zoology/ecology help?

Question

okay i am a senior in high school and i am interested in either zoology or ecology, but i can't really decide which. Does anyone know a zoologist or an ecologist that i can talk to through email that could help me in knowing what they do everyday, what they're paid, and other general information about their career field and job.

Answer 1

I'd suggest ecology. Zoology at most universities is now integrated into the Ecology department. Many ecologists work with animals so essentially you could do both.

Try the Ecological Society of America for more information...

http://www.esa.org/

Also take a look at several universities you might want to attend and see if they have Biology/Ecology courses etc. And check out the Department web page and faculty research to get an idea of what kind of animals and questions you might want to study.

And if you would like to be an ecologist, you'll have lots of job opportunities that pay reasonably well (don't expect Chevron CEO pay). For example, research at non-profits, working for the government (EPA, Smithsonian, or state agencies), working at a University (Professors can make 100000 or more but usually after they get tenure), environmental consulting firms (these might pay well...but it depends on location and experience e.g., 70K ).

At a minimum, you'll need a Batchelor's degree. But most professional ecologists have Masters or PhD degrees (these can be fun to get!).
Good luck!

Answer 2

Like the other person said, you would get more job opportunities with an ecology major, however I did units that allowed me to do a major in either zoology or ecology. These two fields pretty much work hand-in-hand anyway (I wish to get into field zoology, which involves much the same work as an ecologist). Even though I chose to take a zoology major I can still get a job in the ecological field (or any science field). In most universities, in first year you would do a range of units that give you a broad scope and can help you decide which direction you want to take. It isn't until second year that you start to specialise and by third you usually know where you want to head. If you want to specialise, the best thing is to do an honours year - this will also increase your chances of getting a job.
Pay isnt crash hot as a graduate zoologist/ecologist (usually starts at around AU$35k), however if you get into the right consultancy you can work your way up to get a decent wage (my partner works as an enviro consultant and earns around AU$70k pa, straight outta uni with a zoology/geology major). Pay will also vary depending on the area you work in (it could be soil or water contamination, faunal sampling, human impacts, ecological surveys etc etc), your previous experience, the company you work for (NGO's or government), the grants you receive if your own research etc. But, you don't work in this industry for the money!
The best thing you can do to see if that field is really for you (it involves a lot of random hours, hard labourious work and sometimes pretty shiteful conditions) is to do some volunteer work. There are a lot of places that will allow you do do either work experience or vollie work. I am only aware of places in Australia, but I am sure you can do a search! There are also conservation volunteers where you can do stints in other countries etc, so try searching for that, but they do cost money. These places will also be able to help you with what your normal activities would involve etc.
Hope this all helps and good luck!

Answer 3

I have a degree in Zoology and work as a wildlife biologist for a non-profit. I did take some ecology classes as well (required for Zoo majors). Like some others mentioned, consultant firms pay pretty well if you are just going for a bachelors, it is your best bet to make some money. Howerver, you may not be able to do as much hands on animal work, if that is what you are into. That is why I switched from a consultant firm to a non-profit. You can also work as a zookeeper with a B.S..but pay can vary greatly depending on what zoo you work at. But you will be guaranteed working closely with animals.