• Many jobs in the wildlife science field do require an upper level education. However, experience and a love for the field can be enough to get your foot in the door, or even qualify you for a lifelong career in wildlife science. These positions are excellent choices for people in pursuit of a degree who want to gain experience in the meantime, and for those who have no interest in going to college.
  
  

Aquarist

• An aquarist is basically a zookeeper for marine life. Aquarists work at aquariums caring for fish, sharks, dolphins and underwater mammals such as seals. They must check the temperature and chemical balance of the aquariums daily and carefully monitor the health of the animals.
  
  To feed animals in large aquariums, an aquarist must wear a scuba suit and dive into the tank to feed the fish by hand. Sometimes, they must dive in the tank several times a day to feed the different species. Aquarists carefully record each feeding to ensure the predators get enough food, which prevents them from eating the other fish in the tank. They also enter large tanks to clean them.
  
  Aquarists assist in research projects, and they also work in training the sea mammals to respond to commands. Some even set up breeding programs for their animals.
  
  Aquarists must have a scuba certification, but do not necessarily need a degree. Experience working with marine life or in a veterinary setting provides the qualifications necessary to get the job.
  
  

Zookeeper

• Zookeepers provide everyday care for wild animals in zoos or wildlife parks. Some zookeepers care for large numbers of varying species, while others care only for a specific animal. They must prepare food and feed the animals daily, including the nocturnal species. They also clean and repair the living spaces of the animal.
  
  Some zookeepers are responsible for the exercise and training of their charges. Since a zookeeper is the most frequent human contact these wild animals have, zookeepers are responsible for monitoring their behavior and health. Zookeepers must report any unusual behavior or possible illnesses to the veterinarians.
  
  Many zookeepers assist in animal research and give presentations about their species to visitors. They often work nights and weekends. Some zookeepers do have an associate's degree in animal management, but experience in a veterinary office or as a zoo volunteer can be enough to get the job.
  
  

Wildlife Photographer

• A wildlife photographer takes pictures of animals in their natural habitat for research organizations, magazines and television shows. Wildlife photographers often work freelance and act as their own boss.
  
  A wildlife photographer must keep strange hours, since animals are most active at dawn and dusk. They often have to be outside and ready to photograph before the sun comes up. Photographers must be aware of animal migrating patterns, preferred habitat, and mating calls. They must also effectively hide themselves to escape notice, usually in hunter's blinds.
  
  Wildlife photographers must be willing to spend hours sitting still, waiting for the right shot to present itself. They also do observational work beforehand, spending hours watching the animals and learning their habits. They must have an extensive knowledge of photography and camera equipment, which can be self-taught.