Who is a wildlife craftsman?
A wildlife craftsman is a craftsperson or a worker skilled in wildlife management or a closely related field. Wildlife refers to animals growing and living in the wild (the natural environment). Wildlife management deals with manipulation of wildlife resources for sustainable development. Under the supervision of senior wildlife officers, wildlife craftsmen observe and monitor wildlife in their natural environment to enhance coexistence between local communities and wildlife.

Other closely related title(s)

1. Community wildlife assistant
2. Wildlife management assistant
3. Wildlife research assistant

What is the work environment?
Wildlife craftsmen can work in various environments such as; outdoor/ field, office or in laboratory among others.

Some important skills to have
Working as a wildlife craftsman requires possession of some key skills and qualities. Some of these include;

1. Communication skills
2. Interpersonal skills
3. Observation skills
4. Critical thinking skills
5. Problem solving skills
6. Data collection skills
7. Basic computer skills
8. Among others

What are some career opportunities?
Wildlife craftsmen can find employment opportunities in areas such as; wildlife conservation organizations, research organizations, product sales, government departments and ministries among other areas.

Becoming a wildlife craftsman

Minimum admission requirements
A Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), mean grade D (plain) and above is required.

Training & Study options
With a KCSE mean grade D (plain) and above, you can proceed to a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college and enroll for a relevant craft certificate course. Craft courses are also offered within Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) within your region.

What course(s) can you pursue in TVET colleges?

1. Craft certificate in community wildlife management
2. Or other similar/ related courses

Education Progression
Upon a successful completion of a craft certificate course, you can advance your education upward (in a relevant field) up to university level if you like. How is this possible?

1. Get a craft certificate
2. Advance to diploma certificate, (in a relevant field)
3. Advance to degree certificate, (in a relevant field)

How to Join TVET College.
There are two ways you can follow to join training institution(s) in pursuit of your career of choice.

1. Applying through Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (Kuccps), for government sponsored students.
2. Applying directly to training institution of your choice, for self-sponsored students.

Financial Aid
There are various ways you can access financial aid to support your further or higher education. Some of them are listed below;

1. Apply for education loan through Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
2. Apply for education bursaries from National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), from your local Member of Parliament, (MP).
3. Access education bursaries from your County Government.
4. Among other sources.

Always remember this!
Information provided on this website is for career awareness only, and not for any other purpose.

Before you make any career choice, or commit yourself to any career or study option, be sure of what you are doing. It is advisable to seek professional advice from career advisors to navigate this very important process.

Need more information? We can provide you with additional career and education related information to meet your individual needs.