Wildlife Biologist Resume examples & templates

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Copyable Wildlife Biologist Resume examples

What drives someone to spend hours tracking wolf packs through remote wilderness, or to meticulously catalog the feeding habits of endangered butterflies? For wildlife biologists, it's rarely just a job—it's a calling that merges scientific precision with a profound connection to the natural world. This fascinating field has evolved dramatically in recent years, with new technologies like environmental DNA sampling and satellite tracking collars transforming how we study and protect wildlife populations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for wildlife biologists is projected to grow by 5% through 2030, slightly faster than average despite persistent funding challenges in conservation.

The modern wildlife biologist needs a unique blend of skills—from traditional fieldwork techniques to data analysis and even public communication. Climate change has pushed the profession into uncharted territory, with biologists now documenting species range shifts and behavioral adaptations that weren't observable even a decade ago. As human development continues to fragment habitats worldwide, wildlife biologists will increasingly serve as the critical bridge between scientific understanding and the conservation policies needed to preserve biodiversity for generations to come.

Junior Wildlife Biologist Resume Example

JAMIE RODRIGUEZ

Flagstaff, AZ 86001 | (928) 555-4217 | j.rodriguez@email.com
linkedin.com/in/jamierodriguez | github.com/jrodriguez-wildlife

Recent wildlife biology graduate with field research experience focusing on habitat assessment and wildlife monitoring. Strong background in data collection and analysis with growing expertise in GIS applications. Committed to conservation efforts in the Southwest, with hands-on experience in both reptile and mammal population studies. Seeking to build my career in wildlife management and ecosystem preservation.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology – Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ
Graduated: May 2022 | GPA: 3.76/4.0

  • Senior Thesis: “Impact of Seasonal Rainfall Patterns on Desert Tortoise Movement in Northwestern Arizona”
  • Relevant Coursework: Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology, Field Research Methods, Mammalogy, Herpetology, Biostatistics, Introduction to GIS
  • Dean’s List: 6 semesters

EXPERIENCE

Wildlife Research Assistant – Arizona Game & Fish Department
May 2022 – Present | Kingman, AZ

  • Assist senior biologists with data collection on mule deer population dynamics, tracking 37 radio-collared individuals across a 2,800-acre study area
  • Conduct habitat assessments using established transect methods to evaluate vegetation quality in drought-affected regions
  • Manage and organize field data using Excel and ArcGIS software, creating maps to visualize wildlife movement patterns
  • Write monthly reports summarizing field observations and preliminary findings for department review
  • Participate in 3 community outreach events to educate the public about local wildlife conservation efforts

Field Research Intern – Sonoran Desert Research Center
June 2021 – August 2021 | Tucson, AZ

  • Conducted desert tortoise surveys using mark-recapture techniques, helping to monitor 23 individuals across 5 study sites
  • Collected morphometric data and assisted with health assessments under supervisor guidance
  • Used GPS units to record tortoise locations and movement patterns during seasonal activity periods
  • Participated in weekly team meetings to discuss research progress and troubleshoot field methodology challenges

Undergraduate Research Assistant – NAU Wildlife Ecology Lab
September 2020 – May 2022 | Flagstaff, AZ

  • Assisted graduate students with camera trap deployment and data processing for a predator-prey dynamics study
  • Cataloged over 4,700 wildlife images and entered data into the department’s research database
  • Performed basic statistical analyses using R to summarize species diversity across study sites
  • Helped maintain laboratory equipment and prepared field gear for research excursions

SKILLS

  • Field Techniques: Radio telemetry, GPS navigation, camera trap deployment, mark-recapture surveys, vegetation sampling
  • Software: ArcGIS (basic), R Studio, Microsoft Office Suite, GPS software, wildlife database management
  • Technical: Species identification, habitat assessment, small mammal handling, basic sample collection
  • Laboratory: Microscopy, specimen preparation, basic DNA extraction
  • Communication: Scientific writing, field note documentation, presentation skills, team collaboration

CERTIFICATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS

  • Wilderness First Aid Certification (valid through November 2023)
  • ATV Safety Certification – Arizona Game & Fish Department
  • Member, The Wildlife Society – Student Chapter
  • Member, American Society of Mammalogists

