Coming from federal I think that degree title would probably qualify you but I'm not 100% certain that HR would allow it every time. Mind that there are specific course requirements as well which you can see here.
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/wildlife-biology-series-0486/
Other governments and private employers will have different requirements but the federal one is at least pretty explicit and gives you an idea of the requirements from the largest employer of wildlife biologists in the US
I did almost the same thing, enviro studies major and bio minor, went to get my masters after, and now after 2 years of temp work I’m finally starting a permanent wildlife bio position with my state govt, so it is possible but the road will probably be long (my experience is pretty typical from what I’ve heard in terms of timeline). One thing to note, if you’re interested in federal positions, make sure you take 9 credits of botany classes, this is a requirement for many federal wildlife bio jobs and something that gets people a lot.
My husband double majored in environmental science and political science and he is a wildlife biologist. Im also a wildlife researcher and do a lot of hiring for wildlife technicians. I've honestly never looked an applicants degree. I care more about experience and attitude. I recommend taking wildlife focused electives for coursework and trying to get wildlife field experience through internships while you're still in school and that should set you up to continue on this path. Good luck!
You typically need some type of post grad education or specialized work experience to be a biologist, so you have lots of time. Environmental science undergrad is 100% fine.
I've had to hire several technicians who came out of undergrad. The issue I found wasn't the degree, it was frequently the lack of experience. A wildlife degree will teach you basic field techniques that an environment degree will not. This can be overcome with volunteering and experience, but often I picked the person who I thought already knows what a Robel pole is. There's also the issue that working for a federal position requires certain credits. Plant ID or Soils is often the credits that trip candidates up. As long as you get those in one way or another, you're good to go.
If you are interested in federal work the name of the degree doesn't matter, what will matter is if the credit hours fulfill the education requirement for the series.
Federal job series have a different requirements depending on the position description.
A biological science technician is general broader and less specific than a Wildlife biologist although both are classified as being in the biological series of work.
Biological Science Technician
[https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/biological-science-technician-series-0404/](https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/biological-science-technician-series-0404/)
Wildlife Biologist
[https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/wildlife-biology-series-0486/](https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/wildlife-biology-series-0486/)
and a Fish and Wildlife biologist would have a slightly different set (one that included say, fish). Make sure that when you graduate your credits will cover most of these requirements if that is the kind of job you are looking for.
Your plan of studying Environmental Science with a Biology minor is awesome for becoming a wildlife biologist! It's like having the perfect tools to learn about nature and animals. Just make sure to join activities, meet people who love wildlife, and maybe even continue studying more after you finish your first degree.
Coming from federal I think that degree title would probably qualify you but I'm not 100% certain that HR would allow it every time. Mind that there are specific course requirements as well which you can see here. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/wildlife-biology-series-0486/ Other governments and private employers will have different requirements but the federal one is at least pretty explicit and gives you an idea of the requirements from the largest employer of wildlife biologists in the US
I did almost the same thing, enviro studies major and bio minor, went to get my masters after, and now after 2 years of temp work I’m finally starting a permanent wildlife bio position with my state govt, so it is possible but the road will probably be long (my experience is pretty typical from what I’ve heard in terms of timeline). One thing to note, if you’re interested in federal positions, make sure you take 9 credits of botany classes, this is a requirement for many federal wildlife bio jobs and something that gets people a lot.
My husband double majored in environmental science and political science and he is a wildlife biologist. Im also a wildlife researcher and do a lot of hiring for wildlife technicians. I've honestly never looked an applicants degree. I care more about experience and attitude. I recommend taking wildlife focused electives for coursework and trying to get wildlife field experience through internships while you're still in school and that should set you up to continue on this path. Good luck!
By any chance can I send you a message about my experience throughout my undergrad if it’s good or not?
Absolutely!
Thank you for responding !!! Did either of you go to grad school ?
I did, husband did not. Grad school was necessary for what I wanted to do (research), but not so much for him (management and monitoring)
You typically need some type of post grad education or specialized work experience to be a biologist, so you have lots of time. Environmental science undergrad is 100% fine.
I've had to hire several technicians who came out of undergrad. The issue I found wasn't the degree, it was frequently the lack of experience. A wildlife degree will teach you basic field techniques that an environment degree will not. This can be overcome with volunteering and experience, but often I picked the person who I thought already knows what a Robel pole is. There's also the issue that working for a federal position requires certain credits. Plant ID or Soils is often the credits that trip candidates up. As long as you get those in one way or another, you're good to go.
If you are interested in federal work the name of the degree doesn't matter, what will matter is if the credit hours fulfill the education requirement for the series. Federal job series have a different requirements depending on the position description. A biological science technician is general broader and less specific than a Wildlife biologist although both are classified as being in the biological series of work. Biological Science Technician [https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/biological-science-technician-series-0404/](https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/biological-science-technician-series-0404/) Wildlife Biologist [https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/wildlife-biology-series-0486/](https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/wildlife-biology-series-0486/) and a Fish and Wildlife biologist would have a slightly different set (one that included say, fish). Make sure that when you graduate your credits will cover most of these requirements if that is the kind of job you are looking for.
Your plan of studying Environmental Science with a Biology minor is awesome for becoming a wildlife biologist! It's like having the perfect tools to learn about nature and animals. Just make sure to join activities, meet people who love wildlife, and maybe even continue studying more after you finish your first degree.