What does it take for a regular person(a non-science major)to become a licensed wildlife care taker?

Question

I am a musician and hope to be more useful in helping with conservation and rehabilitation of wild animals

Answer 1

Well, there are a few things you can do.

If you want to work for a wildlife rehabilitator then you technically dont need any sort of formal training. That being said good luck getting hired on with no experience in wildlife studies. A degree in wildlife biology or veteranary sciences would be a minimum in my mind.

Also, there is a ton of competetion in the wildlife field and they are all very qualified. You might want to head back to school if this is a field that you want to get into. And wildlife rehabilitation specifically is a very small world.

If you want to get into like a ranger or game warden position you will need at a minimum a bachelors degree in wildlife management and will have to go through a strenuous and highly competative hiriing process, regardless of what state you live in. If hired expect a year or so of training including police academy.

I would get in doing some seasonal work in the firld and see if you like it. Just know that even for seasonal field jobs you will be competing with people who have a masters degrees in an environmental science of some sort.

I would do a bit more homework if I were you.

Answer 2

Hello Pk. Remember me? I'm that kid who wants to become a composer. I want to make it clear that I DO want to become a composer, and your answer to my request for advice troubled me somewhat. If you have any advice that you were withholding before, then you can go back to my question, read the response I wrote you, and tell me your ideas. Please stop trying to discourage people from giving me advice, and making assumptions on what I will do based on the average lazy motiveless paradigm of a modern high-schooler.

If you're interested in helping wildlife then this may or may not be helpful:

http://www.maine.gov/ifw/wildlife/rehabi...

Answer 3

Generally it's just like any other civil service application process. You have to pass a test pertaining to the position and score above 90% just to have a chance at an interview. Most wildlife conservation officers have science degrees of one form or another. You could probably get away with a 2 yr tech degree in environmental conservation or wildlife conservation.

Answer 4

You'll have to check with your state, because the requirements are likely different from one state to the next. Look for your state's fish & wildlife department.

I would also suggest contacting a veterinarian and nearby state park or forest, to see if there are other wildlife rehabilitators in the area that you could talk to, and perhaps train under.

Answer 5

A trust fund, a strong stomach, heavy gloves and somewhere to put all the p**p!

Answer 6

I believe all you need is a high school diploma and a real desire to learn about conservation and wild animals.  Good luck and as Smokey the Bear says: Only you can prevent forest fires.