Wildlife Rehabilitator Wildlife rehabilitation involves the temporary care and treatment of injured, sick and orphaned wildlife. Rehabilitation is necessary in order to improve the chances of survival for sick or injured animals when they are ready to be released back to an appropriate habitat.

Wildlife Biologist Wildlife Biologists have a direct involvement with the well-being of wild animals. As a wildlife biologist, you may specialise in a specific animal area such as wildlife management, wildlife law enforcement, environmental education, natural resources management, environmental biology, conservation biology, or research.

Countryside warden or Ranger A countryside warden or park ranger works within a designated area of parkland, forest, wetland, common land or in national parks.

Ornithologist Ornithologists are bird specialists who have a strong scientific approach to their work. Their job includes the monitoring and tracking of birds, habitat monitoring and management, study of populations, bird behaviour, carrying out surveys and research as well as educating the public about the importance of habitat conservation.

Wildlife/Countryside Conservation Officer A wildlife conservation officer is involved in the management, improvement and protection of a wildlife or wilderness area.

Gamekeeper Gamekeepers are usually employed by private country estates/landowners or farms. It is important to have practical skills and to be a willing hands-on worker, in some cases carrying out potentially hazardous tasks such as using a chain saw or administering pesticides.

Zoologist: Zoologists are involved in the scientific study of animals including their anatomy, physiology, classification, distribution, behaviour and ecology.

Biocensus Training Courses in Ecology and Wildlife disciplines. We offer a selection of intensive one day courses led by experienced professional consultants who are experts in their field. The courses are suitable for professional ecologists, conservation workers, interested amateurs and those seeking employment in the environmental sector. Subjects covered include wildlife legislation, protected species, field identification skills, ecological surveying and management techniques. The courses involve a blend of classroom and practical sessions in a relaxed and interactive atmosphere, where discussion between trainees and tutors is actively encouraged. Further details are available at www.biocensus.co.uk/training.asp or contact us at enquiries@biocensus.co.uk or call 01453 790643.

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If you haven’t spent time working with or caring for wildlife, it is worth considering working as a volunteer at a wildlife rescue centre before embarking on a career with wildlife.

A career working with wildlife requires good communication skills and may involve tough physical outdoor work; for this sort of career, you should enjoy being outdoors in all types of weather. As with all animal related work, it is crucial that you are dedicated, compassionate, committed and that you don’t suffer from animal allergies.

Different roles working with wildlife may include; conducting wildlife and ecological surveys, monitoring wildlife habitats and populations, protection and rescue of animals from natural and man-made disasters and the rehabilitation of sick or injured animals.