Careers
Employees in the Division of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, work in many different fields and have different background and training. If you are interested in a career in fish and wildlife, here are a few general guidelines:
In High School: Focus on science courses, such as biology, chemistry, physiology, and math. Other important courses include composition and public speaking, ecology, natural resources, or conservation biology.
In College: Some Universities and Colleges offer majors in wildlife management, fisheries management, limnology, or natural resources management. Other classes to take would include ecology, physiology, zoology, ichthyology, and conservation biology. A strong background in math, statistics, and public speaking is recommended.
About Fish & Wildlife positions
Fisheries Management Biologists
The Division of Fish and Wildlife’s fisheries section employs about 16 full-time fisheries management biologists. Fisheries management biologists conduct lake surveys on over 1,000 lakes and reservoirs, and thousands of miles of streams where they use a variety of gear types to capture fish. Data is collected in the field and summarized later in the office and management recommendations are prepared. Fisheries management biologists also maintain field equipment, give presentations to local clubs or organizations, and manage and survey aquatic habitats. Some universities and colleges have degrees in fish management.
Fisheries Research Biologists
Fisheries research biologists conduct research projects on fish and their habitats throughout Indiana. Research biologists have a good background in statistics and experimental design. Some projects include radio-tracking fish, like walleye in Lake Monroe, creel surveys, and multi-year stocking evaluation projects. Depending on the project, research biologists collect data in the field and often use computers and advanced software to analyze data, like sonar and bathymetric mapping software. Many of the fisheries research biologists across the nation have at least a master’s degree in fish biology or related program.
Fish Hatchery Managers
Fish hatchery managers and biologists operate and maintain Indiana’s eight fish hatcheries. The fish hatcheries provide fish to be stocked in public waters across the state, providing more fishing opportunities for Indiana anglers. Fish hatchery managers have a background in fish culture and some universities or colleges have fish-culture majors or courses.
Wildlife Management Biologists
There are wildlife public land managers and private land biologists. Public land managers are in charge of the DFW’s Fish and Wildlife Areas. They manage habitat and wildlife to provide hunting opportunities for hunters. Private land biologists consult with private landowners to enhance or protect wildlife and wildlife habitats on private land.
Wildlife Research Biologists
Wildlife research biologists conduct research projects on different species and their habitats throughout Indiana. Wildlife research biologists have a strong background in statistics and experimental design. They conduct research on species such as deer, turkey, and waterfowl. Wildlife researchers also conduct surveys on nongame species, such as the bald eagle, river otter, bobcat, and box turtle.
Law Enforcement
Conservation officers enforce the rules and regulations associated with fish and wildlife. The Indiana DNR’s Law Enforcement Division’s mission is to protect, as well as, encourage the wise use of all our natural resources, and to serve the citizenry of the State of Indiana through an aggressive educational campaign and a highly visible law enforcement presence. A person wanting to apply to the Conservation Officers Recruit Training School must have an associate’s degree or have completed at least two years of a four year program.
Wildlife Information & Education
It takes dedicated people to promote fish and wildlife resources. Information specialists regularly communicate with the media through radio, television, newspaper and the web. Teaching people about fish and wildlife, conservation, and natural resources is an important job. People seeking this type of employment should have good public speaking skills and be well organized.
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