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Wildlife Health information

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$25K

$64.9K

$127K

How much do wildlife health jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for wildlife health in the United States is $64,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Wildlife Health vs Wildlife Veterinarian?

AspectWildlife HealthWildlife Veterinarian
Required CredentialsDegree in wildlife biology, ecology, or related fields; often requires additional certifications in wildlife managementDoctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent; veterinary licensing
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in natural habitats, research facilities, conservation projectsWildlife clinics, zoos, research labs, field rescues
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, conservation organizations, research institutionsVeterinary clinics, wildlife rehabilitation centers, zoos

Wildlife Health professionals focus on the overall health and disease management of wild animal populations, often through research and conservation efforts. Wildlife Veterinarians are licensed vets who diagnose and treat individual wild animals, working directly in clinical settings or field rescues. While both roles aim to protect wildlife, Wildlife Health emphasizes population health and disease prevention, whereas Wildlife Veterinarians focus on individual animal care.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in wildlife health, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in wildlife health often encounter challenges such as working in remote or unpredictable environments, managing zoonotic disease risks, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders like conservationists, veterinarians, and government agencies. Adapting to fieldwork conditions, maintaining safety protocols, and staying updated with the latest research are essential. Building strong communication skills and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration can help overcome these obstacles and contribute to effective wildlife health management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Wildlife Health, and why are they important?

To thrive in Wildlife Health, you need a background in veterinary medicine, ecology, or biology, often with advanced degrees and fieldwork experience. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, laboratory techniques, and data management systems is typically required, along with certifications in wildlife handling or disease surveillance. Strong problem-solving, observation skills, and the ability to communicate findings clearly make professionals stand out in this field. These skills are crucial for effectively monitoring animal populations, managing disease outbreaks, and supporting conservation efforts.

What is wildlife health?

Wildlife health refers to the study and management of the physical well-being and diseases of wild animals in their natural habitats. Professionals in this field monitor wildlife populations, investigate disease outbreaks, and work to prevent the spread of illnesses between wild animals, domestic animals, and humans. Wildlife health is crucial for maintaining biodiversity, ecosystem balance, and preventing zoonotic diseases that can impact public health.
More about Wildlife Health jobs
What cities are hiring for Wildlife Health jobs? Cities with the most Wildlife Health job openings:
What states have the most Wildlife Health jobs? States with the most job openings for Wildlife Health jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Wildlife Health jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Wildlife Health jobs are:
Wildlife Health jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wildlife Health job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,945 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

Scientist, Quantitative Ecology - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Escondido, CA

$113K - $127K/yr

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Scientist conducts independent and collaborative conservation research in a specialized area of biological or social science, and/or develops and conducts disease diagnostics and risk assessments for application to wildlife health. This position reports to an Associate Director or Director level or higher in Conservation Science Wildlife Health.
WHAT YOU WILL DO

  • Responsible for the development and oversight of research programs in a specialized field of study, i.e. genomics, ecology, epidemiology
  • Publish papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals, popular literature, and other relevant media outlets.
  • Responsible for program-staff supervision, including supervision of non-employee team members and mentorship of doctoral and post-doctoral candidates.
  • Responsible for preparation and submission of competitive grant proposals and working with Philanthropy team on securing external funding.


WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR

The Population Sustainability team at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is seeking a highly accomplished Quantitative Ecologist or Ecological Statistician who brings at least five years of post-doctoral or equivalent professional experience and a strong commitment to applied conservation science. This is a full-time Scientist position that will support our local and global conservation programs. The ideal candidate has a strong background in occupancy and capture-recapture modeling, a solid foundation in general statistical methods, and demonstrated proficiency implementing Bayesian analyses using JAGS, NIMBLE, and/or Stan. Experience with the analysis of movement data (e.g. Hidden Markov Models, Resource Selection Functions) along with spatial or GIS based modeling are highly desirable. They will be comfortable implementing and interpreting statistical models, working with large, complex ecological datasets, and collaborating closely with field biologists and conservation practitioners on study design, data analysis, and publications. This role requires someone who can translate rigorous quantitative analyses into clear, actionable insights that inform wildlife management and conservation decision making and who and can communicate effectively with both scientific and non-technical audiences in a mission driven, interdisciplinary environment.


JOB EXPERIENCE

  • Experience conducting research in a specialized field.
  • Experience with science communication or interpretation of scientific concepts.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • Ph.D. Post Doctorate degree in a specialized area of biological or social science and/or a DVM or equivalent specialized training required.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

  • Strong working knowledge of governmental regulations applicable to research, hazardous materials, and safety.
  • Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs.
  • Strong working knowledge of biological and life science.
  • Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

  • Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
  • Family Passes
  • Complimentary Tickets
  • Local and In-House Discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

  • Location: Escondido, CA
  • Position Type: Salaried Full-Time Exempt Position
  • Salary Range: $113,409 to $127,585

About The Salary Ranges

The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time.

Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests' experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.

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