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Botanist, Conservation Biologist, Fisheries Biologist, Marine Biologist, Naturalist, Research Scientist , Plant Biologist, Wildlife Biologist, Zoologist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $30.69 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $41.93 |
| Top | $54.40 |
Interest in synthesizing information to conduct ecological and environmental impact studies and to prepare reports, and to develop new practices in biological research
Interest in precision working with instruments and equipment to conduct experiments in plant and animal growth, heredity and breeding
Interest in consulting to advise on issues related to biological processes and research and the development of new products; may supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Some biologists work primarily in the field, organizing and participating in field inventories or surveys, documenting species and relevant data for various types of studies, consulting purposes, environmental impact assessments, reclamation or other purposes. Other biologists conduct laboratory research and offer advice and expertise to others. In general, biologists:
Biologists may have a wide variety of job titles depending on their area of specialization. For example, aquatic biologists may be called fisheries biologists, invertebrate biologists, limnologists or marine biologists depending on the types of organisms (for example, fish, plankton) and habitats (ocean or freshwater environments) they study.
There are many specializations in each of the following broad areas of study.
Botanists and plant biologists study plants and plant systems (plant growth, development, function, distribution, origin, as well as applications in medicine, agriculture and synthesis) and related environmental issues such as conservation, re-vegetation or weed control. For example, they may:
Fisheries biologists study freshwater fish and their habitats. For example, they may:
Marine biologists study bacteria, plankton, plants and animals that live in oceans and seas and on their shorelines. For example, they may:
Wildlife biologists study wildlife (birds, reptiles, mammals, amphibians), wildlife habitat and environmental interactions (for example, the effects of fire), and apply their knowledge to the management of wildlife resources and natural habitats.
For information about other areas of study, see the Biochemist, Ecologist, Entomologist, Food Scientist, Geneticist, Microbiologist, Pharmacologist and Toxicologist occupational profiles.
Biologists' working environments range from offices and laboratories to research ships and remote, rugged terrain. Some work primarily outdoors collecting and identifying specimens, taking samples, and surveying and documenting populations. Others work primarily indoors in offices, classrooms and laboratories.
Depending on their specialty, biologists may be away from home for weeks at a time working outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions, or they may spend considerable amounts of time working with computers in offices or equipment in laboratories.
Physical requirements also vary considerably in this occupation. Office and laboratory work may require no significant lifting but field work can be extremely demanding (for example, lifting a 50 kilogram net on a rolling ship).
Biologists need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy:
A 4-year bachelor of science degree in biological or environmental science is the minimum requirement for entry to this field. A master of science degree generally is required for work as a field biologist, administrator, environmental consultant, professional biologist in industry or advisor with an international assistance agency. A doctoral (PhD) degree and experience as a post-doctoral fellow are required to work as a researcher or university professor.
Bachelor's degree programs in environmental studies may not meet the minimum education requirements to become a Professional Biologist (PBiol). Students interested in becoming a PBiol are advised to consult the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists.
Courses in marine science are offered through the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre on Vancouver Island and may be taken for university credit through either University of Alberta or University of Calgary.
Students interested in a particular specialty are advised to consult a faculty advisor before selecting undergraduate courses.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Biologists study living organisms and apply their scientific knowledge in various fields.
Professional Biologist is a protected title under Alberta's Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act. This means that to call yourself a Professional Biologist, you must be a registered member of the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB). At present, you can call yourself a "biologist" if you are not a registered member of ASPB.
Membership requires: (1) at least 3 years of acceptable work experience, (2) a bachelor's degree, master's degree or doctoral degree in biological sciences from an approved educational institute, or equivalent and (3) 2 letters from professional referees (preferably, at least 1 from a Professional Biologist). For official, detailed information about registration requirements, visit the ASPB website or contact the ASPB.
Biologists who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for registration in Alberta if registered biologists in the 2 jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory? and the Alberta regulatory authority (below).
To find more information on the certification process for internationally educated biologists, see Biologist Registration Process on the AlbertaCanada.com website.
Alberta Society of Professional Biologists
370, 105 12 Ave SE
Calgary, Alberta
Canada T2G 1A1
Phone: 403-264-1273
Email: pbiol@aspb.ab.ca
Website: www.aspb.ab.ca
Biologists are employed by:
Competition for positions often is keen. Related summer, part time or volunteer work experience is a valuable asset when seeking permanent employment. A master's or doctoral degree is required for research and academic positions.
Biologists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2121: Biologists and Related Scientists. In Alberta, 80% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $25.72 | $48.08 | $30.69 | $25.72 |
| Overall | $31.46 | $63.82 | $41.93 | $37.73 |
| Top | $41.28 | $64.10 | $54.40 | $55.21 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $118,553 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $101,644 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $84,998 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $79,655 |
Alberta Society of Professional Biologists website: www.aspb.ab.ca
ECO Canada (Environmental Careers Organization) website: www.eco.ca
Fisheries Management Career Paths (Alberta Environment and Parks) website: aep.alberta.ca
Oceanlink website: www.oceanlink.info
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Mar 16, 2016. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.