What does a field biologist's job entail?

I'm interested in biology and considering field biology as a possible career. What's the day-to-day like for field biologists? Do they spend more time outdoors or in the lab, and what kind of tasks are they responsible for?

A field biologist typically spends a significant amount of time outdoors, working in varying types of ecosystems based on their area of expertise. They might be found in forests, swamps, oceans, deserts, or any number of other environments. Field study usually includes monitoring wildlife, collecting data, and surveying the natural habitats of specific species. This can involve tracking animal movement patterns, taking soil or water samples, or documenting the behavior of specific plant and animal species.

When not in the field, a field biologist spends time in a lab or an office environment analyzing the data that they have gathered. This could involve tasks like mapping out animal migration patterns, examining collected samples under a microscope, or using computer models to predict ecological changes.

Field biologists also often have responsibilities beyond the study and research part. These could include writing research papers, presenting findings at conferences, or even teaching if they're associated with an academic institution. The exact split between field and lab work can vary greatly depending on their specific role and ongoing projects.

It's also worth mentioning that field work often requires travel, sometimes to remote destinations. This can mean that field biologists sometimes work longer than typical hours and might have to work in challenging conditions. However, many find the opportunity to explore the natural world as part of their work extremely rewarding.

Keep in mind that field biology is a broad field with many specializations, so actual job responsibilities can vary significantly. It would be informative to look into what branch of field biology you're particularly interested in to get a more specific outlook on the work involved.