many positions in this field do require a Bachelors Degree and can be in any subject, however, majoring in Biology and take animal physiology, animal behavior and neurobiology.
Depending on which career you choose to study for, I can't recommend any one college. I would advise reading the course catalogs and list of majors of some nearby colleges. You could probably also visit one of the places one of these professionals work at and they could probably let you know what college has a program for which field of study you choose.
I hope this is a bit helpful and I wish you the best with your studies and your career !
The first thing that came to my mind was a career as a Zoologist. You can work with animals in a zoo or in the wild as a zoologist. Another profession that may be interesting is that of a Seeing Eye/Guide Dog Trainer. But than I thought of a career as a Park Ranger. You would work with the environment and I am sure there would always be some times where animals would be involved.
To be a Park Ranger, you would take courses in public safety and resource protection., and outdoor recreation. It is an Associates Degree. You than would go for a Bachelors Degree and take courses in natural and earth science, natural resource management, park and recreation management, law enforcement police science, social sciences, cellular biology and museum sciences.
Zoology requires a Bachelors Degree and you'd study wildlife biology, zoology and ecology in college. Those who do research as a zoologist require a PhD.
The qualities that you would need to be a guide dog trainer would be physical fitness, self-control, patience, empathy, tact and cooperation. Many positions in this field do require a Bachelors Degree and can be in any subject, however, majoring in Biology and take animal physiology, animal behavior and neurobiology.
Depending on which career you choose to study for, I can't recommend any one college. I would advise reading the course catalogs and list of majors of some nearby colleges. You could probably also visit one of the places one of these professionals work at and they could probably let you know what college has a program for which field of study you choose.
I hope this is a bit helpful and I wish you the best with your studies and your career !
Thank you!! I really appreciate this, it's very helpful.
Jordyn
You are very welcome, Jordyn !
Michelle M.
Emma Verde
Physical Therapist
172
Answers
Tucson, Arizona
Updated
Emma’s Answer
Hey Jordyn,
Have you thought about being a marine biologist? Huge range of things you could do, places you could go for work, so many different species with which you could work. If water’s not your thing, you could think about being an ecologist who specializes in studying a specific land or air animal and its relation to the plants and other animals in its ecosystem. You could work with a team of researchers specializing in livestock and farm research (and so many offshoots here like hydroponic and sustainable farming!).
In terms of where to start, do you have any time in your schedule to volunteer? Here are some NC environmental volunteer organizations. Volunteering can help connect you with individuals in the industry and give you hands on experience that will not only help you determine what you want to do in the field but can also be a foot in the door down the road. Hope this helps!
https://ncwf.org/about/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc%20&utm_campaign=ad-grant&utm_term=brand&gclid=Cj0KCQjwoeemBhCfARIsADR2QCtvtlDI39JWqYGi0g_U4am-W9beuZ6TQQjLsyIpuG3WXEIGATN5TyAaAgQTEALw_wcB
https://www.ncwildlife.org/Connect-With-Us/Volunteer
https://www.plastictides.org/youth/
Have you thought about being a marine biologist? Huge range of things you could do, places you could go for work, so many different species with which you could work. If water’s not your thing, you could think about being an ecologist who specializes in studying a specific land or air animal and its relation to the plants and other animals in its ecosystem. You could work with a team of researchers specializing in livestock and farm research (and so many offshoots here like hydroponic and sustainable farming!).
In terms of where to start, do you have any time in your schedule to volunteer? Here are some NC environmental volunteer organizations. Volunteering can help connect you with individuals in the industry and give you hands on experience that will not only help you determine what you want to do in the field but can also be a foot in the door down the road. Hope this helps!
https://ncwf.org/about/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc%20&utm_campaign=ad-grant&utm_term=brand&gclid=Cj0KCQjwoeemBhCfARIsADR2QCtvtlDI39JWqYGi0g_U4am-W9beuZ6TQQjLsyIpuG3WXEIGATN5TyAaAgQTEALw_wcB
https://www.ncwildlife.org/Connect-With-Us/Volunteer
https://www.plastictides.org/youth/
Thank you! I definitely have thought about marine biology, still not sure if water is my thing but I will certainly check out those resources you linked!
Jordyn
Keyston Rice
Supervisor
180
Answers
Lawrence, IN
Updated
Keyston’s Answer
My daughter asked the exact same question and I am thrilled that she is seeking such an exciting path to explore. Fields like marine biology could align with your interests. To start your journey, research educational programs that focus on these areas. Look for internships or volunteer opportunities that allow you to gain practical experience. Networking with professionals in the field and attending relevant conferences can provide valuable insights and connections. Remember, finding the right fit might take time, but pursuing what you're passionate about will lead to fulfilling opportunities.
Gary Sprague
Retired Fish Biologist
9
Answers
Roseville, California
Updated
Gary’s Answer
Fish biology can include conservation work, and hands on work with slippery fish.