Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology

Conservationists on a Boat

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.

Study FWCB

Career Outcomes

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Where do students work after graduation?

Where do students work after graduation?

Job titles and employers for graduates reported within 6 months of 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?

Programs and schools students enrolled in 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?

Sampling of job titles and employers 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?

Sampling of job titles and employers 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

Meet Your Career Consultant

Maddie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maddie (she/her) can assist you with

  • Major and career exploration
  • Internship planning
  • Job searching
  • Interview prep and practice
  • Grad school planning and more...

Make an Appointment Maddie's bio

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.