Takeover Tracker
29%medium risk

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.

Higher risk than 31% of occupations
Checking for existing plan...

How AI Impacts Each Task

16 tasks analyzed

Make recommendations on management systems and planning for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.

Risk: 23.0%AI: 20EstimatedTime: 8%

Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.

Risk: 55.0%AI: 70EstimatedTime: 10%

Disseminate information by writing reports and scientific papers or journal articles, and by making presentations and giving talks for schools, clubs, interest groups and park interpretive programs.

Risk: 29.0%AI: 35EstimatedTime: 8%

Check for, and ensure compliance with, environmental laws, and notify law enforcement when violations are identified.

Risk: 77.2%AI: 70EstimatedTime: 5%

Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.

Risk: 43.0%AI: 40EstimatedTime: 10%

Organize and conduct experimental studies with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings.

Risk: 37.0%AI: 25EstimatedTime: 8%

Analyze characteristics of animals to identify and classify them.

Risk: 47.9%AI: 52.33ObservedTime: 5%

Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.

Risk: 36.6%AI: 53.95ObservedTime: 6%

Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories and diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.

Risk: 53.5%AI: 66.15ObservedTime: 8%

Coordinate preventive programs to control the outbreak of wildlife diseases.

Risk: 43.0%AI: 40EstimatedTime: 5%

Prepare collections of preserved specimens or microscopic slides for species identification and study of development or disease.

Risk: 58.6%AI: 64ObservedTime: 4%

Raise specimens for study and observation or for use in experiments.

Risk: 41.0%AI: 20EstimatedTime: 4%

Collect and dissect animal specimens and examine specimens under microscope.

Risk: 17.0%AI: 20EstimatedTime: 5%

Perform administrative duties, such as fundraising, public relations, budgeting, and supervision of zoo staff.

Risk: 27.0%AI: 30EstimatedTime: 4%

Develop or make recommendations on management systems and plans for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.

Risk: 43.0%AI: 40EstimatedTime: 5%

Conduct literature reviews.

Risk: 59.0%AI: 80EstimatedTime: 5%

Skill Impact Analysis

AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)

Reading Comprehension10%

High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Information Ordering5%

High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Mathematics10%

High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Mathematics10%

Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Memorization5%

Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Programming15%

Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

AI-Resistant Skills (11)

Adaptability/Flexibility85%

Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Leadership88%

Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Complex Problem Solving75%

Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Coordination70%

Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Social Perceptiveness90%

Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Negotiation85%

Negotiation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Persuasion80%

Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Instructing75%

Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Recommended Courses

Courses matched to Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists skill gaps, ranked by relevance to your displacement risk profile.

Get personalized recommendations. Answer a few questions about your experience and skills to get course suggestions tailored specifically to you.

Upskill to Reduce Risk

Courses addressing your most AI-vulnerable skills

DataCampbeginner

SQL Fundamentals Skill Track

by DataCamp

21 hours$25/mo4.7Certificate
Addresses vulnerability: Information Ordering

Estimated Impact

-7.4pt risk+$4K/yr salary

AI-Augmentation Tools

Learn to work alongside AI and boost your productivity

Coursera

Creative Writing Specialization

by Wesleyan University

~8 weeks$49/mo4.7Certificate
Enhances AI augmentation: Writing

Estimated Impact

-5.6pt risk+$4K/yr salary

Strengthen Your Edge

Double down on skills AI can't replicate

Courseraintermediate

Leading People and Teams Specialization

by University of Michigan

~6 weeks$49/mo4.7Certificate
Strengthens resilience: Leadership

Estimated Impact

-3.8pt risk+$4K/yr salary

We may earn a commission when you enroll through our links, at no extra cost to you. This helps fund the Takeover Tracker.

Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.

Alternate Career Paths

See all transitions

Advertising and Promotions Managers

31%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 43% of other occupations

Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

32%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $86,350

Higher risk than 48% of other occupations

Animal Scientists

30%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $79,120

Higher risk than 38% of other occupations

Biologists

30%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $93,340

Higher risk than 39% of other occupations

Chief Executives

26%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 23% of other occupations

Computer and Information Systems Managers

31%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 45% of other occupations

Environmental Compliance Inspectors

40%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $78,420

Higher risk than 79% of other occupations

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

32%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $80,060

Higher risk than 51% of other occupations

General and Operations Managers

28%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 29% of other occupations

Geneticists

30%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $93,330

Higher risk than 41% of other occupations

Marketing Managers

30%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 38% of other occupations

Natural Sciences Managers

27%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $161,180

Higher risk than 26% of other occupations

Range Managers

25%
Low Risk

Median salary: $67,950

Higher risk than 18% of other occupations

Sales Managers

25%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 20% of other occupations

Soil and Plant Scientists

27%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $71,410

Higher risk than 26% of other occupations

Soil and Water Conservationists

32%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $67,950

Higher risk than 50% of other occupations

Score History

Risk score over 2 scoring runs

+0.8

overall change

Education & Training

Percentage of workers at each education and training level

Education Level

High School Diploma1%
Bachelor's Degree42%
Master's Degree4%
Doctoral/Professional Degree35%
Level 94%
Level 1113%
Level 121%

Prior Experience Needed

Work experience required to enter this job

None4%
6 months - 1 year8%
1-2 years29%
2-4 years25%
4-6 years25%
6-8 years8%

Training Provided After Hiring

How long it typically takes to learn on the job

None7%
Up to 1 month3%
1-3 months4%
3-6 months21%
6 months - 1 year32%
1-2 years21%
2-4 years8%
4-6 years4%

Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis