What can I do with a Conservation Biology Major?
When Aldo Leopold and Norman Fassett, a former UW Botany professor, first initiated the major in the 1940s, they intended for the major to prepare individuals for careers as game wardens, ranger naturalists, and museum workers. As the major evolved, career opportunities evolved as well. Conservation Biology alumni have worked both domestically and internationally in:
- Conservation and non-profit positions (ex. Conservation International, Audubon Society, and Nature Conservancy)
- Research and field jobs (ex. Ecological Restoration, Urban Forestry, and Smithsonian Environmental research)
- Environmental education (ex. Environmental Consultants, Park Service Naturalists, and Teachers)
- State and government agencies (ex. Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Forest Service)
- Graduate School (ex. Masters or PhD programs in Evolutionary Biology, Environmental Conservation, or Policy)
- Other Biological Opportunities (Health Care, Forensic Science, Biotechnology, etc)
Conservation-related Volunteer, Internship, and Job Resources
Students are encouraged to participate in both in- and out-of-classroom experiences. These experiences provide opportunity for students to apply their knowledge to the world around them and gain practical experience in the field. Internships, research, study abroad, volunteer, and other conservation related experiences and are therefore encouraged. Plan ahead by working closely with advisors to build these experiences into your plans.
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Local Opportunities-Volunteer, Internships, Jobs
Dane County Humane Society Wildlife Center
Madison Children’s Museum –rooftop garden and animals
Midwest Environmental Advocates
Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin
Sierra Club -John Muir Chapter
Water-related Organization in Dane County
Wisconsin Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Wisconsin Ecology Job Fair -Spring Event
Greater Wisconsin Opportunties
Fellow Mortals Wildlife Hospital
Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission
Horicon Marsh and Education Center
International Crane Foundation
Lac du Flambeau Natural Resource Department
Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge Companies and Nonprofits
Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center
Wanakia Wildlife Rehab and Education Center
Wild Instincts Wildlife Rehabilitation
Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative
Wisconsin Environmental Organizations
Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters
Wisconsin Tribal Conservation Advocacy Council
National and International Opportunities
American Conservation Experience
Asian Pacific Environmental Network
Cahaba Environmental Center, Alabama
Chesapeake Research Consortium, Maryland
Climate Change Internships, National Parks Service
Internships/Summer Research in Ecology, Animal & Plant Biology, and Marine Science
Environmental Organizations in South & Central America and Mexico
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Minnesota Association of Conservation District Employees
National Parks Conservation Association
Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington DC
Student Conservation Association
US Fish and Wildlife Service Directorate Fellows Program
Wild Tracks International Volunteer Conservation Experiences
Conservation-Related Job Search, Events and Grad School Resources
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Career Preparation, Events and Advising, and Graduate and Professional School Resources
BadgerBridge UW Professional Alumni Social Network
Careers in Biological Sciences
Graduate School Application Timeline
Informational Interview as a job search strategy
Linked In Social Network for Professionals -join Conservation Biology at UW Madison
Peterson’s guide for graduate program search
SuccessWorks L&S Career Services
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Job Boards and Announcements
Chicagoland Environmental Network
Environmental Career Opportunities
Handshake UW student career tool
Native American Fish and Wildlife Society
Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies Job Board
North American Association for Environmental Education
North American Lake Management Society
Texas A&M Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Job Board
University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources Job Board
Certification Resources
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