anybody a fisheries biologist? 2024

basspimple reply :

so im a senior and high school, and its that time to look into colleges. im planning on getting my bachelors in biology, a requirement needed in order to become a fisheries biologist, somthing ive been inspiring to do for the last few years. is anyone here is this feild of work? im just curious as to see what you all like about it. i cant think of a better way to try and preserve the water and wildlife we have for future generations too enjoy and charish the fantastic oportunities are so lucky to have.

-j

fishinfiend reply :

I think I read that Micro is a biologist of some sort. You may want to pm him because he seems to now A WHOLE LOT about critters and seems very helpful. Good luck, that sounds like an exciting career choice.

bedman reply :

Good luck. My brother is working on a PhD within that field. He attended Miss. St. for his undergraduate and Nicholls St. in Louisiana for his Masters and really enjoyed both places. He is currently working at Tennessee Tech, doing research in streams in the mountains.

From what I understand, most people in the field seek advanced degrees because the pay is not the greatest in the world. Also, a lot of people minor in business, since consulting work makes up a large portion of the field.

One more thing - this is not a desk job degree. My brother may be in the middle of no where for a week's time while working. People that are not hands on and do not enjoy the outdoors have trouble making it in the field. I've heard several stories of people that have trouble because they don't enjoy boating, fishing, gutting fish, camping, hiking, etc. There's times where he may be hiking through the mountains with over fifty pounds of equipment on his back. It is definitely a job for a man's man at times.

Sam reply :

Kentucky Basser,

Great selection of a career path.

Just remember you will need to get a Masters and Ph.D. for this field.

As for good schools, check out the web by Googling "Sea Grant Universities" as these are the schools that are big into marine biology and Fisheries Science.

The check out their catalogs on the net for their programs, fees, etc.

Good luck and have a great time in college. It is the best five or six years of your life for undergraduate studies.

Low_Budget_Hooker reply :

I'm not a bilogist myself but I DID stay at a Holiday Inn last night.....hehehe

seriously though, I have access to a few, any specific questions? They are professors at URI

Marty reply :

One more suggestion--I suspect a biologist at your nearest DNR office would be happy to talk with you.

bmadd reply :

I actually started off in Wildlife Biology with a concentration in Fisheries Science here at the good ol University of Tennessee at Martin. They have a great wildlife program. Our student chapter of The Wildlife Society was the national chapter of the year my freshman year (06). I changed my mind but it had nothing to do with the program here.

Beamer2 reply :

Kybasser1 - Well, I went to school to become a Fish Biologist, however since graduation I have not worked in the fisheries field at all but I'm still in the environmental field. I can help you a little bit with studies and schools. I got an AAS in Fisheries and Wildlife, and a BS in Natural Resources with a Freshwater Fisheries concentration. PM me or email me if you are interested in chatting a little.

Email - sabeamer2@yahoo.com

Thanks

Steve

Low_Budget_Hooker reply :

Quote
Kybasser1 - Well, I went to school to become a Fish Biologist, however since graduation I have not worked in the fisheries field at all but I'm still in the environmental field. I can help you a little bit with studies and schools. I got an AAS in Fisheries and Wildlife, and a BS in Natural Resources with a Freshwater Fisheries concentration. PM me or email me if you are interested in chatting a little.
Email - sabeamer2@yahoo.com

Thanks

Steve

This is who I would talk to if it were me.

FishinDaddy reply :

Not for nothing, but, how many job opportunities will there be when you graduate? Do you particularly like spagetti o's and hamburger helper? Do you have a backup plan. I only ask these questions because 2 of my 3 roommates in college majored in marine biology only to find that a BS in MB qualifies you to make just over minimum wage if you can actually find a job. Nothing against what you want to do, in fact, it would be a dream job. BUT, make sure to protect yourself just in case.

brgbassmaster reply :

i know somebody who loved that job....i wanted to do that but then i decided to go into the military. i wish they had that job in the airforce and i would be set haha. good choice.

