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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 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
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
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
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 for this NOC group 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.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
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.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 42 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 29, 2021 and May 16, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 24 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Excellent written communication | 22 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 22 |
| Attention to detail | 21 |
| Tasks: Produce reports | 21 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 18 |
| Tasks: Deliver presentations at conferences, workshops or symposia | 16 |
| Tasks: Monitor and compile research results | 16 |
| Construction Specialization: Time management | 15 |
| Tasks: Perform administrative tasks | 15 |
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).
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.
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:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta 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
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. 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.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. 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.
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 [pdf] to supplement this data.
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.
