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 | Organization | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Care Specialist | Fossil Rim Wildlife Center | Glen Rose, TX |
| Animal Keeper | Animal Ark | Reno, NV |
| Aquatic Plant Management Specialist | Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa | St. Paul, MN |
| Arborist | Self-Employed | Minneapolis, MN |
| Biologist Aid | 1854 Treaty Authority | Duluth, MN |
| Conservation Biology Apprentice | Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge | Bloomington, MN |
| Consultant | Rainforest Alliance | New York, NY |
| Curatorial Assistant | University of Minnesota | St. Paul, MN |
| EHS Analyst | Pace Analytical Services | Cottage Grove, MN |
| Engineering Technician | Terracon Consultants | St. Paul, MN |
| Entomology Lab Technician | Metropolitan Mosquito Control District | St. Paul, MN |
| Environmental Consultant | Path Light Pro | Winter Springs, FL |
| Fish Hatchery Technician | Nebraska Game and Parks Commission | Parks, NE |
| Laboratory Technician | Labcorp | Greenfield, IN |
| Museum Educator | Bell Museum | St. Paul, MN |
| Physical Therapy Technician | Doctors of Physical Therapy | Jefferson, WI |
| Principal Office and Administrative Specialist | University of Minnesota | St. Paul, MN |
| Program Educator | Snake Discovery | Maplewood, MN |
| Research Technician | Southern Illinois University | Carbondale, IL |
| Retail Team Lead | Arc'teryx | Bloomington, MN |
| Temporary Park Worker | Three Rivers Park District | Eden Prairie, MN |
| Upland Game Field Research Technician | Minnesota Department of Natural Resources | St. Paul, MN |
| Veterinary Assistant | Lakefield Veterinary Group | Excelsior, MN |
| Veterinary Assistant | Mission Animal Hospital | Eden Prairie, MN |
| Water Resources Technician | Stantec | Minneapolis, MN |
| Wildlife Technician | Dakota County | Rosemont, MN |
| Zookeeper | Indianapolis Zoo | Indianapolis, IN |
| Zookeeper Apprentice | Como Park Zoo & Conservatory | St. Paul, MN |
Where do students continue education after graduation?
Where do students continue education after graduation?
| Program | School |
|---|---|
| Crop Sciences | University of Illinois Urbana Champaign |
| Hydrology and Water Resources Science | University of Minnesota Duluth |
| Nursing | Normandale Community College |
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 |
|---|---|
| Burrowing Owl Field Crew Biologist | University of Idaho |
| Environmental Data Management Technician | Barr Engineering |
| Forestry Program Coordinator | Mississippi Park Connection |
| Genetic Technician | MN Department of Natural Resources |
| Training and Operations Officer | Army National Guards |
| Veterinary Technician Assistant | Animal Emergency & Referral Center of MN |
Where are alumni 10 years after graduation?
Where are alumni 10 years after graduation?
| Job Title | Employer |
|---|---|
| Data Collection Technician | MNDoT |
| Environmental Projects Manager | City of Capitola |
| First Officer | Wheels Up |
| GIS Analyst | MGP |
| GIS Developer | MNIT |
| Machinist | 3M |
| Postdoctoral Research Fellow | CTSI |
| Producer and Co-Founder | Hobby Films |
| Program Technician | United States Government Farm Service Agency |
| Real Estate Specialist | Jiwa Sustainable Realty |
| Senior Financial Analyst | CWT |
| Wildlife Health Specialist | MN DNR |
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
- Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve
- Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
- Conservation Corps of Minnesota & Iowa
- Jumby Bay Hawksbill Project
- Metropolitan Mosquito Control District
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
- Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trust
- Minnesota Zoo
- Three Rivers Park District
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- U.S. Forest Service
- University of Minnesota
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota
- Wildlife Science Center
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.