Centre for Career and Personal Development Degree Profiles

These degree profiles look at potential jobs, key skills & atributes, associations & professional development and great books which relate to each degree and its potential career path.

Zoology

Zoology is the scientific study of animal biology from the perspective of the entire animal organism. As a highly interdisciplinary discipline, zoologists develop a broad knowledge base to inform their understanding of the animals with which we share our planet.

Key Skills & Knowledge

Analytical and critical thinking: Synthesize complex information; logical reasoning, critical thinking; in-depth knowledge of biological theory; understanding of scientific method of inquiry.

Perform laboratory procedures: Operate scientific/ laboratory equipment and instruments, understand laboratory process; administer biological tests; collect and preserve field organisms; observe and make measurements on organisms; dissect preserved or euthanized specimens.

Communication: Presenting and communicating technical and scientific data and ideas clearly and articulately to both the scientific and non-scientific communities using current technology; memorizing large amounts of information; conveying information to small groups and through presentations; writing scientific and technical reports.

Research: The collection, analysis and interpretation of data using the appropriate laboratory and/or field techniques; organizing vast amounts of data; inspecting specimens; demonstrating precision and accuracy in data collection and observation; hypothesizing, designing, and carrying out experiments.

Organization and attention to detail: Data, time and resource management; independent worker, ability to meet deadlines.

Teamwork skills: the ability to oversee, supervise and/or contribute to a project.

Problem-Solving: Applying logical and creative thinking to troubleshoot experiments, resolve research challenges, and adapt methods to achieve accurate results.

Sample Job Titles

Please note that some of these positions may require additional training, certification, or education. Check out the occupational profiles to review the full details for the occupations that interest you at alis.alberta.ca/occinfo

Animal Behaviourist
Animal Breeder Technician
Animal Feeds Advisor
Animal Nutritionist
Animal Pathologist
Artificial Inseminator
Breed Association Representative
Breed Journal Reporter
Dairy Herdsman
Ecotoxicologist
Equine Nutritionist

Extension Youth Specialist
Farm Manager
Feed Company Manager
Habitat Developer
Herdsman
Livestock Agent
Livestock Promoter
Meat Merchandiser
Poultry Scientist
Product Quality Controller
Research Assistant/Researcher

Stable Manager
Teacher/Professor
Veterinarian/Veterinary Technician
Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife Program Co-ordinator
Zookeeper

Potential Industries

Hospitals & Medical Centres
Medicine & Health Organizations
Museums
Non-profits & NGOs
Pharmaceutical Companies
Post-Secondary
Environment and Pollution Control

Publishing Companies
Research Institutions
Testing Laboratories
Zoos, Aquariums, National or Provincial Parks
Agricultrual
Biotechnology
Conservation

Aligned Majors

Biological Sciences

Environmental Sciences

Natural Sciences

Neuroscience

Plant Biology

Associations & Professional Development

Job Sites

Publications

Careers for Animal Lovers by Louise Miller
ISBN: 0071476156

Publication Date: 2007-03-20
Careers for Nature Lovers and Other Outdoor Types by Louise Miller
ISBN: 0071482180

Publication Date: 2007-09-10
Great Jobs for Biology Majors by Blythe Camenson
ISBN: 0071408983

Publication Date: 2003-09-17

Additional Resources

Zoology - More Resources

Did you know?

Formal Career Assessments like the Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers Briggs Type Indicator can be helpful tools for your career development. These assessments have been used for decades to help individuals choose a major, explore career options during and upon completion of a degree and to further understand yourself in relationship to the world of work. Inquire with Career Services if you are interested in these formal assessments.