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Career Profile

Wildlife manager

Wildlife managers plan and run programs that protect native animals and their habitats, balancing conservation with the needs of people and land.
Engineering, Aviation and Science
Average weekly salary
$1841
Future demand
Moderate
Most common education level
Bachelor degree

What does a wildlife manager do?

A wildlife manager works to protect native animals, their habitats and the wider natural environment. They plan and run conservation programs, monitor animal populations and ecosystems, and manage threats such as pest species, weeds and habitat loss. Part of the role is applying environmental and wildlife regulations, preparing permits and reports, and making decisions based on field data. It combines science, planning and hands-on land management.

Wildlife managers work for state and federal environment and national parks agencies, councils, conservation groups, research organisations and universities. Some also work with consultancies or resource companies that need biodiversity and land management expertise. The role usually mixes fieldwork on-site with planning and reporting back in the office.

Is a career in wildlife management right for me?

A career in wildlife management may suit you if you care about conservation, enjoy working outdoors and are comfortable making decisions based on evidence. You need physical stamina for fieldwork, patience for monitoring and surveys, and the ability to work with landholders, communities and Traditional Owners.

Other desirable skills and attributes of a wildlife manager include:

Adaptability
An ability to manage change positively and perform effectively in changing environments.
Analytical thinking
An ability to analyse and interpret information.
Communication
Clear written and verbal communication skills, supported by strong interpersonal skills.
Industry knowledge
A sound awareness and understanding of industry and trends.

Problem-solving and decision-making
The ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and make informed decisions.

Workplace readiness
The ability to work effectively in demanding, practical, or physically challenging environments.

How to become a wildlife manager

Most wildlife managers start with a bachelor degree in environmental science, science or a related field, with a focus on wildlife, ecology or conservation. Field experience is important, so volunteering, placements or fieldwork during study helps you build practical skills and show your commitment.

Every journey is individual, and there are several career paths into wildlife and conservation management. A common path to becoming a wildlife manager include:

  1. Complete a bachelor degree in environmental science, science or a related field, ideally with a wildlife or conservation focus.
  2. Build knowledge of ecology, biodiversity and natural resource management.
  3. Gain field experience through volunteering, placements or research projects.
  4. Develop practical skills in surveying, monitoring and land management.
  5. Consider further study or specialisation as you move into planning and management roles.

How long does it take to become a wildlife manager?

A bachelor degree in environmental science or science usually takes three years of full-time study, or longer if you study part-time. The Wildlife Management major at UniSQ includes practical components and residential schools to help you develop skills in conservation, ecology, animal management and field research.

Building the field experience further to move into management usually takes a few more years. Many wildlife managers start in an officer, ranger or research role, then take on responsibility for programs and teams over time.

Start your journey with UniSQ

Launch your wildlife management career with a UniSQ science degree, where you can build the knowledge and field skills needed for wildlife management, ecology and conservation roles.

Bachelor of Environmental Science
Go to degree
Bachelor of Science
Go to degree
Need help planning your career journey?
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Responsibilities and work settings

Day-to-day responsibilities

Surveying and monitoring wildlife populations and habitats.

Designing and delivering conservation and species recovery programs.

Managing pest, weed and invasive species control.

Applying wildlife regulations and preparing permits and reports.

Working with landholders, Traditional Owners, volunteers and the public.

Where you might work

Environmental and sustainability organisations

Government agencies, departments and councils

Museums, galleries and heritage institutions

Agricultural and agribusiness organisations

Research institutes and research centres

Universities and higher education providers

Non-profit, charity and community organisations

Wildlife manager FAQs

The pay for wildlife managers varies with employer, location and experience. Wildlife manager roles are generally more senior and often involve supervising staff, managing conservation programs, or overseeing wildlife facilities. For an indicative figure, view the salary information on this page.

Most wildlife managers hold a bachelor degree in environmental science, science or a related field, with a focus on wildlife, ecology or conservation. There is no single mandatory licence, though some roles need permits for handling animals or working in protected areas. Employers usually value field experience alongside your degree.

Day to day, a wildlife manager might survey animal populations, run pest or habitat control programs, record and analyse field data, prepare permits and reports, and meet with landholders or community groups. Time is usually split between fieldwork on-site and planning and reporting in the office.

Wildlife management is a rewarding choice for people who want meaningful, outdoor work protecting native species and habitats. Roles are often tied to government funding and conservation priorities, so competition can be strong. A UniSQ environmental science degree with a wildlife management major gives you the science and field experience to enter the field.

Wildlife managers work for environment and national parks agencies, councils, conservation groups, research organisations and universities. Some also work with consultancies or resource companies on biodiversity and land management.

Related careers

Ecologist
Environmental scientist
Conservation biologist

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Disclaimer: UniSQ’s Career Finder is a guide only. While reasonable care is taken to ensure accuracy, career information may change over time. Career statistics are sourced from Your Career and Jobs and Skills Australia. © Commonwealth of Australia. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Salary figures listed on this page are in Australian Dollars (AUD).