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Posts: 135
Location: Irvine, KY | hey guys, Im going back to school next fall after 2 years of regrouping and trying to figure out what to do. Ive been thinking of this career for a while now, due to my love of the sport and my constant search for knowledge in the things that I do and care most about.
Unfortunatly, I really dont know much about the position, so I was wondering if anyone would be so kind as to enlighten me.
What degree is required?
What is a typical day like?
What is the starting salary?
Pay increases?
Time off?
Benifits?
Retirement?
For those of you in the field id really like to know, What is your favorite part of your job? and what is your least favorite? (something non monetary, it speaks for itself)
Thanks
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Posts: 2024
| Cut,
I'm a student like you that is considering going into this field. Here are a few resources that may shed light on the specifics of some of the biologist or related positions: http://www.fisheries.org/afs/index.html#jobs, http://www.conbio.org/Jobs/,... http://www.esa.org/careers_certification/employment.php.
I'd suggest joining the American Fisheries Society. Their magazine is a great resource for other current job openings plus you get tons of other info on emerging fields, research, etc. My student membership fee is $19 for the year. |
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Posts: 16632
Location: The desert | Muskiecut - 11/19/2008 7:30 PM
What degree is required?
What is a typical day like?
What is the starting salary?
Pay increases?
Time off?
Benifits?
Retirement?
For those of you in the field id really like to know, What is your favorite part of your job? and what is your least favorite? (something non monetary, it speaks for itself)
Thanks
I, like Sean, am in school looking to become a state fisheries biologist. I will be recieving my BS degree in Fisheries Biology. But recieving this degree is far from the end of the road. It is essential to obtain a Master's degree. Without it you will struggle mightly as there is fierce competition in this field, so plan on going to school for at least 6 to 7 years.
I am not a biologist yet, but I have worked as a technician along side biologists for the past two years. I dont really think there is such a thing as a "typical" day. Where I work we do all sorts of various field surveys ranging from backpack, boat, raft or canoe electrofishing, seining, trap netting, habitat surveys etc. During the winter the biologist prepare many reports.
Starting salary will depend on your education level, experience and the agency. You likely wont just go to school and hop into a biologist position. It can be a tough road to get there and you will be poor for many years. Most technician jobs come with no benefits. You can even find biologist positions that come with no benefits.
You really need to think this through and make sure you are willing to commit to pursuing a career in this field. Jobs are scarce and pay is very low. Hours are long, the work can be tough, but it can also be very rewarding. I'm not trying to steer you away from this career path, but am trying to paint a realistic picture of it as I am going through all of this right now. This field is a big commitment, but for me it is well worth it. Being outside everyday working with fish and preserving a limited resource is fantastic.
This field is not easy, but is very rewarding. I hope this helps you a bit in your desicion making process. |
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Posts: 2024
| I couldn't agree more with Mike. The only thing I will add is experience is essential to separate yourself from your peers. See if your DNR has any internships available or try and get connected with a prof at your campus and see if you can do some field work with him/her. And like Mike said, I think you will find the transition into the field much faster and easier if you are able to obtain a Masters. Is it essential? No, but it will likely mean working longer as a tech before making it into an official biologists position. |
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Posts: 135
Location: Irvine, KY | Thanks guys, I appreciate the comments, and inside perspective.... Ive got a while before I have to make a commitment... like I said im not going back until fall of 09, Im also strongly considering nursing as another option just so I can be out in 2 years and have 4 days a week to be on the water... we'll see. |
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| I have a little information for you. I graduated in 2005 with a biology degree. Like others have noted you'll most likely have to get a masters degree to get any full time job. You'll have to work many temporary positions before actually getting a full time position. I had two summer positions in the fisheries field and after talking with many biologists I realized it was not worth it for me. The reason being is I knew of three masters biologist graduates in their upper 20's who still did not have full time positions. I worked for a fisheries biologist who retired who had been working for 30 years and the government was not planning on refilling his postion. There are many cutbacks going on in the field. I think its better to get a good paying job with lots of vacation. Goodluck! |
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Posts: 2024
| If I am not mistaken, in Illinois (due largely to budget cuts) the DNR has not hired a new biologist since 2000. Not sure what it's like in other states (though from the above post it sounds like things are tough elsewhere as well), but if you choose to become a biologist you may need to be flexible in terms of location. There may be more biologist positions with some of the coastal states. |
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