Early Career Programs & Development
Get Your Wildlife Professional Career Growing
TWS is dedicated to the ongoing career development of wildlife professionals—especially those just entering the field. Through various programs and initiatives, we are helping to create the next generation of conservationists.
Find a Wildlife Job
Step into the wilderness with us. Explore our job board to discover the dream career you’ve been preparing for all your life.
Early Career Development Programs
Student Chapters
At over 150 college campuses, students can join our student chapters to take advantage of networking, career development and learning opportunities at the national and international level.
TWS Certification
Distinguish yourself from everyone else. Our certification program is designed to grow your knowledge while recognizing your expertise in the field. Become a Certified Wildlife Biologist®, Associate Wildlife Biologist® or Qualified Airport Wildlife Biologist.
Leadership Institute
Prepare for the next era of wildlife management. This six-month program will expand your skills and knowledge through hands-on training, collaborative activities and mentoring relationships that teach you a wide array of leadership styles.
Native American Research Assistantship Program
**Funding for this program was disrupted in 2025, and uncertainty remains around future assistantship opportunities with the federal government.
Are you a native student interested in wildlife research? The NARA program offers access to a paid three-month summer research project with the USDA Forest Service. Amplify Indigenous knowledge within federal research while preparing for your career.
Other Early Career Opportunities
Continuing Education
Never lose your edge. We provide a variety of ongoing learning opportunities for students and wildlife professionals everywhere. Our continuing education units are designed to help you stay up-to-date as you advance your career.
Travel Grants
Our travel grants help fund transportation to the TWS Annual Conference for student and early career presenters. Some of our chapters, sections and working groups offer additional grant opportunities.
Wildlife Degrees
Interested in studying conservation in college/university? We’ve created a list of schools and institutions that offer either degrees or education toward wildlife conservation and management.
Grow your expertise with TWS while shaping the future of wildlife conservation.