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Ecologist
Ecology is the study of life from micro organisms to whales. One of the
most important things we’ve learned in the last century is that all life
is connected some way. Everything on earth fits together like a vast
jigsaw puzzle. This jigsaw puzzle is constantly changing and
magnificently complex.
Job Description
Studying the environment involves looking at temperature, rainfall,
altitude, and pollution levels. Ecologists may study how plants and
animals in a lake are affected by warm water released from a nearby
nuclear plant or how toxic chemicals can move through the food
chain.
Ecological research involves spending time in the
field, gathering data for analysis. Depending on
what an ecologist’s specialty is, fieldwork could
mean anything from observing monkeys’ behavior
in the jungle, to measuring and recording the
growth patterns of seaweed underwater, to
collecting different species of bugs in the desert.
Back in the laboratory, ecologists use the data and samples collected
in the field to try to draw conclusions about the organism or area they
are studying. Most careers in ecology combine research with some
sort of teaching. Many ecologists are professors at colleges. Others
are hired to do research for governments, natural resources industries,
and company’s employers on long-term environmental policy and on
the impact of specific development projects.
Ecologists who work for non-profit organizations usually concentrate
on evaluating what governments and corporations are doing. Then
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they create campaigns to teach us all how to keep nature’s
interlocking pieces from falling apart.
Ecologists usually specialize in one or more of the following biological
areas: botany, marine biology, microbiology, soil science, toxicology,
zoology or related disciplines concerned with conservation of the
environment. Often working as part of multi-disciplinary teams,
ecologists conduct research studies into problems such as the effects
of dam construction, mining, logging and recreational use on natural
habitats, the management of fish, wildlife and forestry resources, the
development of biological control strategies to combat pest insects
and weeds, and the effects of pollutants discharged into the air by
factories or vehicles on natural vegetation and wildlife.
Since ecologists specialize in specific areas, they are found
performing a wide variety of tasks. They are usually found in the field
studying, researching and collecting samples. When they have
collected all of the necessary criteria, they usually bring it into the
laboratory to analyze with various tools.
Full time ecologist and ecology professors usually receive benefits in
addition to their salaries, including health and dental insurance and
paid vacation and sick leave. Those hired on a part time or contract
basis do not receive benefits.
Education
To do any kind of ecology-related work, you need at least a bachelor’s
degree in ecology or one of the sciences. Many jobs require at least a
master’s degree in ecology, biology, chemistry, environmental science,
or a related field. It generally takes 4 years to complete a bachelor’s
degree and 1 to 2 years to earn a master’s degree.
During their undergraduate years, aspiring ecologists should try to
take as broad a range of biological science courses as possible,
including courses:
 Botany
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Zoology
Morphology
Physiology
Biochemistry
Molecular biology
Genetics
Ecologists need to have a working knowledge of statistics and
computers. These skills are necessary when it comes to analyzing the
results of collected data or understanding mathematical models of
ecological concepts.
You should have a genuine concern for the environment as well as an
interest in plant and animal science. Some fieldwork requires physical
strength and endurance. It is useful to have some background in fields
related to ecology, such as chemistry, geology, soil science, or
climatology. Since many ecological problems involve humans, an
understanding of social sciences, such as economics, politics, and
sociology, might also be helpful.
In addition, try to get hands-on experience by volunteering at a park
wildlife reserve, zoo, or aquarium. Volunteer experience will be an
advantage when you are applying to college programs or looking for
your first job. Ecology-related internships are available in some
government departments, private companies, and environmental
organizations.
Salary
Overall, Entry Level Ecologists earned a range of $36,000 to $60,000
with an average salary of $45,800. Senior Ecologists earned a range of
$53,000 to $89,000 with an average salary of $67,900. Ecologists
earned a range of $43,000 to $71,000 with an average salary of
$54,500.
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Work Cited
"Career details for ecologist." Sdmylife. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2012.
<https://www.careercruising.com/Careers/JobDetails.aspx?LoginID=fa457f8f-00fc-4962-9fd8a57c3509ab15-4&OccNumber=151&MM=0&field=JobDesc
Ecologist." Universities and Colleges. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2012.
<http://www.schoolsintheusa.com/careerprofiles_details.cfm?carid=418>.. "focus on ecologists."
esa. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2012. <http://www.esa.org/ecologist/>.
Goldstein, Rob. "Ecologist salaries | How much do ecologists make? | Conservation Job Spot."
Conservation Job Spot | A conservation and wildlife employment resource. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2012.
<http://jobspot.conservationjobboard.com/2011/04/11/ecologist-salaries-how-much-do-ecologistsmake/>.
wikipedia. "ecology." wikipedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecology>.
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