Caring for nature and the wildlife around us is increasingly important as we tackle climate change and seek to support our planet. There are many different roles working with wildlife and with an increase in education and popularity in wildlife conservation awareness has increased and the urgency for volunteers and workers to support has become more important than ever. There are a lot of things we need to achieve in wildlife conservation, tasks vary and can take you all around the world.
- Rescue Animals from natural and human-made disasters
- Rehabilitate injured and sick animals
- Monitor wildlife habitats
- Conduct ecological and wildlife surveys
- Raise awareness of Wildlife through education
- Conserve species with zoos and safari parks and wildlife conservation organisations
Working in wildlife is a good choice if you are passionate about a career in wildlife conservation and there are many options to pursue in this field. Some of the more well-known careers working with wildlife include:
- Wildlife Rehabilitator
- Wildlife Biologist
- Country Park Warden/Ranger
- Ornithologist
- Wildlife/Countryside Conservation Officer
- Conservationist
- Zookeeper
Wildlife rehabilitation involves the temporary care and treatment of injured, sick, and orphaned wildlife. Rehabilitation is necessary to improve the chances of survival for sick or injured animals when they are ready to be released back to an appropriate habitat.
Wildlife Biologists have direct involvement with the well-being of wild animals. Wildlife biologists may specialise in a specific animal area such as:
- Wildlife management
- Wildlife law enforcement
- Environmental education
- Natural resources management
- Environmental biology
- Conservation biology
- Research
A countryside warden or park ranger works within a designated area of parkland, forest, wetland, common land or in national parks. Countryside wardens prevent damage, protect plants and wildlife, and ensure that the area is safe for public use.
Ornithologists are bird specialists who have a strong scientific approach to their work. Their job includes:
- the monitoring and tracking of birds
- habitat monitoring and management
- studying of populations
- document bird behaviour
- carrying out surveys and research
- educating the public about the importance of habitat conservation
A wildlife conservation officer is involved in the management, improvement and protection of a wildlife or wilderness area.
Zoos, Wildlife/Safari parks and special collections are run by Zoological Societies, Charitable Trusts, Local Authorities, or as private enterprises. Zookeepers are responsible for the day-to-day care and welfare of animals kept in these environments.
What is the salary of a wildlife conservationist?
Typical starting salaries in this sector generally range from £18,000 to £24,000. Salaries at a senior level or with experience, such as after 10 to 15 years in the role, can be between £20,000 and £30,000. Experienced managers may earn £30,000+.
Why is wildlife conservation so important?
Over the past four decades, some species of animals have been pushed nearly to extinction with an estimated loss of about 10,000 species per year contributing to the loss of half of the world’s wildlife population. These species are disappearing due to deforestation, overpopulation, consumer (throw away) culture, animal exploitation, climate change, and other harmful sources.
David Attenborough advises that “to restore stability to our planet, therefore, we must restore its biodiversity, the very thing we have removed. It is the only way out of this crisis that we ourselves have created. We must rewild the world!”
Wildlife conservation is vital to ensure that we and the generations to come can live on an ecologically stable planet and enjoy an abundance of wildlife.
David Attenborough gives us a choice - “We can now destroy, or we can cherish, the choice is ours.”
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What are the benefits of wildlife conservation?
Our planet’s resources are made up of animals, plants, land, water, the atmosphere, and humans. WWF points out that, “Biodiversity underpins the health of the planet and has a direct impact on all our lives. Put simply, reduced biodiversity means millions of people face a future where food supplies are more vulnerable to pests and disease, and where fresh water is in irregular or short supply.”
Biodiversity directly impacts our lives in big ways. It is clear to see that conservation efforts not only benefit the environment but also benefit us too.
Successful conservation can bring real positive change. The reintroduction of the red kite to Britain is a great example. After decades of persecution, red kites were nearly extinct in the UK by the late 1980s. However, in 1989, conservationists began re-introducing red kites and their numbers steadily increased. Today, red kites are common in large areas of the countryside. According to the RSPB, they’ve been so successful that it’s no longer possible to count them in an annual survey!
How to be a part of wildlife conservation?
If you haven’t spent time working with or caring for wildlife, it is worth considering working as a volunteer at places like a wildlife rescue centre before embarking on a career with wildlife. Many wildlife rescue organisations run volunteer programmes, several offer work experience placements and some even offer NVQ training courses. All of these opportunities provide excellent ways to gain experience and build up your confidence in working around wildlife.
A top tip for getting into wildlife conservation is to attend wildlife rehabilitation training sessions and conferences. These provide excellent networking as well as learning opportunities. The National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA) sponsors an annual world-class symposium.
Enjoying interacting with people is a must as work often involves public speaking and offering advice and information to the public. Zoos provide a great opportunity, not only for caring for animals and promoting conservation but also for raising awareness of conservation issues. With over one hundred million people visiting zoos every year, workers have an excellent opportunity to educate large numbers of people about the need for wildlife conservation and the importance of respecting animals.
It helps to be physically fit as the work involves a considerable amount of walking, climbing, and carrying. Most conservation work is conducted outdoors in all weathers. It is helpful to have a driving license and to be confident driving off-road vehicles. The working hours are varied and normally include evenings and weekends, with holiday seasons being the busiest time for some aspects of the work.
Studying a relevant course will give you a deeper understanding of animal biology and conservation and improve your chances of landing your dream job. Animal Courses Direct offer a range of courses to suit different needs – ranging from our Kick Starter introductory courses to more comprehensive qualifications.
Our Zoology, Zookeeping and Wildlife courses are designed by our animal care professionals for individuals seeking a career in Wildlife or Conservation. We also offer practical and volunteering opportunities in zoos, safari parks and animal rehabilitation centres. Wildlife and conservation are very popular career choices, and our accredited and Ofqual regulated courses enable students to enhance their employment prospects.
Once enrolled on a wildlife, zoology or conservation course with Animal Courses Direct, students can apply directly to the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Student Fellowship. Fellows get unlimited access for them and a family guest to ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos plus borrowing rights in the extensive ZSL library of rare zoological texts. We have many students who have gone on to successful careers working in the wildlife sector.
Animal Courses Direct is one of the UK’s largest online training providers of Ofqual regulated Qualifications for Professionals in the Animal Care Sector. We also offer a broad range of quality endorsed courses, continued professional development and online webinars.
All our courses are designed to enhance career and employment prospects in the Animal Care, Canine, Feline and Wildlife sectors around the world.
Alternatively, you can contact us directly to speak to a student career advisor by calling 0120 200 640.
Also, if you adore animals, you can keep track of all upcoming animal awareness days and events with our FREE calendar! Download it here.
