Top 5 Job Sites in Wildlife Conservation

For those of us who are looking to enter the workforce of wildlife conservation or are needing a change in their current employment the following sites I highly recommend:

1) Texas A&M University: Wildlife and Fisheries Job Board
I have been checking this site constantly for the last few months. By far, it has the most jobs posted on a daily basis. I was able to get a job interview this season from a posting on this site but it was my connections that landed it.

2) Society for Conservation Biology Job Database
Also an excellent site for wildlife related research jobs. Ranked 2 only because they withhold postings for 2 days for 'members only' first crack. I can understand that.

3) Ecoemploy.com Special Opportunities
Good site to find non-profit positions mainly. Many jobs require quite a bit of experience but definately worth checking out.

4) Society of Wetland Scientists
An amazing variety of jobs considering this is a wetlands biology site. Give it a look....

5) Michigan State Univ. Fish & Wildlife Jobs ListServe
I don't like the format of this site but there is definately a good volume of jobs posted here.

This is by no means the 'be all to end all' of job boards for biological field work. But check back soon... I may have found some more in a few days!

Backyard Wildlife

One of the neatest things I think people can do with their yard is to create 'wildlife habitat' in it . Why is this so neat? It adds ecological value to the land, attracts and helps maintain native species and makes a beautiful space to spend time in. The National Wildlife Federation's Certified Wildlife Habitat Program encourages gardeners and landscapers to plant for wildlife. NWF provides a step-by-step guide to transforming your yard into a nurturing preservation for you, local plants and animals. When you've managed to achieve what's been outlined you can apply to have your yard officially certified as a "Wildlife Habitat".

The Christmas Bird Count

If you like birds then you may be interested in helping out with an annual event. NPR's Science Friday ran a great story on the Audubon's Christmas Bird Count. Every year, for over one hundred years, the National Audubon Society has been conducting a Christmas Bird Count. The idea is simple: count as many different species of birds in one 24 hour period and report your find to the Audubon. To join the bird count click this link, 'Christmas Bird Count' and then click the 'get involved' link. This information is important in analyzing the migration and population trends of birds. Changes in bird migration routes can be an indicator of climate change.

If you're looking for an inexpensive and easy way to attract birds to your backyard check out the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's PDF on making your own feeder. It's a great reuse of a common item that is usually just recycled.