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Aquaculture Ecologist, Biological Scientist, Conservation Biologist, Conservation Ecologist, Conservation Scientist, Ecological Planner, Plant Ecologist, Naturalist, Research Scientist, Terrestrial Ecologist, Vegetation Ecologist, Wildlife Biologist, Wildlife Ecologist
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.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Ecologists usually specialize in some area of environmental conservation and management or life sciences. Examples include animal behaviour, botany, marine biology, microbiology, population dynamics, soil science, toxicology, and zoology. Often working as part of a multidisciplinary team, ecologists may develop and test hypotheses about:
Duties vary from one position to another. In general, ecologists implement, plan, and conduct or oversee field work. They then report on and interpret the results of that work. This may involve counting populations of plants, animals, and other species or collecting water, soil, plant, or animal samples. Ecologists also:
Ecologists may also supervise the work of technologists and technicians.
Depending on the nature of their projects, ecologists may work outdoors in rugged or remote locations, or indoors in laboratories and offices. Some ecologists primarily work on computers and use data they get from other scientists.
Ecologists often work long days. Some projects take hours of observation or weeks of travel. Others require specialized equipment and techniques.
The main role of an ecologist is to study and observe environmental patterns. As a result, ecologists work in a variety of locations, including but not limited to an office, a lab, or the field.
In the office, they:
In the lab, they:
In the field, they:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Many NOC groups include 1 or more related occupations. The labour market data shown is for the whole group, not for a specific occupation. For examples, see Note.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Many NOC groups include 1 or more related occupations. The labour market data shown is for the whole group, not for a specific occupation. For examples, see Note.
Biologists
2023 OaSIS: 21110.01
The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.
The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.
The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.
To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.
Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.
This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:
Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.
This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:
Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.
This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:
Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:
Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking.
This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:
Ecologists need:
Ecologists should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Many NOC groups include 1 or more related occupations. The labour market data shown is for the whole group, not for a specific occupation. For examples, see Note.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 50 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 29, 2021 and Apr 06, 2026.
Review these skills to learn:
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 27 |
|---|---|
| Attention to detail | 27 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 25 |
| Tasks: Produce reports | 25 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent written communication | 23 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 21 |
| Tasks: Monitor and compile research results | 19 |
| Construction Specialization: Time management | 18 |
| Tasks: Deliver presentations at conferences, workshops or symposia | 18 |
| Tasks: Perform administrative tasks | 17 |
Ecologists must have at least 1 university degree with a solid grounding in several ecology courses. They also need courses in complementary fields, including:
Depending on their area of specialization, ecologists may have an academic background in many other diverse subjects. These might include climatology, economics, geology, mathematical modelling, meteorology, oceanography, sociology, or soil science.
Most research jobs in ecology require a graduate degree in biological sciences. This is usually a master of science (M.Sc.) degree, and is sometimes a doctoral degree (PhD).
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Biologists study living organisms and apply their scientific knowledge in various fields.
Under Alberta’s Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act [pdf] and Professional Biologists Regulation [pdf], you must be a registered member of the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB) to use the Professional Biologist title or the P. Biol. and P Biol initials.
You do not have to register if you do not call yourself a Professional Biologist.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Biologist.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Ecologists work for:
Governments often employ ecologists to prepare policy assessments in relation to environmental issues. Many ecologists, particularly those with master’s degrees, are hired to identify gaps in environmental impact assessments and come up with recommendations for meeting legislated requirements. Experience with the legal aspects of environmental biology is an asset for those involved in this kind of work.
Corporations often employ ecologists to:
Related summer work experience or volunteer experience is a definite asset for university graduates looking for work. Entry-level jobs often are short-term contract positions.
Advancement opportunities are limited for ecologists who do not have graduate degrees. Applicants with only bachelor’s degrees may find themselves working in non-research positions that involve laboratory tests or inspections or collecting routine field data.
A doctoral degree is the standard for university and independent research positions and may be needed to advance to senior management positions.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Biologists and related scientists
2016 NOC: 2121
79.3% of people in this occupational group work in:
Many NOC groups include 1 or more related occupations. The labour market data shown is for the whole group, not for a specific occupation. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
Many NOC groups include 1 or more related occupations. The labour market data shown is for the whole group, not for a specific occupation. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
Many NOC groups include 1 or more related occupations. The labour market data shown is for the whole group, not for a specific occupation. For examples, see Note.
Salaries for ecologists vary depending on their educational qualifications, experience, and specific field of study.
For information about salary ranges for university professors, see the University Professor occupational profile.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Many NOC groups include 1 or more related occupations. The labour market data shown is for the whole group, not for a specific occupation. For examples, see Note.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
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.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources to supplement this data. Examples of wage sources may include but are not limited to associations, government, schools, or unions. Not all sources may be available for every occupation.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $25.96 | $49.17 | $35.55 | $33.33 |
| Overall | $32.84 | $97.79 | $48.86 | $43.93 |
| Top | $34.89 | $103.14 | $55.18 | $51.52 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* 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.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $94,886 |
|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $103,991 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $99,792 |
| Public Administration | $101,511 |
Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB) website: www.aspb.ab.ca
ECO Canada website: eco.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 21, 2023. 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.
