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: Biologists (2121.1) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Biologists and Related Scientists (C021) 
• 2011 NOC: Biologists and related scientists (2121) 
• 2016 NOC: Biologists and related scientists (2121) 

Ecologists usually specialize in some area of environmental or life sciences. These include animal behaviour, botany, marine biology, microbiology, population dynamics, soil science, toxicology, zoology, or other disciplines concerned with environmental conservation and management. Often working as part of a multidisciplinary team, ecologists may conduct research into:

• How energy flows through ecosystems
• Relationships among predators, parasites, and prey
• The types and organization of plant communities in the landscape
• The impact of invasive species on native communities
• The effects of human activities like dam construction, oil and gas development, mining, and hunting on natural habitats and ecosystems
• The management of fish, wildlife, and forestry resources
• The design of reserves and recovery plans for threatened species
• The effects of pollutants discharged into the air by factories or vehicles on vegetation and wildlife
• The effects of chemicals released into rivers and lakes on plants and aquatic animals
• The accumulation of contaminants in food webs
• The restoration of functioning ecosystems
• Habitat changes after a fire
• Fundamental questions, such as what determines population sizes or diet choices, or how nitrogen flows through an ecosystem

Duties vary from one position to another. But in general, ecologists plan and conduct or oversee field research as well as report on and interpret the results of that work. This involves following rigorous scientific procedures to collect water, soil, plant, or animal samples and to count and identify organisms or other ecosystem metrics. Ecologists also:

• Analyze existing data or use the data they collect to understand and classify vegetation and landscapes
• Use computers to design and manage databases
• Use computers to perform statistical analyses of large data sets, model problems, and evaluate possible solutions as well as develop geographic information systems (GIS) layers and products
• Conduct studies to develop or refine ecological land classifications
• Study animals over long periods of time, noting characteristics such as population numbers, life history patterns, behaviour, diet, and habitat use
• Study ecosystem attributes over long periods of time, noting characteristics such as species composition, spatial patterns, connectivity of habitats, and patterns of natural and human anthropogenic disturbance
• Study and dissect plant and animal specimens in greenhouses and laboratories
• Do environmental impact assessments
• Write proposals and prepare written reports and recommendations
• Provide information, make presentations, and give talks to educate individuals, schools, clubs, and interest groups about ecosystem processes and species relationships, and the natural or human impacts on these processes and relationships
• Contribute to the development of government policy
• Work with the public, stakeholders, or government to develop and implement conservation strategies

Ecologists may also supervise the work of technologists and technicians.

Depending on the nature of their projects, ecologists may find themselves 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 extended hours. Some projects take hours of observation or weeks of travel. Others require specialized equipment and techniques.

Ecologists need:

• An impartial nature
• Persistence in searching for answers to complex questions
• Logical thinking
• Communication skills
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Precision and attention to detail
• Physical stamina in field situations
• An interest in nature

Ecologists should enjoy:

• Synthesizing information that leads to innovative approaches to problems
• Using instruments and equipment for precision tasks
• Supervising research projects

Ecologists are employed by:

• Provincial and federal governments
• Universities and colleges
• Research institutions
• Conservation organizations
• Environmental consulting firms
• Large private corporations such as manufacturers of agricultural products, forestry companies, paper manufacturers, and oil and gas companies

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 help safeguard supplies of raw materials, make sure their operations comply with government regulations, and monitor processes and products.

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 usually is the standard for university and independent research positions, and may be required for advancement to senior management positions.

Applicants who have bachelor's degrees may be hired for non-research positions that involve conducting laboratory tests or inspections, or collecting routine field data. Advancement opportunities are limited for ecologists who only have a bachelor's degree. A doctoral degree usually is required for university and independent research positions, and may be required for advancement to senior management positions.

Ecologists 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:

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (pdf)
• Public Administration (pdf)
• Health Care and Social Assistance (pdf)

The employment outlook (pdf) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• Trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• Location in Alberta
• Employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• Occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• Size of the occupation

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB) website: www.aspb.ab.ca

ECO Canada website: www.eco.ca

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 Supports Centre near you.