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What are the Different Ecology Jobs?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

Ecology is the scientific study of the relationships between organisms, their interactions with the environment, and the means by which ecosystems develop and thrive. Many ecology jobs involve field and laboratory research, in which scientists observe natural ecosystems, collect soil, water, air, and living samples, and conduct lab experiments. Other ecology jobs involve organizing and promoting conservation efforts in one more more areas of specialization.

Ecologists aim to discover the interrelationships between living things and their immediate environments. To do so, ecologists often specialize by studying specific regions and populations. A marine ecologist, for example, studies all types of ocean plants and animals, their interactions with each other, and the impacts of pollution and climate change upon marine ecosystems. A population marine ecologist specializes further to focus on a local population of a certain species of plant or animal.

Some marine ecologists study coral reefs and other ocean ecosystems.
Some marine ecologists study coral reefs and other ocean ecosystems.

Most ecology jobs are found with government agencies, nonprofit environmental groups, universities, and independent research institutions. Ecologists who work for government agencies, such as the Fish and Wildlife Service in the United States, might engage in protection and restoration projects and educate the public about wildlife conservation. Those employed with nonprofit groups often travel to locations where human activity has damaged natural ecosystems, such as rain forests. These ecologists advocate public awareness about sustainability and work directly in hands-on restoration efforts.

An ecologist might work to advocate public awareness of destruction of rain forests.
An ecologist might work to advocate public awareness of destruction of rain forests.

Scientists who hold ecology jobs at universities and private institutions often perform extensive field research. Many research ecologists spend months or even years observing ecosystems, collecting samples, and reviewing previous studies. They frequently work in teams to conduct laboratory experiments on organic and inorganic matter to learn more about an ecosystem. In addition, some research ecologists choose to become professors at universities and high school science teachers.

Ecologists might work in aquatic areas, like lakes and rivers.
Ecologists might work in aquatic areas, like lakes and rivers.

To become an ecologist, a person must typically receive a master's degree or PhD from an accredited university in a specialized area of ecological science. Upon graduation, many ecologists begin their careers by taking internships or fellowships at research universities, where they gain valuable experience by working with veteran ecologists. Interns and fellows acquire the skills they will need when they begin working independently, such as field research techniques and writing scientific papers.

Ecologists may focus on plant, health, or behavioral ecology.
Ecologists may focus on plant, health, or behavioral ecology.

A growing public concern for environmental protection and sustainable living is creating more ecology jobs than ever before. Ecology experts are needed to investigate the impacts of population growth, urbanization, and global climate change on native habitats and ecosystems. The research studies performed by today's ecologists play a vital role in creating new environmental policies.

Discussion Comments

MrsPramm

@croydon - It might depend on your definition of "ecologist". Many people wouldn't consider someone who doesn't do research to be a proper ecologist. So, you can get a degree in ecology and work in many different fields, but you might not actually count as an official ecologist unless you are attempting to publish papers on the subject.

croydon

@irontoenail - Every job has its boring and repetitive moments. That doesn't mean that being an ecologist is going to be boring or repetitive, even for the majority. It will involve a lot of outdoor work, getting samples and making observations and it will often include all kinds of animals and plants, from the smallest insects to the largest mammals.

Not to mention that research is only one possible job. Ecologists who want to work with animals could work in a zoo or wildlife park. They might end up as a park ranger, or even as a consultant for documentaries. It's not a small or limited field.

irontoenail

It pays to be aware that being an ecologist is often not the glamorous job that children might imagine when thinking of their future profession. You probably won't be studying sharks or elephants. You're much more likely to get a job that involves research on something like shellfish, or fungus. Even if you are studying something exciting, you won't really get to interact with it at all. Since ecology is the study of ecosystems at work, the goal during research is usually to leave the plants and animals with as little human interference as possible.

Most research is repetitive and done in a lab. I feel like kids often think it will involve making friends with gorillas or discovering rare wild orchids, but that isn't the case for the majority.

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    • Some marine ecologists study coral reefs and other ocean ecosystems.
      By: Richard Carey
      Some marine ecologists study coral reefs and other ocean ecosystems.
    • An ecologist might work to advocate public awareness of destruction of rain forests.
      By: mtilghma
      An ecologist might work to advocate public awareness of destruction of rain forests.
    • Ecologists might work in aquatic areas, like lakes and rivers.
      By: Frank
      Ecologists might work in aquatic areas, like lakes and rivers.
    • Ecologists may focus on plant, health, or behavioral ecology.
      By: eliaskordelakos
      Ecologists may focus on plant, health, or behavioral ecology.