Resource Selection
Resource Selection is a way wildlife professionals study how animals choose and use their habitats. It's like understanding an animal's "home preferences" - which areas they pick for finding food, shelter, or raising young. This helps wildlife managers make better decisions about protecting important animal habitats and managing wildlife populations. The term might also appear as "habitat selection" or "habitat use analysis" in job descriptions. Think of it as analyzing an animal's "real estate choices" in nature.
Examples in Resumes
Conducted Resource Selection studies on elk populations in mountainous regions
Applied Resource Selection and Habitat Selection analysis to determine critical deer wintering areas
Led team research on grizzly bear Resource Selection patterns in national parks
Typical job title: "Wildlife Biologists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Wildlife Biologists
Professional Organizations
Online Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you design a large-scale resource selection study across multiple species?
Expected Answer: A senior candidate should discuss planning across different seasons, coordinating field teams, managing data collection methods, and ensuring statistical validity while considering budget and time constraints.
Q: How do you incorporate climate change predictions into resource selection studies?
Expected Answer: Should explain how to combine current habitat use data with climate projections, considering changes in vegetation, water availability, and seasonal patterns to predict future wildlife needs.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when analyzing resource selection data?
Expected Answer: Should mention consideration of seasonal changes, available habitat types, human disturbance, food availability, and how these factors interact to influence animal choices.
Q: How do you determine if a habitat is actually selected by animals versus random use?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic comparison methods between used and available habitat, mentioning the importance of proper sampling and statistical analysis.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What basic field methods do you use to study resource selection?
Expected Answer: Should describe common techniques like GPS tracking, field observations, habitat mapping, and basic data collection methods.
Q: How do you document animal locations and habitat characteristics in the field?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic field note-taking, use of GPS units, habitat classification methods, and proper data recording procedures.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic field data collection
- Use of GPS units and maps
- Simple habitat classification
- Basic wildlife observation techniques
Mid (2-5 years)
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Project planning and execution
- GIS mapping skills
- Study design development
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex study design
- Advanced statistical analysis
- Project management
- Grant writing and reporting
Red Flags to Watch For
- No field experience or data collection background
- Unfamiliarity with basic wildlife observation techniques
- Lack of experience with mapping or GPS tools
- Poor understanding of basic animal behavior and habitat needs
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
The Art of Selecting Great People: A Leader's Most Critical Skill
Sourcing Strategies That Actually Work: A Modern Recruiter's Guide
Refining Job Descriptions to Expand Applicant Pools: Casting a Wider Talent Net
