Interview

This is an interview with biologist Penny Pettit.

1. What is the best career to go into if you have a Biology degree?

People with biology degrees can do many things. Doctors, vetrinarinans, professors, and biologists start with undergraduate degrees in biology. The key is to know what kind of biology you are most interested in, for example microbiology, ecology, or physiology. While you are in college you can take specialized course to become an expert in your specific area of interest.


2. What college courses did you take to become a Biologist

My college career was a balance of general ecology, wildlife management, and physiology classes. My field requires knowledge of many areas of biology and the practice of wildlife management must balance the needs of the entire ecosystem, habitats, wildlife populations and individual animals.


3. What is the best part about being a Biologist?

The best part of being a biologist is always discovering new ways to look at the world around you. Being a biologist also allows me to share what I know and observe about the natural world. Part of my job is sharing with others the majesty and mystery of the Pineywoods right here around us in Northeast Texas .



4. What are some job skills you need to be a Biologist?

Some key skills required in wildlife biology are public speaking, clear and concise writing, and a clear understanding of science and how to do scientific research.
 

5. Tell me about the organization you work for.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is the state agency tasked with the sound stewardship of land and the plants, animals and parks in Texas . The mission of TPWD is to manage and conserve natural and cultural resouces of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation opportunites for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Five major divisions of TPWD, wildlife, state parks, law enforcement, inland fisheries and coastal fisheries, work to manage, conserve, and research wildlife resources and parks in the state.


6. How is your job helpful to this area and to the world?

I work directly with people in Northeast Texas how want to improve wildlife habitat and management on their own private property. I work locally to ensure that wildlife resouces and their habitats are being managed using sound science and the most accurate information. The world benefits from wildlife biology because I work to ensure that the Pineywoods ecosystem continues to function naturally, with as little human interference as possible. Managing local ecosystems assists the earth system in remaining undisturbed from further human impact.


7. What is the hardest part about being a Biologist?

The hardest thing about my job is convincing people that management is the right thing to do for wildlife. Not everyone agrees with hunting regulations or the principles behind wildlife management. I have to understand what concerns each person and provide them enought scientific information to prove that TPWD and biologists, like me, work to balance the needs of both wildlife and humans.



8. What do you do on a typical day?

My schedule varies greatly depending on the time of year. In the summer I work with private landowners on private properties to improve wildlife habitat and populations by writing wildlife management plans. The fall, winter, and spring focuses on white-tailed deer and wild turkey management specifically issuing permits, gathering data about deer and turkeys, and studying what they eat. A typical day for me during the fall usually consists of writing managment plans, estimating deer populations, and assessing food availability for the winter.


9. How much do Biologists usually make per year, on average?

As a Natural Resource Specialist II with TPWD I make about $35,000 per year. This is probably what you could expect working for any state agency like Parks and Wildlife if you have a biology degree and a masters degree (or a year of experience).

10. If you could give advice to an aspiring Biologist, what would it be?

Discover what you love to do and do it! Never forget that you love it and you will always be rewarded if you work hard.