Professors are also usually involved in research projects. At universities or museums with large plant or animal collections, Systematists are employed to maintain these valuable collections as well as to enrich and to conduct research on them. Geology departments often employ paleontologists who work on fossil organisms, and chemistry departments may include faculty members interested in molecular systematics. Federal and state agencies need Systematists in many fields, from public health and agriculture to wildlife management and forestry. Systematists also help prepare environmental impact statements and work with natural heritage and endangered species offices.
Some positions involve large amounts of time outdoors, while others are laboratory-oriented.
Industries that employ Systematics include agricultural processors, pharmaceutical firms, oil companies, and commercial suppliers of plants and animals. In general, students do not become scientists to make a lot of money. They are impelled by their own special interests. Even so, scientists have become increasingly well paid through the years. The salaries for Systematists are at least adequate and often quite good.