Are my chances of becoming an entry level wildlife biologist greater with an MS in biology?

Question

I have worked at an aquarium as an intern one summer. I did a small research project in undergrad and I am currently monitoring box turtles for my masters thesis. I try to help out around the herpetology lab as much as possible. Will these qualifications suffice?

Answer 1

Any training and experience helps. In theory, you could get an entry-level position without all your experience but your chances of advancement would not be as good.

BTW, are you familiar with Ed Gould's work on homing in box turtles? It was written up in his doctoral dissertation at Tulane, although I think he did most of the work while he was in the army.

Answer 2

If you are planning on working for a government agency, you should see how they hire folks. Getting hired by the state of California, it is not so much about advanced degrees, but taking a test, getting on a list (you can only be hired off the list) and applying for all jobs as they open. Find  out what you need for where you want to work!