Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology
About the Major
The Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology major prepares you to research, plan, and implement the management, protection, and enhancement of fisheries and aquatic resources, wildlife resources, and biological diversity.
The curriculum provides students with a broad science background emphasizing biological and environmental sciences and other coursework needed for careers in fisheries, wildlife, conservation biology as well as other natural resource and environmental fields.
Career Outcomes
Where do students work after graduation?
Where do students work after graduation?
| Job Title | Employer |
|---|---|
| Bat Research Technician | Indiana State University |
| Biological Science Technician | WEST Inc |
| Biological Technician | Us Fish and Wildlife Service |
| BRC Husbandry Technician | National Jewish Health |
| Curatorial Assistant | University of Minnesota |
| Environemental Science Technician | Albany Department of Water and Water Supply |
| Environmental Scientist | Tetra Tech |
| Fawn Technician | Kansas State University |
| Field Technician | Anoka Conservation District |
| Graduate Research Assistant | University of Oklahoma |
| GreenCorps Member | GreenCorps |
| Hatchery Technician | Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association Inc. |
| Interpretive Naturalist | Minnesota Zoo |
| Lab Assistant | International Health Management Associates |
| Laboratory Animal Attendant | University of Minnesota |
| Marine Team Member | SeaQuest |
| Natural Resources Technician | Department of Natural Resources |
| Naturalist | Eden Prairie Outdoor Center |
| Research Assistant | Administrative Bureau of the Guangdong Futian-Neilingding National Nature Reserve |
| Research Technician | University of Georgia |
| Scientific Aid | California Department of Fish and Wildlife |
| Social Media Manager | Animal Rescue Resource Foundation |
| Vet Assistant | Blue Pearl Animal Hospital |
| Water Resources Technician | RPBCWD |
| Wildlife Technician | Idaho Fish and Game |
| Wildlife Technician | National Park Service |
Where do students continue education after graduation?
Where do students continue education after graduation?
| Program | School |
|---|---|
| Ecology, Evolution & Behavior | University of Minnesota |
| Environmental Education Certification | Hamline University |
| Law | University of South Carolina |
| Leadership in Sustainability Certificate | Mahareeshi University |
| Medical Technology | Oakton Community College |
| Veterinary Medicine | University of Minnesota |
| Wildlife Ecology | Iowa State University |
Where students interned and gained experience during school
Where are alumni 5 years after graduation?
Where are alumni 5 years after graduation?
| Job Title | Employer |
|---|---|
| Data Collection Technician | Minnesota Department of Transportation |
| First Officer | Indy Jet |
| Forestry Technician (Wilderness Ranger) | US Forest Service |
| Geographic Information System Intern | Harper College |
| GIS Intern | City of Plymouth |
| Marine/Aquatic Scientist | APPLIED MARINE SCIENCES, INC. |
| Natural History Interpretive Guide | Bell Museum of Natural History |
| Postdoctoral Research Fellow | Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Insitute |
| Program Technician | United States Government Farm Service Agency |
| Researcher I | University of Minnesota |
| Wildlife Animal Keeper | Wildlife Conservation Society |
Where are alumni 10 years after graduation?
Where are alumni 10 years after graduation?
| Job Title | Employer |
|---|---|
| Administrative Assistant | MN DNR Divison of Parks and Trails |
| Biological Science Technician / Veterinarian | USGS - National Wildlife Health Center |
| Certified Residential Appraiser | Penfield, Inc |
| Conservation Officer | MN DNR |
| Environmental Resources Planner | Capital Area Region Planning Commission |
| Fisheries Specialist | Minnesota Department of Natural Resources |
| GIS Specialist | We Energies |
| Program Supervisor - Soild Waste | Kitsap County |
| School and Group Programs Education Coordinator | Como Park Zoo & Conservatory |
| Scientist II | Houston Engineering, Inc. |
| Teaching and Research Assistant | University of Maine |
Full outcomes report including salary, locations, satisfaction, and more
Common Entry-Level Job Titles
- Biological Science Technician
- Conservation Officer / Fish and Game Warden
- Ecological Restoration Specialist
- Environmental Educator
- Fisheries or aquatic Technician
- Naturalist
- Park Ranger
- Research Assistant
- Water Resources Technician
- Wildlife Technician
Possible Jobs with Experience or an Advanced Degree
- Environmental Consultant
- Fish Hatchery Manager
- Lands Program Manager
- Natural Resource Manager
- Water Resources Supervisor
- Wildlife Biologist
- Zoo Biologist
Top Employers
- AmeriCorps GreenCorps
- Department of Natural Resources
- Minnesota Zoo
- National Park Service
- SeaQuest
- University of Minnesota
- US Fish and Wildlife Service
- US Forest Service
Types of Employers
- Conservation non-profits
- Environmental consulting firms
- Forestry organizations
- Land management agencies
- Landscape and wetland restoration companies
- Natural and water resource agencies
- Parks and nature preserves
- Universities, colleges and research institutes
- Zoos, natural history museums and aquariums
Top Career Resources
- FWCB Job Postings in Handshake
- Internships & Programs Promoting Diversity in Natural Resources & STEM
- Wildlife and Fisheries Job Board
- State of MN including MN DNR, MN Board of Water and Soil Resources
- USA Jobs including Pathways Program, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife S…
- Conservation Corps
- Student Conservation Association
- MN Zoo
- Como Zoo
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of MN
- The Raptor Center
- Wildlife Science Center
- Mississippi Park Connection to Volunteer, Intern and Work
- Government Internship and Job Search
Meet Your Career Consultant
Maddie (she/her) can assist you with
- Major and career exploration
- Internship planning
- Job searching
- Interview prep and practice
- Grad school planning and more...
Additional Resources
In addition to these resources we recommend the following strategies to locate more information about careers related to your major:
- O*NET and Careerwise. These tools provide comprehensive information about a wide range of careers including typical duties, salaries, employment outlook, skills and interests.
- Locate professional associations related to your major or career interests by conducting a Google Search on “(Name of major/career area/industry) professional associations.” Try these keywords: fisheries, agribusiness, wildlife, conservation, biology, resources, hatchery, fish, educator, environment, aquaculture, zoo, biodiversity
- Get involved in one of the many industry-related student groups on campus. These groups provide links to experiences, guest speakers, and discussion with like-minded students.
- Study Abroad Information for Fisheries and Wildlife
- FWCB Employer Expectations of entry-level professionals gained through classes, volunteer work, and internships. Articulate these skills in your networking, cover letters, and resumes.