Zoologist career

Kaimātai kīrehe

Zoologists study animals and wildlife and how they interact with other species and environments.

Zoologists study animals and wildlife and how they interact with other species and environments.

What would you do as a Zoologist?

Zoologists

  • usually work regular business hours
  • usually work in offices, laboratories and outdoors
  • may work in all weather conditions
  • need to be methodical, identify and solve problems and communicate well

Tasks

  • study animals and wildlife
  • measure water, air and soil features
  • research environmental impacts
  • look after animals and their habitats
  • teach people about animals and wildlife
  • make sure people follow environmental laws
  • prepare reports and presentations

How can you become a Zoologist?

You need a qualification to become a zoologist.

You need

  • a bachelor's degree in zoology or similar area

You may need

  • a master's degree in zoology or similar area
  • a doctoral degree in zoology or similar area
  • experience in similar work
  • a driver licence

If you're in school

You need University Entrance to do the study or training for this job.

Qualifications

View all qualifications

Study an Ecology and Biodiversity or Molecular and Cellular Biology major in our Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science (Technology). Add our Animal Behaviour minor to explore how and why animals behave the way they do, and how those behaviours have evolved. It combines biology and psychology, with applications in conservation, wildlife management and animal welfare. Like all our undergraduate degrees, both include work-integrated learning.

View all qualifications

Zoologist FAQs

Scholarships

Anne Shannon Scholarship

For second-year, full-time students in a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science (Technology) majoring in Ecology and Biodiversity or Molecular and Cellular Biology, enrolled in at least 60 points of specific Ecology and Biodiversity or Molecular and Cellular Biology papers.

View all scholarships.

QS ranking

QS World University Rankings 2027

Waikato is ranked equal 293rd globally, placing us in the top 1.5% of universities worldwide, and 2nd in New Zealand by citations per faculty.

Contact us

International Enquiries

Monday – Friday NZT 1pm – 2am

School of Science

School of Science, The University of Waikato, Gate 8, Hillcrest Road, Hamilton, New Zealand