Low_Budget_Hooker reply :

Quote
Not for nothing, but, how many job opportunities will there be when you graduate? Do you particularly like spagetti o's and hamburger helper? Do you have a backup plan. I only ask these questions because 2 of my 3 roommates in college majored in marine biology only to find that a BS in MB qualifies you to make just over minimum wage if you can actually find a job. Nothing against what you want to do, in fact, it would be a dream job. BUT, make sure to protect yourself just in case.

This is why I suggested a chat with beamer. I know here, there are no jobs in this field, if anything, every yr, DNR has more and more budget cuts, less resources, including personell.

Cujo reply :

kybasser,

I graduated from Tennessee Tech. University with a BS in Fisheries Science. I also attended Penn State for several years. Next fall I will be going for my Masters in Lake Management. I'm currently working for a company out of NJ. I moved to NJ for 8 months after I graduated then moved to upstate NY to run a branch office. I currently work out of my house. I do spend a lot of time traveling around the state. We focus on lake and pond management. I am the boss of the NY office as well as the head of our fisheries department. I definitely love my job. Spend all summer on lakes and ponds, then in the fall we work in wetlands (which is very interesting work), then in the winter I'm writing year end reports and filing permits with NYSDEC. Its not a bad gig. I was very fortunate to get the opportunity that I had. One thing in this field is that Private companies tend to pay more and you have to be willing to relocate. Most likely finding a job in your hometown is not going to be practical. You must be willing to move and get that much needed experience. If this is what you like go for it. You will need higher education, preferably a masters. I live very comfortable right now and don't live off of can food (Oh, and did I mention I like my job!) I wish you the best! There are good jobs out there, you just have to be willing to go get them. If you ever have any questions feel free to send my way. I will try to help the best I can. I've been in your shoes before and it can be a bit over whelming at times. Good Luck again!

Muddy reply :

You might try asking J Franco he some sort of expert biologist in the field

RobbyZ5001 reply :

Quote
Not for nothing, but, how many job opportunities will there be when you graduate? Do you particularly like spagetti o's and hamburger helper? Do you have a backup plan. I only ask these questions because 2 of my 3 roommates in college majored in marine biology only to find that a BS in MB qualifies you to make just over minimum wage if you can actually find a job. Nothing against what you want to do, in fact, it would be a dream job. BUT, make sure to protect yourself just in case.

How ambitious were your roommates? Were they only looking for a job 10 miles from where they live? I am a senior majored in Fisheries Science, and need a few classes for a minor in business. I have been looking at jobs in the field for about a year. I had the same concern which you just voiced, but I found that there are a ton of jobs out there you just need to look for them. You also need to be somewhat flexible.

Cujo you will have a PM from me I am an undergrad at PSU.

J Francho reply :

Quote
You might try asking J Franco he some sort of expert biologist in the field

Nope, just went to school for it 15 years ago. I have a lot of reference materials. I was more involved with import/wholesale of live tropical fish, reptiles, and exotic mammals. I ran a fish hatchery in my parents basement basement for several years, have been out collecting native species for study, and photographed many, many species of fish for identification and description purposes. Currently I am a consultant for an IT company. My son's Godfather went quite a bit further with his education, graduating from Cornell Ag, but his career was short lived. Coincidentally, he is a software engineer now.

Beamer2 reply :

Wow, this is turning out to be a pretty good post. Many stuff being said is very true. I forgot who said what so forgive me. There are minimal jobs in this field, and with state budget cuts guess who is going first. Whith that being said however, there are positions out there. My recomendations are the private sector. Better pay but not better benefits. The one thing to consider that many state employees, at least here in NY, are baby boomers getting ready to retire. So many spots will be reopening if they don't cut them first.

It was an excellent course of study and I still use some of it with my current job. Because I was unable to find a fisheries job, and was unwilling to relocate (another must to find a fisheries job) I took a job in environmental consulting/engineering. I am now in Environmental Construction and love it. I do miss fisheries work and being around it. But that is why I still fish a lot and fish competitively. I am the new conservation director for our club so I will use some skills there as well.

My advise would be to pursue your dream education and job. But consider post graduate work, and while doing undergraduate studies, take meaningful electives (extra Math, Physics, other Environmental courses) not gym or underwater basketweaving, lol. It will make your workload harder but it will definitely help in the long run. I could go on and on, so if you want to chat please feel free to send me or any one else who has offered a pm.

