Environmental Protection Agency EPA employs many ecologists and environmental scientists to carry out programs and regulations that protect the environment all around us. The EPA is responsible for making sure that the air we breathe and the water we drink and swim in are safe to use. To keep our air, waters, and ecosystems clean and healthy, the EPA develops regulations that protect the environment from chemicals and other harmful activities.
EPA's scientists produce the scientific data and evaluations needed to make good decisions on behalf of the environment, and all of us. Here at the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis NCEAS , an ecology research center, ecologists and other scientists and social scientists from all over the world come together in teams for a week at a time to analyze different problems in ecology such as effects of climate change on salmon, or how best to preserve coastal resources.
Each team puts together all the information data on a topic that other scientists have found in their research, and they look for patterns or clues that emerge from looking at all the data. Scientists at non-profit environmental organizations, such as The Nature Conservancy or Conservation International , study environmental issues that relate to conservation.
They may carry out their own research projects, help to manage land for conservation, and work with communities to make sure that conservation of land is good for both people in the communicty and for the land. More information about ecology as a career from The Ecological Society of America.
Opportunities to work with the U. Information on other ecology and environmental careers What do ecologists do? Back to the questions What is a work day like? If you have a degree in a relevant subject, you may be able to do a postgraduate ecologist degree apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week.
If you have some basic experience, you could apply directly to a firm specialising in surveying or ecology to gain on-site experience as an ecologist. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced ecologist and progress as your abilities improve. Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as an ecologist.
Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV. As an ecologist you will be responsible for site visits to undertake study and surveys of animal, plants, and the environment to ensure accurate data on the impact of construction projects. Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.
Salaries and career options also improve with chartered status. Need advice on careers and apprenticeships? Search permanent and contract roles, find apprenticeships. As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up. With experience, you could become a senior ecologist, leading a team of researchers, developing biodiversity plans or acting as a consultant on sustainable development projects.
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You cannot download interactives. Biodiversity refers to the variety of organisms found in a particular habitat. It is important to maintain biodiversity because we rely on it for ecosystem services, which fall into four main categories: provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting. The earth provides these to us for free and they are critical to achieving a planet in balance. Use these resources to explore the diverse species that exist across the globe, and encourage your students to become good stewards of life on earth.
A keystone species helps define an entire ecosystem. Without its keystone species, the ecosystem would be dramatically different or cease to exist altogether. Every ecosystem has certain species that are critical to the survival of the other species in the system. The keystone species could be a huge predator or an unassuming plant, but without them the ecosystem may not survive. Regardless, successful ecologists will be responsible for many similar tasks, including:. Second-tier ecologists often function as team lead or senior advisor to their workgroup.
Accordingly, they may have more managerial responsibilities, such as:. Ecologists at various education levels are hired for a range of different jobs.
Associates degrees are adequate for lab, field, or research technician positions. Those with Bachelor's degrees may find work as program scientists in government, or as environmental educators and teachers. Master's degrees are generally required for environmental consultants, environmental planners, and program managers in private industry. They're also required for program managers, wildlife biologists, and natural resource managers in government.
Similar positions at nonprofit organizations also require a 4-year degree. Doctorates are required for faculty and research positions in academia, and for any type of research position in the private sector, government, and nonprofits. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the field, ecology students study life sciences such as zoology, microbiology, and botany, as well as chemistry and earth science.
Mathematics and computer science are also essential skills. Since ecologists advise and communicate with others, good writing and communication skills are helpful. Practical experience is very important. As early as possible, try volunteering or working as a professor's lab or research assistant, or spend a summer at a biological field station. As an alternative, help out at a park, nature center, or related government agency.
Internships are also excellent opportunities - try searching for them via the Environmental Careers Organization. You can also get help from the Student Conservation Association , which matches students with volunteer opportunities.
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