17 Wildlife Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Wildlife managers are responsible for the conservation and protection of animals in the wild. They may work for a government agency, a non-profit organization, or in the private sector. To become a wildlife manager, you will likely need a degree in wildlife management or a related field. You will also need to be able to answer questions related to your experience and knowledge of wildlife.

In this guide, you will find questions and answers related to the job of wildlife manager. The questions and answers in this guide can help you prepare for your interview.

Are you comfortable working outdoors in all kinds of weather?

Wildlife managers often work outdoors in all kinds of weather. Employers ask this question to make sure you are comfortable working outside and that you can handle the conditions. Before your interview, research what the local climate is like. Think about how you would feel working in those conditions. Try to find a way to show that you are excited about it.

Example: “I am very comfortable working outdoors. I grew up on a farm where we had animals, so I’m used to being outside. In fact, I love being outside. I think wildlife management is such an important job, and I want to do my part to help our environment. I know that sometimes I will have to work in cold or rainy conditions. However, I am prepared for that.”

What are some of the most important skills for a wildlife manager to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills and abilities to succeed in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of your strongest skills that relate to wildlife management.

Example: “I believe some of the most important skills for a wildlife manager are communication, problem-solving and attention to detail. These skills allow me to communicate with other team members about projects, solve problems when they arise and ensure I am following all safety protocols while working with wildlife. Another skill that is important is time management. Wildlife managers often work long hours, so having strong time management skills can help me stay organized and on track.”

How do you handle conflict when working with other people?

Wildlife managers often work with other wildlife specialists, biologists and ecologists. These professionals may have different opinions about how to handle a situation or project. An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with others. In your answer, try to show that you can be empathetic and respectful of the ideas of others while also confidently sharing your own thoughts and opinions.

Example: “I believe it’s important to listen carefully to what everyone has to say when working on a team. I always make sure to take notes during meetings so I can refer back to them later if needed. If there is ever a disagreement between myself and another colleague, I try to remain calm and collected as I explain my reasoning for wanting to do something a certain way. I am confident in my abilities and know that I can provide valid reasons for my decisions.”

What is your experience with using wildlife tracking equipment?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with using tools and equipment to track wildlife. Use examples from your past experience to highlight your skills, knowledge and abilities when working in this field.

Example: “In my last position as a wildlife manager, I used tracking equipment to monitor the movement of animals within their habitats. This allowed me to identify any changes in behavior that could indicate an issue or injury. For example, if a certain animal was no longer moving around its habitat, it could mean they were injured or ill. In these situations, I would use the tracking equipment to locate the animal so I could provide medical care.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult animal or human and explain what you did and why.

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle conflict and whether you have experience with difficult situations. Use examples from your past that show you are able to work through challenging circumstances, even if they’re not wildlife-related.

Example: “In my last position as a wildlife biologist, I had to deal with a human who was harassing an endangered species of bird. The man would go out into the wilderness and scare the birds away so he could take pictures of them for his own collection. He didn’t realize what he was doing was illegal until we confronted him about it. We explained why his actions were harmful to the birds and offered to give him some tips on photographing wildlife without disturbing them.”

If an animal you were responsible for became sick, what would be the first thing you would do?

This question can help interviewers understand how you would react to a crisis situation. In your answer, try to show that you are calm under pressure and have the ability to make quick decisions.

Example: “If an animal I was responsible for became sick, my first priority would be to ensure its safety. If it was in immediate danger, I would call emergency services or other wildlife professionals who could provide care. Otherwise, I would assess the animal’s symptoms and determine what kind of illness it might have. Then, I would take steps to treat the animal myself or find someone who could.”

What would you do if you saw someone violating a wildlife protection law?

Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of wildlife protection laws and how to enforce them. In your answer, explain that you would first try to educate the person about why they were breaking the law. If they continued to break the law, you would report them to the proper authorities.

Example: “I have seen people feeding bears in parks before, which is a violation of many state wildlife protection laws. I politely asked them not to do it because it’s dangerous for both the humans and the bears. They ignored me and continued to feed the bear, so I called the police. The police issued a warning but told them if they saw them doing it again, they would be fined.”

How well do you know the natural habitats of the animals you would be managing?

This question can help the interviewer determine how much experience you have working with wildlife and what your previous responsibilities were. Use examples from your past to show that you know about the natural habitats of animals and which ones are best for them.

Example: “I’ve worked in wildlife management for five years now, so I am very familiar with the natural habitats of many different species of wildlife. For example, I know that raccoons prefer wooded areas where they can find food and shelter. However, if a raccoon is causing damage to someone’s property, it may be better suited for them to live in an urban area where there are more resources available.”

