People who have a BS or higher degree in range and wildlife science have many opportunities for employment. Federal agencies such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Geological Survey, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the National Park Service hire wildlife biologists and range ecologists. Most federal agencies oversee public lands (eg., National Parks) and hire biologists and ecologists to manage those areas. Many federal agencies conduct research or are regulatory in nature, such as the Environmental Protection Agency. The US Department of Defense hires biologists and ecologists to oversee military properties, especially to monitor endangered species activity that might occur within their boundaries. State wildlife agencies hire a large number of biologists and ecologists. Each state has a wildlife department (eg., Texas Parks and Wildlife Department), but the names vary. Other state agencies that hire wildlife biologists and range ecologists may not be so obvious. For example, the Texas Department of Transportation hires wildlife biologists and range ecologists to conduct environmental assessments prior to building roads, bridges, etc. Health and security departments hire biologists to conduct investigations of zoonotic diseases (i.e., diseases that can pass from wild animals to humans). The Natural Resource Conservation Service and agricultural extension services hire wildlife biologists and range ecologists to assist landowners with improvements on their properties. Private entities such as consulting firms and wildlife game ranches hire biologists as well. Private consultants are hired on a per-job basis and get paid for their expert opinion, so this type of job requires a lot of past field experience. Ranch wildlife biologists and range ecologists run the wildlife enterprises for ranch owners. These positions have become quite numerous, especially in Texas, where wildlife enterprises have become lucrative. Other employment opportunities include non-governmental organizations (such as The Nature Conservancy or World Wildlife Fund). In many cases, students may choose to combine a range and wildlife degree with another minor, such as business and finance, or animal science. This is highly recommended for those who wish to enter into the private sector, because many ranches want their biologists to have some savvy when it comes to managing ranches and their budgets, and to have some knowledge about livestock management. Many professional wildlife photographers also obtain their degrees in range & wildlife management to give them more credibility, and to help them study the animals which they photograph.

There is a current shortage of range ecologists in the country, and federal agencies are offering special grants and incentives to recruit students. If you are interested in range ecology, right now is the right time to sign up!

Opportunities in wildlife are abundant, but it is up to each individual to make yourself as marketable as possible. One way to help your marketability is to maintain your Grade Point Average (GPA) at the highest possible level (at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale). Many jobs, especially with state and federal agencies, are quite competitive, and students need to make sure their resumes stand out from hundreds of other applicants. Another way to improve marketability is to gain as much field experience as possible while you are in school. All wildlife professors conduct research and are always in need of assistance. Graduate students working with the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute also need help with their research projects. Get to know your professors and their graduate students, and assist them when you can. Join the TAMUK Wildlife Society, which is a critical component to any wildlife biologist, and is a student-run organization that is operated as a consultant firm. TAMUK Wildlife Society has been hired by many area ranches to conduct wildlife surveys, relocate endangered species, and make habitat improvements. If you choose the range option, being involved with the TAMUK Wildlife Society is just as important, but you can strengthen your skills by also joining the TAMUK Range Plant ID team. These are excellent ways to gain experience. So get involved as soon as you arrive in Kingsville – there’s no time to waste!

To research the latest salary data for range ecologists and wildlife biologists, go to the Department of Labor and search for biological and life sciences related topics.