Allison Greenleaf
Year Graduated: 
2007

Wildlife Biologist

US Fish and Wildlife Service

Job description

I'm a wildlife biologist and the volunteer coordinator for the US Fish and Wildlife Service on the Mexican Wolf Recovery Program.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose to obtain a degree in Wildlife because of my interest in recovering endangered species, and the desire to have a career that I felt could make a positive difference in the world. I also have a love of the outdoors and could not imagine a career in which I was strictly tied to a traditional office environment.

How did this program prepare you for your job?

HSU is known throughout the nation for its wildlife program. The degree is extremely well rounded and includes many classes that focus on designing and implementing projects for scientific study. The program also emphasized obtaining wildlife work experience throughout the school year, as well as during summer breaks. That push from faculty gives HSU students wildlife experience and the cutting edge on other students who only focus on coursework. When I decided that I was interested in seeking predator-specific jobs, I had already gained a lot of field experience that was required by future supervisors and programs.

What did you enjoy most about the program?

The most rewarding aspect of the wildlife program is the community that is centered around it. The community includes both students and faculty. I loved that the faculty was so supportive of our education, and created a casual learning experience. This created an environment that brought out our passion for wildlife and a desire to excel in the field.

What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?

I would suggest preparing yourself for a lot of work! It is a hard program, and requires dedication and passion. If you stick with it, and focus on getting that summer field job, you will do well and also gain insight into what type of work you want to do once you graduate. I would also suggest taking coursework (possibly seeking a minor) that focuses on public outreach and conflict. Most (75%) of the work I do is working with people and dealing with conflict. The fun stuff (getting out in the field) is just a small amount of what I do. I didn't expect that when I got into this career, and so it was a huge learning curve but is also extremely rewarding and important.

Other comments?

For someone seeking a career in the field of large carnivores, I would suggest gaining field experience with various types of wildlife to build your foundation of skills. Then, get out there and network with wildlife professionals and get to know people in the field you seek to work in while seeking work with carnivores. It will likely require volunteering for a while to get your foot in the door, and I would suggest figuring out a way to financially make that work for a period of time.

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