The Truth about Getting a Job in Conservation

When I graduated in May 2024 with a degree in wildlife biology, I thought I’d land a job pretty quickly. I had the degree, the internships, and the passion—what more could employers want? But reality hit hard.

It took months of searching, dozens of applications, and multiple rejections before I finally landed my first position. And like many entry-level conservation jobs, it paid very little, didn’t include housing, and was only temporary. No one had warned me that getting started in this field would be this tough.

The truth is, most people don’t land a full-time, well-paying conservation job right out of college. It takes time, persistence, and, in many cases, sacrifices. If you’re struggling to find a job in wildlife biology or conservation, you’re not alone. Here’s what I learned through the process and what finally helped me break in.

Why It’s So Hard to Get Hired

1. Too Many Applicants, Too Few Jobs

Wildlife biology and conservation are dream careers for many people, which means competition is fierce. For every job posting, there are hundreds of applicants—many of whom already have master’s degrees, years of field experience, or industry connections.

I initially thought that having an internship or two on my resume would set me apart. But I quickly realized that so many other applicants had just as much (if not more) experience than I did. Even unpaid positions were competitive, making it feel like an uphill battle from the start.

2. “Entry-Level” Jobs Still Require Experience

One of the biggest surprises for me was that most “entry-level” positions still required one to three years of experience. I saw countless job postings for field technician or research assistant roles that I thought I was qualified for—until I scrolled down and saw the long list of requirements.

This created a frustrating cycle: I needed experience to get a job, but I needed a job to get experience. The only way out of it was to keep applying for seasonal or temporary roles, hoping that one would give me a chance.

3. The Pay (or Lack of It) Can Be a Huge Barrier

Even when I did find a job I was qualified for, another major issue stood in the way—low or nonexistent pay. Many conservation jobs, especially internships and field positions, offer wages barely above minimum wage, and some don’t pay at all.

On top of that, a lot of these jobs don’t provide housing. That meant I’d have to relocate at my own expense, often to remote areas where rent wasn’t cheap. With student loans and bills to pay, I found myself questioning whether I could even afford to take some of these opportunities.

What Finally Worked for Me

After months of frustration, I finally landed my first wildlife biology job. It’s not permanent, and it doesn’t pay as much as I’d like, but it’s a stepping stone. Here’s what made the difference:

• Networking Like Crazy – I started reaching out to professors, former employers, and even professionals I’d never met before. A lot of jobs in conservation aren’t even posted online, so networking is key.

• Applying to EVERYTHING – I stopped only applying to my “dream jobs” and started looking at a wider range of opportunities. Government agencies, nonprofits, private consulting firms—I considered them all.
• Highlighting My Skills (Not Just My Degree) – I realized my resume wasn’t doing me any favors. Instead of just listing my coursework, I focused on technical skills like GIS, data analysis, and field research techniques.
• Being Open to Temporary & Seasonal Work – My first job isn’t full-time, but it’s giving me real field experience that will make me a stronger candidate for future opportunities.

The Reality: It Takes Time

If you’re struggling to land a job in conservation, you’re not alone. It’s frustrating, exhausting, and sometimes feels impossible. But if this is the career you’re passionate about, keep going.

Most people don’t get a full-time, well-paid position right out of college. It takes months—sometimes years—of gaining experience, building connections, and proving yourself. And yes, the system is flawed. The lack of livable wages, unpaid internships, and high competition make it difficult to break in. But if you can push through the early hurdles, there are opportunities waiting on the other side.

Would I have loved to land a permanent, well-paid position right away? Of course. But looking back, I realize this was just part of the process. If you’re in the same situation, don’t give up—your opportunity is coming.