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Valid Arizona driver’s license with clean driving record
  • Comfortable working in remote field conditions and extreme weather
  • Willing to work irregular hours including evenings and weekends as needed for fieldwork
  • Fluent in Spanish (conversational) – helpful for community outreach in border regions

Mid-level Wildlife Biologist Resume Example

Morgan T. Peterson

Seattle, WA 98103 | (206) 555-7214 | mpeterson@ecologymail.com | linkedin.com/in/morganpeterson

Wildlife biologist with 5+ years of experience studying mammal populations and habitat conservation. Skilled in GIS mapping, radio telemetry tracking, and wildlife sampling techniques. Experienced in grant writing that’s secured over $147,000 in research funding. Passionate about using field research to develop practical conservation strategies that balance ecological needs with human activities.

EXPERIENCE

Wildlife Research Biologist | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife | Olympia, WA | March 2021 – Present

  • Lead 3 field studies on black bear populations in Olympic Peninsula, collecting data on movement patterns, habitat use, and human interactions
  • Developed and implemented non-invasive hair-snare sampling protocol that improved DNA collection rates by 32% while reducing field time
  • Collaborate with tribal authorities and private landowners to establish 14 new monitoring stations in previously unsampled territories
  • Co-authored technical report on cougar-human conflict mitigation strategies that informed 2022 wildlife management policy updates
  • Manage and train seasonal field technicians (2-4 per season) in data collection protocols and safety procedures

Field Biologist | Northwest Conservation Research Center | Portland, OR | June 2019 – February 2021

  • Conducted field surveys across 27 sites to assess riparian habitat quality for salmon recovery projects
  • Assisted senior researchers with radio-collaring and tracking of 23 elk to study migration corridors
  • Created GIS maps of wildlife movement corridors that helped secure $95K in conservation easements
  • Wrote monthly progress reports and contributed to annual research summaries for stakeholders

Wildlife Technician | Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks | Missoula, MT | May 2018 – May 2019

  • Collected biological samples from harvested game animals during hunting seasons
  • Assisted with waterbird surveys and nest monitoring at 8 wetland sites
  • Entered and verified field data in agency databases, flagging inconsistencies for review
  • Helped maintain field equipment including radio telemetry gear and trail cameras

EDUCATION

Master of Science, Wildlife Biology | University of Montana | Missoula, MT | 2018

Thesis: “Impacts of Recreational Trail Use on Small Mammal Communities in Western Montana”

Bachelor of Science, Environmental Science | Western Washington University | Bellingham, WA | 2016

Minor: Geographic Information Systems

CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING

  • Certified Wildlife Biologist® (CWB), The Wildlife Society, 2022
  • Wilderness First Responder, NOLS, 2021 (renewed)
  • ATV Safety Certification, 2019
  • Scientific Collecting Permit, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, Current

TECHNICAL SKILLS

  • Field Methods: Radio telemetry, mark-recapture, camera trapping, hair-snare sampling, point counts
  • Software: ArcGIS, QGIS, Program MARK, R Statistical Software, Distance, Microsoft Office Suite
  • Laboratory: DNA extraction, PCR, microscopy, parasite identification
  • Equipment: GPS units, trail cameras, Sherman traps, mist nets, radio collars
  • Communication: Technical writing, data visualization, public presentations

PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

  • Peterson, M., Garcia, L., & Thompson, R. (2022). “Non-invasive monitoring techniques for forest carnivores.” Journal of Wildlife Management, 86(3), 512-528.
  • “Bear-human conflict management in recreational areas.” Presentation at Western Wildlife Society Conference, 2021.

Senior / Experienced Wildlife Biologist Resume Example

Melissa K. Thornton

Portland, OR | (503) 712-8459 | m.thornton@emailpro.net | linkedin.com/in/melissathornton

Dedicated wildlife biologist with 9+ years of field experience in population monitoring, habitat assessment, and conservation planning. Known for developing innovative tracking methodologies that reduced data collection costs by 31% while improving accuracy. Strong background in grant writing, having secured over $875K in research funding across multiple projects focused on endangered species management in the Pacific Northwest.

Experience

Senior Wildlife Biologist – Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, Portland, OR (June 2019 – Present)

  • Lead a 6-person field research team studying population dynamics of gray wolves following reintroduction, resulting in a 27% increase in documented pack territories
  • Designed and implemented comprehensive GIS mapping protocols for tracking wildlife corridors, which have been adopted by 4 neighboring state agencies
  • Authored 3 peer-reviewed publications on ungulate-predator relationships that informed regional management plans
  • Secured $425K in federal grant funding for a 3-year study on climate change impacts on alpine species habitat (still makes me giddy when I think about it!)
  • Represent the department at public forums and stakeholder meetings, helping reduce landowner conflicts with wildlife by 42% through educational outreach

Wildlife Biologist II – Northwest Ecological Research Center, Seattle, WA (Mar 2016 – May 2019)

  • Conducted field surveys for threatened/endangered species across WA, OR, and ID, logging over 320 field days in challenging terrain
  • Developed standardized protocols for camera trap deployment that improved species detection rates by 38%
  • Collaborated with tribal authorities on salmon habitat restoration projects affecting 14 stream miles
  • Trained and supervised 8 seasonal technicians and interns in wildlife monitoring techniques
  • Co-authored Environmental Impact Statements for 2 major infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with federal wildlife regulations

Wildlife Research Assistant – Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO (Aug 2014 – Feb 2016)

  • Assisted principal investigators with data collection for long-term sage grouse population study
  • Performed laboratory analysis of wildlife DNA samples using PCR and electrophoresis techniques
  • Maintained research databases and prepared preliminary statistical analyses using R
  • Helped draft sections of 2 successful grant proposals totaling $295K

Education

Master of Science, Wildlife Biology – Colorado State University (2014)
Thesis: “Effects of Recreational Trail Use on Breeding Success of Neotropical Migrants in Rocky Mountain National Park”

Bachelor of Science, Biology – University of Montana (2012)
Concentration in Ecology; Minor in Environmental Studies; GPA: 3.87

Certifications & Specialized Training

  • Certified Wildlife Biologist® (CWB) – The Wildlife Society (2018)
  • Advanced GIS for Wildlife Management – ESRI (2017)
  • Wilderness First Responder – NOLS (renewed 2023)
  • Level II Wildlife Tracking Certification – CyberTracker (2019)
  • Scientific Collection Permit – US Fish & Wildlife Service (current)

Technical Skills

  • Radio telemetry & GPS collar deployment/monitoring
  • Population modeling (MARK, DISTANCE, PRESENCE)
  • Habitat assessment & vegetation sampling
  • Statistical analysis (R, SAS, SPSS)
  • ArcGIS, QGIS & spatial analysis
  • Wildlife handling & immobilization techniques
  • Environmental compliance (ESA, NEPA, CWA)
  • Scientific writing & grant preparation

Selected Publications & Presentations

  • Thornton, M., et al. (2022). “Trophic cascades following wolf recolonization in the Cascade Range.” Journal of Wildlife Management, 86(3), 412-429.
  • Baker, J., Thornton, M., & Chen, L. (2020). “Camera trap efficiency in detecting elusive carnivores: a methodological review.” Wildlife Research, 47(2), 89-104.
  • “Climate change impacts on alpine wildlife habitat in the Pacific Northwest” – Keynote presentation, Western Wildlife Society Conference (2021)

How to Write a Wildlife Biologist Resume

Introduction

Landing that dream wildlife biology job means competing with dozens of other qualified candidates. Your resume isn't just a formality—it's your ticket to getting past the first screening and into the interview room. I've helped hundreds of wildlife biologists transform their work experience into compelling resumes that make hiring managers take notice. The field has changed dramatically in the last few years, with more emphasis on conservation technology, data analysis, and climate adaptation work. Let's make sure your resume reflects both your fieldwork experience and these newer skills employers are seeking.

Resume Structure and Format

Keep your resume clean and scannable. Most wildlife biology positions receive applications from candidates with similar educational backgrounds, so your format needs to help you stand out without being distracting.