Do you have experience working with endangered species?

Wildlife managers often work with endangered species, so the interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience working in that capacity. If you do, share your experience and how it helped you develop skills that can help you succeed as a wildlife manager. If you don’t have experience working with endangered species, you can talk about other types of wildlife you’ve worked with and how those experiences prepared you for this role.

Example: “I haven’t had the opportunity to work with endangered species yet, but I am passionate about protecting them. In my last position, I was responsible for managing a large population of deer on a private property. The owner wanted to keep the deer population at a certain level because they were causing damage to their crops. We implemented several strategies to control the population, including sterilization and relocation.”

When is it appropriate to move an animal from one location to another?

This question can help interviewers understand your knowledge of wildlife management and the steps you take to ensure the safety of animals. You can answer this question by explaining what factors influence your decision to move an animal, such as its health or the location it’s in.

Example: “I would only move an animal if I thought it was in danger at its current location. For example, if a bear is living in a residential area, I may decide to relocate it to a more suitable habitat. If the bear is healthy, I will also make sure that there are no other bears nearby before moving it so that it doesn’t try to return to its original territory.”

We want to increase the number of a certain species in the area. What strategies would you use to increase their population?

This question can help the interviewer understand your wildlife management skills and how you would apply them to increase a species’ population. Use examples from your experience that show you know what strategies are most effective for increasing populations of certain animals.

Example: “I have worked with several endangered species in my previous position, so I am familiar with the best ways to protect their habitats and encourage breeding. For example, when working with the red-tailed hawk, we wanted to increase the number of nesting pairs in our area. We started by identifying areas where there were already active nests and then set up additional perches nearby. This helped us attract more hawks to the area who could potentially nest there.”

Describe your process for monitoring an animal’s health.

Wildlife managers must be able to monitor the health of animals in their care. This question helps employers understand your monitoring process and how you ensure the well-being of wildlife. In your answer, explain what steps you take when monitoring an animal’s health.

Example: “I always start by observing the animal for any signs of illness or injury. If I notice something wrong, I will perform a physical exam to determine if there are any injuries or illnesses that need immediate attention. For example, I once had a raccoon who was limping on one leg. After performing a physical exam, I determined he had a broken leg. I treated him with antibiotics and splints until his leg healed.”

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this role. Focus on highlighting your most relevant experience and soft skills.

Example: “I am passionate about wildlife conservation and have been working in this field for five years now. I think my extensive knowledge of wildlife management makes me the best candidate for this position. In addition, I am highly organized and detail-oriented, which is why I would be able to manage multiple projects at once. Finally, I am committed to upholding the organization’s mission statement and ensuring that our wildlife conservation efforts are successful.”

Which of your past experiences best aligns with the job description?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer that you have done your research on the position and are qualified for it. When answering this question, make sure to highlight skills from your resume or cover letter that match what the employer is looking for in their wildlife manager.

Example: “My experience as an animal rehabilitator has given me valuable insight into how to care for injured animals and release them back into the wild. I also worked with many different species of wildlife during my time at the rehabilitation center, which has taught me how to work with all types of wildlife. These two experiences have prepared me well for this role.”

What do you think is the most important thing a wildlife manager can do?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and how your values align with those of their organization. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about what you enjoy most about wildlife management and why that is important to you.

Example: “I believe the most important thing a wildlife manager can do is protect the animals in their care. I love working with wildlife because they are so fascinating and beautiful, and I feel like my job is to make sure these creatures have safe places to live and thrive. Protecting them also helps ensure we have plenty of wildlife for future generations.”

How often would you check on an animal’s habitat to ensure it’s healthy?

The interviewer may ask you this question to understand how much time you spend on the job and what your priorities are. Your answer should show that you care about wildlife and want to make sure they have a healthy habitat.

Example: “I would check on an animal’s habitat at least once per week, although I would prefer to do it more often if possible. If there is something wrong with their habitat, then I can take action right away to fix it. Checking on the animals themselves every day or two is also important so I can ensure they are doing well.”

There is a disagreement in the team about how to handle an animal’s habitat. How would you resolve it?

This question can help the interviewer assess your leadership skills and ability to resolve conflicts. Use examples from past experiences where you helped resolve a conflict in a team setting.

Example: “In my last position, there was disagreement among the wildlife management team about how to handle an endangered species’ habitat. I suggested we hold a meeting with all of the stakeholders involved so that everyone could voice their opinions on the matter. After hearing everyone’s thoughts, I decided to implement a plan that would protect the animal’s habitat while also allowing for development in some areas. This compromise allowed us to maintain the health of the population while still providing economic opportunities for the community.”