Government Jobs That Involve Animals
There are a number of government jobs that involve working with animals. These jobs are available in a variety of fields, from law enforcement to engineering. Below we will look at five different government jobs that involve animals in some capacity. We will discuss what individuals can expect to do in each of these roles as well as which type of education is necessary to be qualified for each position.
| Job Title | Median Salary (2016)* | Job Growth (2016-2026)* |
|---|---|---|
| Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists | $60,520 | 8% |
| Agricultural and Food Scientists | $62,920 | 7% |
| Agricultural Engineer | $73,640 | 8% |
| Veterinarian | $88,770 | 18% |
| Fish and Game Warden | $51,730 | 4% |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Information About Government Jobs That Involve Animals
Zoologist and Wildlife Biologists
Zoologists and wildlife biologists are scientists who are involved in the study of different types of wild animals and how they interact with each other as well as their environment. Some of these professionals may focus on a particular type of animal species, while others may work for the government in order to coordinate different types of conservation projects and to protect endangered species. In 2016, 56 percent of zoologists and wildlife biologists worked in either state or federal government. To become a zoologist or wildlife biologist, you will usually need at least a bachelor's degree, though research positions are typically reserved for people who have master's or doctoral degrees.
Agricultural and Food Scientists
As an agricultural or food scientist, you will be in charge of conducting research to discover new ways of producing agricultural products, in addition to ensuring the safety of various types of agricultural products. Some of these professionals work specifically as animal scientists, which involves focusing on farm animals and making sure that farmers are following government regulations in their treatment of these animals and how they handle the animals' production and development. As of 2016, eight percent of these scientists were employed by the government. To become an agricultural or food scientist, you will need at least a bachelor's degree in agricultural science, though some of these professionals also have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
Agricultural Engineers
An agricultural engineer is an individual who is concerned with different types of problems that are commonly encountered in the agricultural world, like environmental issues and proper storage of agricultural and animal products. Some agricultural engineers work with animals by working on new ways of keeping their housing facilities climate-controlled and sterile. As of 2016, 14 percent of these professionals were employed by the federal government. To become an agricultural engineer, you will generally need a bachelor's degree in the field of agricultural engineering or biological engineering.
Veterinarians
Some veterinarians work for the government as food animal veterinarians and food safety and inspection veterinarians. These jobs involve working closely with animals that are raised for food to make sure they are free from diseases and that their housing facilities are safe and clean. Some of these professionals may also conduct research in areas like the transmission of diseases among animals and vaccine creation. As of 2016, three percent of veterinarians worked for the government. To become a veterinarian, you will need to complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, which takes four years to complete.
Fish and Game Wardens
A fish and game warden is a type of police officer who is responsible for patrolling outdoor areas to make sure people are following hunting and fishing laws. They also carry out search and rescue operations, investigate various crimes and accidents that occur outside, keep waterways safe, and protect wildlife. The majority of fish and game wardens are employed by the local, state, and federal government. To become a fish and game warden, you will typically need a bachelor's degree in a field like natural resources management.
