Skip to content
Wintec
Future You

Explore careers

Explore our in-depth info on a large number of job and career options. Find out qualifications needed, average pay, future job opportunities and much more.

Zoologist

Kaipūtaiao Kararehe

Zoologists study animals and their behaviour in the wild or in captivity, and how they interact with other species and their environments.

Learn about this job keyboard_arrow_down

Secondary education

NCEA Level 3 is required to enter tertiary training. Chemistry, biology and maths are required.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree and above

Useful experience

Useful experience for zoologists includes:

  • conservation work
  • research
  • work with animals
  • laboratory work.

What you will do

Zoologists may do some or all of the following:

  • study animals and their behaviour
  • study the relationship between animals and their environment
  • do research into areas such as pest control or conservation
  • do laboratory work and fieldwork
  • manage the care of animals in research centres, zoos and aquariums
  • teach university students
  • write reports and scientific articles
  • give talks to community groups and local authorities
  • advise local authorities and iwi on how to manage animal species sustainably.

Skills and knowledge

Zoologists need to have knowledge of:

  • animal behaviour, diseases and habitats
  • animal anatomy, physiology and biology
  • biochemistry, microbiology and parasitology
  • animal-handling skills
  • laws relevant to their work, such as the Animal Welfare Act
  • conservation issues
  • techniques for operating scientific equipment and performing experiments
  • techniques for observations, surveys and field work
  • research skills and how to analyse and present results.
Pay

Zoologists usually earn

$57K-$142K

per year

Job opportunities
Average
Chances of getting a job as a zoologist are average due to limited opportunities in some areas, but high demand in others.
Length of training
3
years of training required.

Industry

Science

Zoologists study animals and their behaviour in the wild or in captivity, and how they interact with other species and their environments.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

To become a zoologist, you need to have a Bachelor of Science majoring in any of the following subjects:

  • zoology
  • ecology
  • microbiology
  • biotechnology
  • molecular biology.

Postgraduate qualifications, such as a Master's degree or PhD, are recommended for those wanting to work in senior research roles.

For research-based work at the technician level, a Bachelor's degree in a related science subject is the minimum entry requirement. Though many skills are learned at university, zoologists continue to develop their laboratory and experimental skills on the job.

Chances of getting a job

Small numbers of zoologists

There are limited opportunities for zoologists and roles are mainly within universities or Crown Research Institutes.

Zoology graduates tend to use their qualification in a variety of applied zoology roles in fields such as teaching, environmental research and pharmaceutical research.

According to the Census, 117 zoologists worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Good opportunities for zoology graduates in environmental research

Job opportunities in environmental research are good for zoology graduates due to an increased need to protect the natural environment and a shortage of people with suitable qualifications.

Environmental research scientist appears on Immigration New Zealand's long-term skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled environmental research scientists from overseas to work in New Zealand.

Types of employers varied

Zoologists can work for:

  • Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) such as NIWA
  • government agencies such as the Department of Conservation
  • consultancies, including those studying environmental impacts of building developments
  • private companies, including those doing pest control
  • regional councils
  • museums
  • universities.

Progression and specialisations

Zoologists may progress to become lecturers, research officers or professors, or move into management roles.

Zoologists may specialise in:

  • different areas of the animal kingdom, such as birds, mammals or aquatic animals
  • conservation and environmental research
  • biosecurity
  • pest control
  • policy.

Working conditions

Zoologists:

  • usually work regular business hours, but may also work evenings and weekends
  • work in laboratories, offices, and outdoors in areas such as national parks and wildlife reserves
  • may work with drugs and chemicals and be exposed to animal diseases
  • may work outdoors in all weather conditions
  • often travel locally, nationally and overseas to work on projects or to attend conferences.

Physical Requirements

Zoologists need to be reasonably fit and healthy to do fieldwork.

Useful personal qualities

Zoologists need to be:

  • enquiring and observant
  • practical and accurate
  • patient and logical
  • good at problem solving
  • well organised, with good planning skills
  • skilled at writing and presenting information
  • good at research
  • able to cope with experimenting on live animals.

Industry

Science

Zoologists study animals and their behaviour in the wild or in captivity, and how they interact with other species and their environments.

Job data powered by careers.govt.nz

Wintec is part of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology Learn More about Wintec Te Pūkenga.

Learn with purpose

Explore Te Pūkenga

Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa - New Zealand Government

Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa - New Zealand Government

Copyright © 2022 Wintec