I work as a wildlife biologist for a private company here in Cali and I'm trying to get my research data done so I can write my thesis and be done with grad school. I have a BS in Biology (Ecology and Evolution) and did a few undergrad projects at the time and after grad school, I may go doctorate if the turtle surveys we are just starting up go well. The downside of my job is that you occasionally have to stand in the pouring rain at 11pm listening for frog calls or trying to radiotrack pregnant turtles and you must be willing to live on top ramen for the first few years......
It's not for everyone, but I wouldn't trade it.
Cheers,
Kat