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Biological Scientist, Naturalist, Research Scientist, Restoration Ecologist, Terrestrial Ecologist, Vegetation 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:
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 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:
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:
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:
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 12 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 29, 2021 and Jan 13, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 7 |
|---|---|
| Teleworking Information: Remote work available | 7 |
| Personal Suitability: Effective interpersonal skills | 6 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 6 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent written communication | 6 |
| Personal Suitability: Client focus | 6 |
| Business Equipment and Computer Applications: MS Excel | 5 |
| Business Equipment and Computer Applications: MS PowerPoint | 5 |
| Business Equipment and Computer Applications: MS Word | 5 |
| Business Equipment and Computer Applications: MS Outlook | 5 |
Ecologists must have at least 1 university degree with a solid grounding in biology (morphology, physiology, genetics, microbiology, zoology, botany, conservation biology), organic and inorganic chemistry, physics, mathematics, calculus, statistics and computer science. Depending on their area of specialization, ecologists also may have an academic background in such diverse subjects as climatology, economics, geology, mathematical modelling, meteorology, oceanography, sociology or soil science.
Most research jobs in ecology require a graduate degree in biological sciences: usually a master of science (M.Sc.) degree, 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 search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
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.
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 [pdf]. 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.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Biologist.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Ecologists are employed by:
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:
The employment outlook (pdf) 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.
In Alberta, the 2121: Biologists and related scientists occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.1% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 58 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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 2016 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.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $22.00 | $55.00 | $34.71 | $33.00 |
| Overall | $24.00 | $70.91 | $46.17 | $46.86 |
| Top | $26.00 | $101.09 | $60.62 | $58.00 |
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
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $100,349 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $97,896 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $91,023 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $87,887 |
Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB) website: www.aspb.ab.ca
ECO Canada website: www.eco.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. 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.