What should I include on a wildlife biologist resume?

Include a targeted summary that matches the role, a skills section with keywords from the job description, and experience bullets that show measurable impact. Lead each bullet with a strong action verb and follow it with a specific outcome. Education and relevant certifications round out a strong resume.

How do I make my wildlife biologist resume ATS-friendly?

Use a clean, single-column format with standard section headers (Experience, Education, Skills). Include keywords from the job description naturally throughout your resume. Avoid tables, graphics, and unusual fonts. Stick to a standard file format like PDF and make sure your contact information is in plain text at the top.

What are the most important skills for a wildlife biologist resume?

Review the job description carefully and match your skills section to their requirements. Include both technical skills and relevant soft skills. Use the exact terminology from the posting to pass ATS keyword filters. Group skills logically rather than listing them randomly.

Wildlife Biologist Resume Example (2026)

Elaine Sorrenson

Bozeman, MT | [email protected] | (555) 419-6837 | linkedin.com/in/elainesorrenson

Summary

Wildlife biologist with 7 years of experience in population ecology, habitat assessment, and endangered species management. Led monitoring programs covering 500,000 acres across 3 national forests. Published 10 peer-reviewed papers on large mammal population dynamics. Proficient in R, GIS, and capture-mark-recapture methodology.

Technical Skills

Research: Population Ecology, Habitat Assessment, Capture-Mark-Recapture, Radio Telemetry
Species: Large Mammals, Raptors, Amphibians, Endangered Species Management
Tools: R, ArcGIS, Program MARK, DISTANCE, Python, GPS/GIS Units
Regulatory: ESA Compliance, NEPA Review, Section 7 Consultation, State Wildlife Permits

Experience

Wildlife Biologist - US Fish and Wildlife Service Aug 2021 – Present

Led population monitoring programs for grizzly bear and gray wolf across 500,000 acres of federal land, tracking 350+ individual animals via GPS collars

Authored 4 Biological Opinions under ESA Section 7, influencing land management decisions across 120,000 acres of critical habitat

Secured $680K in cooperative agreement funding for 3 multi-agency wildlife research projects

Published 6 peer-reviewed papers on predator-prey dynamics with 210+ citations, including 1 paper in Ecology Letters

Wildlife Research Technician - Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks May 2019 – Jul 2021

Conducted 400+ field surveys across 8 study areas, collecting population data on elk, mule deer, and pronghorn herds totaling 12,000+ individuals

Analyzed capture-mark-recapture data in Program MARK for 5 species, estimating survival rates with 95% confidence intervals

Created 25 habitat suitability maps in ArcGIS used by 3 state agencies for land-use planning decisions

Trained 8 seasonal technicians in wildlife capture techniques, radio telemetry operation, and field data collection protocols

Education

M.S. Wildlife Biology - University of Montana 2019

Why This Resume Works

Study area scale quantified

500,000 acres and 350+ tracked animals demonstrate the scope of field research undertaken.

Regulatory expertise visible

ESA Section 7 consultations and Biological Opinions show you navigate federal wildlife law.

Publications and funding documented

Peer-reviewed papers and grant dollars prove you contribute to the scientific knowledge base.

Section-by-Section Breakdown

Summary

Lead with acreage covered and species managed. Mention publication count and regulatory experience.

Skills

List research methods, species expertise, analytical software, and regulatory frameworks separately.

Experience

Acreage surveyed, animals tracked, survey counts, and publication metrics are the strongest wildlife biology bullets.

Education

M.S. in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, or Conservation Biology is typical. Ph.D. is needed for research-heavy roles.

Key Skills for Wildlife Biologist Resumes

Based on analysis of thousands of job postings, these are the most frequently required skills:

Population Ecology Habitat Assessment Capture-Mark-Recapture Radio Telemetry R ArcGIS Program MARK ESA Compliance NEPA Review Endangered Species Management GPS Telemetry Field Surveys Grant Writing Scientific Publishing Statistical Analysis

Common Mistakes on Wildlife Biologist Resumes

⚠No field survey numbers - Survey counts, animals observed, and study area acreage prove you have real field experience.
⚠Missing GIS and statistical tools - R, ArcGIS, and Program MARK are essential keywords for wildlife biology ATS screening.
⚠Ignoring regulatory framework knowledge - ESA, NEPA, and Section 7 consultations are critical for federal and state wildlife positions.
⚠No publications or reports listed - Published papers, technical reports, and Biological Opinions demonstrate scientific credibility.
⚠Vague species descriptions - Name the exact species, population sizes, and study areas. Specificity proves genuine field expertise.

How to Write a Wildlife Biologist Resume That Gets Interviews

A strong resume focuses on measurable outcomes, not job duties. Show what you accomplished in each role, using specific numbers and results that prove your value to the next employer.

Start each bullet with a strong action verb

Replace "Responsible for" with "Led," "Built," "Reduced," or "Delivered." Action verbs show initiative and ownership.

Quantify your impact wherever possible

Revenue generated, costs saved, time reduced, team size managed, or customers served. Numbers make abstract accomplishments concrete.

Tailor your resume for each application

Read the job description and mirror their exact keywords and phrases. ATS systems match your resume against the posting, and close matches score higher.

Keep formatting simple and ATS-friendly

Single column, standard fonts, clear section headers, and no tables or graphics. A clean format ensures both ATS parsers and human reviewers can scan your resume quickly.

Wildlife Biologist
Resume Example

Elaine Sorrenson

Why This Resume Works

Section-by-Section Breakdown

Summary

Skills

Experience

Education

Key Skills for Wildlife Biologist Resumes

Common Mistakes on Wildlife Biologist Resumes

How to Write a Wildlife Biologist Resume That Gets Interviews

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