  • Stick to 1-2 pages (1 page for less than 5 years experience, 2 pages otherwise)
  • Use consistent formatting for section headers
  • Choose a clean, professional font like Calibri or Arial at 10-12pt
  • Include plenty of white space—cramped text is hard to read during quick scans
  • Save as a PDF unless specifically asked for another format (preserves your formatting)

Profile/Summary Section

Your summary should pack a punch in just 3-4 sentences. This isn't where you tell your life story! Focus on your specialization, years of experience, and 2-3 key skills that match the job description.

For example, rather than: "Dedicated wildlife biologist looking for opportunities to advance my career and apply my skills..."

Try: "Wildlife biologist with 6+ years studying riparian mammal populations in the Pacific Northwest. Experienced in radio telemetry, GIS mapping, and statistical analysis using R. Published researcher with proven track record managing teams of up to 8 field technicians."

Pro tip: Write your summary last! After you've filled in all your experience and skills, you'll have a better sense of which highlights to feature up top.

Professional Experience

Here's where the magic happens. For each position, include:

  • Organization name, location, and your title
  • Dates of employment (month/year format)
  • 4-6 bullet points describing accomplishments, not just responsibilities
  • Quantifiable results whenever possible

The difference between average and excellent bullets? Specificity and results. Compare:

Average: "Conducted fieldwork to study bird populations."

Excellent: "Led 12-week field study tracking 73 migratory songbird pairs, resulting in identification of 3 previously undocumented nesting sites and publication in Journal of Ornithology."

Education and Certifications

For wildlife biologists, your education often carries significant weight. List degrees in reverse chronological order, including:

  • Degree title and concentration/specialty
  • University name and location
  • Graduation year (leave off if more than 15 years ago)
  • Relevant coursework (for recent grads only)
  • GPA if over 3.5 and graduated within last 5 years

Don't forget certifications! Include your wildlife handling permits, first aid certifications, specialized software training, etc.

Keywords and ATS Tips

Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems to filter resumes before human eyes ever see them. To get past these digital gatekeepers:

  • Mirror language from the job posting (if they say "wildlife monitoring," don't just say "animal tracking")
  • Include both spelled-out terms and acronyms (Geographic Information Systems AND GIS)
  • Avoid images, headers/footers, and tables that can confuse ATS software
  • Name your file clearly (JaneSmith_WildlifeBiologist.pdf)

Industry-specific Terms

Sprinkle these throughout your resume where appropriate:

  • Telemetry, GPS collar data, camera trapping
  • Population dynamics, habitat assessment
  • Species identification, taxonomic classification
  • Ecological modeling, biodiversity assessment
  • Environmental impact analysis
  • Statistical software (R, SPSS, SAS)
  • GIS applications (ArcGIS, QGIS)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Getting too technical without showing impact (talking about methods without results)
  • Underselling transferable skills (project management, communication, training)
  • Focusing only on fieldwork while ignoring analysis and reporting skills
  • Using vague statements like "passionate about wildlife" instead of specific expertise
  • Failing to mention grants, publications, or presentations (even small ones count!)

Before/After Example

Before: "Responsible for bird surveys and data collection."

After: "Designed and implemented point-count bird surveys across 17 forest patches, documenting 94 species and identifying 2 areas of critical habitat that were subsequently protected from development."

Remember that your resume isn't just a list of jobs—it's the story of your unique contribution to wildlife biology and conservation. Make every word count!

Soft skills for your Wildlife Biologist resume

  • Cross-functional communication with researchers, park officials, and community stakeholders
  • Field team leadership during multi-day expeditions in remote environments
  • Conflict resolution when balancing conservation priorities with human development needs
  • Adaptive problem-solving in unpredictable field conditions
  • Grant proposal storytelling that makes technical research accessible to non-scientists
  • Mentorship of junior biologists and seasonal field technicians

Hard skills for your Wildlife Biologist resume

  • Radio telemetry tracking and collar deployment for large mammal species
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) – ArcGIS Pro and QGIS
  • Wildlife population modeling using Program MARK and PRESENCE
  • Proficiency with R for statistical analysis and data visualization
  • Habitat assessment techniques including FRAGSTATS landscape analysis
  • Wildlife immobilization/tranquilization (certified in Class III drugs)
  • Camera trap study design and image processing (using TimeLapse software)
  • Environmental DNA (eDNA) sample collection and processing protocols
  • Grant writing experience for federal wildlife funding programs (USFWS, NSF)