Jobs Protecting Endangered Animals

Park rangers protect endangered animals from unlawful hunting.
i David De Lossy/Valueline/Getty Images

Keeping your boyfriend from maiming himself while attempting yet another ridiculous stunt may seem like a full-time job. If you would like to put your skill of keeping helpless creatures safe, then consider a career protecting endangered animals. As the human population grows, the areas where many endangered species live decreases. Animal conservationists work in a variety of fields protecting those that cannot help themselves. Protecting endangered animals does not mean that you have to subject yourself to a lifetime of wearing khaki and clogs. Some jobs are available right in your backyard, so to speak.

Fundraiser and Grant Writer

    It takes money and a lot of it to fund conservation programs. Endangered species programs depend on donations to support their efforts. The money goes to administrative costs, paying workers in the field, marketing programs. A job as a fundraiser requires you to solicit corporations, private individuals and others for funds to support your cause. In small grass-roots organizations, the fundraiser also works as the grant writer. Grant writers apply for grants offered by the federal government and private institutions. The process of grant writing is very technical since you have to plead your cause in writing, usually by a specified deadline. A degree in technical writing or public relations can help you prepare for this career.

Marine Rescuer

    If you want to actually get into the action of saving animals, consider a career in marine biology. More specifically, a career as a marine animal rescuer means that you will be on the beaches and in the oceans helping animals in need. The types of animals you would be working with include stranded whales and dolphins, endangered nesting turtles and orphaned seals. It is not always necessary to have a degree in marine biology to work in the field of marine rescue, however having that background will help you to understand the animal behavior and what the needs are. Marine rescuers can find employment with wildlife protection agencies, zoos and marine animal advocacy groups.

Advocates

    Maybe getting wet and dirty is not your thing, but you still want to make sure that baby seals are protected. Consider becoming a lobbyist for an animal rights group. Most lobbyists work in Washington, D.C. They petition lawmakers on behalf of conservation groups to support bills that provide protection for animals and the environment. Lobbyists use supporting material to bolster their cause so there is a lot of research involved in this job. Many lobbyists are also lawyers, although that is not a requirement. Being a lawyer can help you to prosecute individuals and corporations that endanger protected wildlife. A political science degree can put you on the right path to becoming a lobbyist, while an advanced law degree can help you if prosecuting the bad guys is your thing.

Park Ranger

    Many endangered species are living within the protected borders of state parks. Wildlife parks also exist in Asia and Africa as well. Park rangers work in these areas to prevent poachers and hunters from eliminating remaining protected species. Rangers also perform educational duties, informing the public about the species that live in the park in addition to ongoing conservation efforts. Rangers also help the environment with controlled burns that help the forest thrive, planting seedlings in areas of need, and preventing pollution at campsites that could otherwise endanger the animals. With all of the duties that rangers perform, most of their training is done on the job, however a degree in earth science, criminology or recreation management couldn’t hurt.

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