Zoologist

A zoologist conducts scientific research on animal behaviour, physiology, ecology, and evolution in laboratory and field settings across Australia's diverse ecosystems. They design and execute research projects, collect and analyse biological data, publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to conservation policy and environmental management decisions. Zoologists work in universities, government research agencies, museums, and conservation organisations, often collaborating with interdisciplinary teams on biodiversity assessments and species management programmes.

Design and conduct field surveys to census, capture, and monitor animal populations using techniques such as trapping, netting, acoustic monitoring, and direct observation. Collect tissue, blood, and faecal samples from wild and captive animals for genetic, pathological, and nutritional analysis. Analyse morphological, behavioural, and physiological data using statistical software and bioinformatics tools to test ecological and evolutionary hypotheses. Prepare and maintain specimens in museum collections, including preservation, cataloguing, and storage according to professional standards. Conduct laboratory experiments on animal behaviour, metabolism, reproduction, and response to environmental stressors. Interpret results from DNA sequencing, microscopy, and other analytical techniques to determine species relationships, population structure, and disease prevalence. Write research proposals and grant applications to funding bodies such as the Australian Research Council and National Health and Medical Research Council. Publish peer-reviewed research papers documenting methods, findings, and implications for conservation and management.

The standard entry pathway requires a bachelor degree or higher (ABS Skill Level 1). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

Getting a permanent job is genuinely tough. Most positions are fixed-term research contracts (2 to 3 years), so you'll spend significant time chasing grants and applying for the next role. You'll also do a lot of unglamorous work: trudging through mud and insects in remote areas, handling animal waste, and sitting alone analysing data for months.

Government agencies (such as state environment and primary industries departments) and museums hire too. Regional jobs exist in conservation NGOs and national parks, but they're fewer and often seasonal or part-time. Remote work is rare in this field because fieldwork and lab work require you to be on-site.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 2345, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Attention to Detailcore
• Continuous Learning and Upskillingcore
• Data Entry and Accuracycore
• Digital Literacycore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Record Managementcore
• Regulatory and Legislative Awarenesscore
• Report Writingcore
• Research and Analysiscore
• Risk Identificationcore
• Stakeholder Communicationcore
• Team Collaborationcore
• Verbal Communicationcore
• Written Communicationcore
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Community Development
• Goal Setting and Planning
• Incident Reporting
• Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency
• Policy and Procedure Adherence
• Process Documentation
• Reporting and Analytics
• Time Management and Prioritisation

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026