One other quick thought, if you are going to seek a fisheries education, take a real close look at field and lab time at the particular schools you look at. I went to a techinical school first and got a lot of hands on work, before I went to a bigger university (go Black Bears). At the university, my field time was very minimal, thank god I had the field work before, it put me way ahead of my colleages. Also on your summers do work for PHD candidates, you can learn a ton and have a great time. One summer I did radio tracking of american eels to determine foraging habitat. Was fun and learned a lot, even though I can't stand those little suckers.

Alright well I have rambled on enough. Like I said Pm me if you want to continue this.

Thanks

Beamer

Beamer2 reply :

Cujo - What Firm are you with? I know a few up here in upstate NY.

Cujo reply :

Beamer,

I'm with Allied Biological, Inc. I am located just south of Cooperstown.

Beamer2 reply :

I have heard of them, my recolection is they are a pretty decent firm. If we ever need wetlands deliniation I will let you know, lol. Don't do much though.

Thanks

basspimple reply :

sorry i havnt posted in a while. im looking for anything to do with fish, i dont care how long i have to go to school, and ive been used eatin ramen noodles all my life. ;D i think they are such and interesting group of animals, hence, is why i am a fisherman. i want to know as much as i can about these critters with fins, and i want to make a living of it. thats all i have read on becoming a biologist for the state. pay is really bad, but great benifits... i might just be looking into private agencies. i wont know until i get more info, ive still gat year to figure it all out. thanks all for the info! hence is why i posted this topic! ;D

-j

RobbyZ5001 reply :

Fisheries pay is not THAT bad. Here are two sites that I have saved for when/if I get out of college with the fisheries major.

http://wfscnet.tamu.edu/jobboard/index.htm

http://www.fisheries.org/afs/index.html#jobs

Check them out there are some very good paying jobs. They will of course vary like any other depending on the level of the job.

smallie_hawgin reply :

Quote
sorry i havnt posted in a while. im looking for anything to do with fish, i dont care how long i have to go to school, and ive been used eatin ramen noodles all my life. ;D i think they are such and interesting group of animals, hence, is why i am a fisherman. i want to know as much as i can about these critters with fins, and i want to make a living of it. thats all i have read on becoming a biologist for the state. pay is really bad, but great benifits... i might just be looking into private agencies. i wont know until i get more info, ive still gat year to figure it all out. thanks all for the info! hence is why i posted this topic! ;D
-j

KYbasser.... As a biologist of nearly 18 years, I can say be willing to move around. Try not to get hung up on living in the same area you are.... I got my BS from Colorado State and my MS from Texas A&M I have worked for Colorado, Texas and now MN. If you are willing to relocate (before getting hitched) It really helps.... There are several good schools around the country, Clemson, Auburn, Miss State, Colorado State, South Dakota State, Uconn, U Minnesota, U Maine... to name a few.... Look around a bit and decide whether you want to spend your career inland or on the ocean... Then think about what you really want to do and get all the experience you can... As other have suggested.... a Masters is a good start... the competition is fierce with dwindling budgets.... If you have experience and education...... you will be more of a commodity than the average Joe... I would suggest volunteering for your local fisheries office at some point to get a feel for not just the fun stuff but all the particular job entails....

Good luck!! 8-)

Beamer2 reply :

Quote

Quote
sorry i havnt posted in a while. im looking for anything to do with fish, i dont care how long i have to go to school, and ive been used eatin ramen noodles all my life. ;D i think they are such and interesting group of animals, hence, is why i am a fisherman. i want to know as much as i can about these critters with fins, and i want to make a living of it. thats all i have read on becoming a biologist for the state. pay is really bad, but great benifits... i might just be looking into private agencies. i wont know until i get more info, ive still gat year to figure it all out. thanks all for the info! hence is why i posted this topic! ;D
-j

KYbasser.... As a biologist of nearly 18 years, I can say be willing to move around. Try not to get hung up on living in the same area you are.... I got my BS from Colorado State and my MS from Texas A&M I have worked for Colorado, Texas and now MN. If you are willing to relocate (before getting hitched) It really helps.... There are several good schools around the country, Clemson, Auburn, Miss State, Colorado State, South Dakota State, Uconn, U Minnesota, U Maine... to name a few.... Look around a bit and decide whether you want to spend your career inland or on the ocean... Then think about what you really want to do and get all the experience you can... As other have suggested.... a Masters is a good start... the competition is fierce with dwindling budgets.... If you have experience and education...... you will be more of a commodity than the average Joe... I would suggest volunteering for your local fisheries office at some point to get a feel for not just the fun stuff but all the particular job entails....

