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By Nsim Team
Those who become wildlife managers have a keen interest in biodiversity and the protection of our natural resources; but it takes than that.To become a wildlife manager, you also need the right education, experience, skill set and attitude.
WHO IS WILDLIFE MANAGER?
Wildlife managers focus on the management of various kinds of species in a given ecosystem. Management of these species may include risk management, data tracking and care. These professionals have a general knowledge of the species they manage, including their lifecycles and movement patterns. They also tend to have an understanding of variety of science fields, including ecology, hydrology and husbandry. Wildlife managers must also be able to communicate any findings of their research with the public, other scientists and policymakers through detailed reports or presentations.
WHAT IS THE ELIGIBILITY OF WILDLIFE MANAGER?
If you are interested in pursuing a career in wildlife management, you have a number of undergraduate degree programs from which to choose. Bachelor's programs in environmental sciences, natural resource management, conservation, biology or forestry all prepare you for different disciplines within a wildlife management career. Many programs allow you to concentrate your studies on a specific aspect of the field, such as fisheries or forestry.
Master's and doctoral programs in wildlife management and conservation might be ideal if you're interested in becoming a conservation scientist or researcher. Graduate degrees also qualify you for teaching positions at elementary, secondary and postsecondary levels.
SKILLS NEEDED TO BECOME WILDLIFE MANAGER
The following is a list of attributes that may be a requirement of employment as a wildlife manager. If they are not a requirement of employment, they are almost always considered excellent assets to have when applying for wildlife manager jobs.
Wildlife Manager Specific Skills
• Knowledge and experience in the field of wildlife/natural resources management
• Knowledge of the legislation concerning wildlife management
• An understanding of the balance of needs between human development and wildlife protection
• Must be able to make decisions aimed at a certain species while taking into consideration the entire ecosystem
• An understanding of ecological principles such as carrying capacity, disturbance and succession
• Familiarity with techniques management techniques such as reforestation, pest control, nitrification and de-nitrification, irrigation, coppicing and hedge laying
• The ability to work with dangerous, nuisance, sick and injured wild animals
General Skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to work with minimal supervision
• Volunteer experience in the community
• Work experience in a position involving responsibility and trust
• Work experience in a position involving significant interaction with the public
• Ability to speak and understand a second language
• First Aid and/or CPR certification is typically considered an asset
WHO HIRES WILDLIFE MANAGERS?
Wildlife managers can either work in the public or the private sector. The federal government is the largest employer of wildlife managers, although any agency, firm or governmental departments that need someone to manage wildlife usually employ them. Possible employers include:
• Animal sanctuaries or reserves
• Conservation organizations
• Land reclamation companies
• Municipal, provincial/state or federal government
• Private consulting firms
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