Good luck!! 8-)

Yea, thats a good one, go Black Bears, lol.

fishizzle reply :

You may also attempt to contact Bassnbrett101

he is in college for that now

My degree is in Bio from URI with a concentration in Botany

After my first million I decided to be a stay at home dad

Good luck

basspimple reply :

i thank everyone dearly for all the info. as for colleges university of kentucky(a land grant college) has a wonderful agricultural department, and conservational studies as a subsidary. ive found an undergraduate program in environmental conservation and management. im really looking into that. i dont know what to do as far as getting my masters, but i am extremely entitled to wanting to go for it. thanks for all the insight.ive soaked as much of it in as i possibly can, im just now starting to peice together what i want to do. careful planning and research really do pay off. thanks again! if i have questions, i will pm those who i would like some more info from.

-j

Marc reply :

My insight to fisheries biology jobs is like many of the previous posts. I wanted to be a fisheries biologist all of my life. Went to college to be one, but managed to find myself in a military career for 23 years. Even in the military I did some fisheries biology work, and continued my studies, but my fisheries biology career was mainly on hold until I retired from the Army. Then I started my fisheries biologist career and promptly took a pay cut that amounted to one-third the amount I was making as a military officer. The work was great, and a lot of fun, but it is not fairly compensated if you work for the government. The most financial reward is in working for private industry. Although I loved being a fisheries biologist, I decided tomove on to a third career at triple the pay so I could send my own kids to college, and do my fisheries work now as a volunteer and for my own personal satisfaction.

Look closely into the future job opportunities to make sure you know what you are getting into, and you can't go wrong with whatever you decide.

ciao,

Marc

DaRy03621 reply :

Hey kybasser91, I also am pursing the same field that your interested in. I just graduated from WVU, with a BS in Wildlife and Fisheries Science (with an emphasis on fisheries of course! ). I am currently at Purdue working on my MS. As these guys previously mentioned, a MS is the way to go if you want to get a good job in this field-it seems that a PhD may take you into the realm of educating, which is fine, but I am interested in management so I feel a MS is the way to go if your interested in management. This is a good thread, covers alot of aspects, but I'll throw in a couple more hints/suggestions for ya....

-Biology/Identification: Of course a biology background is a must. I'm sure your familiar with game fishes since your a fisherman, but there are even more fish that are not caught on hook and line. Being familiar with non-game fishes is crucial, and could potentially give you a leg up on any competition out there. There are other aquatic inhabitants (invertebrates, mussels, etc.) too, being familiar with these guys also helps out.

-Networking: Know anybody and everybody. Not only is it a good idea to know people in the fisheries field for jobs/knowledge, but knowing who your trying to manage for-the angler! . Of course this isn't always the case, as in some of the non-game and conservation aspects. Check fisheries.org (the American Fisheries Society website) for an idea of what is going on in the field. This is where I do most of my job and internship/educational searching.

-Moving: You'll be doing alot of this. I haven't even started a job and I've lived in multiple states for internships/schooling. Somebody has already mentioned this, but I just wanted to emphasize this.

-Being open: When I first entered this field, I thought I would be working with game fish. As it turns out, there is already a ton of work that has been done with game fish. This field lacks information on the non-game fish field/things that effect fish (for instance, invertebrates or water quality. My MS research pertains to Diporeia, something many people had no idea existed until their populations started declining. To get an idea, type Diporeia into google.) However, if your a fisherman like I am, you'll understand all the aspects that effect game fish (which helps with bass fishing!). To summarize, don't be stuck on trying one thing, it probably with hinder more than it will help.

Well, hope this helps. If you have any quesitons, send me a PM.

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