Biological Scientist, Naturalist, Research Scientist
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.
Ecologists usually specialize in 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 multidisciplinary teams, ecologists may conduct research studies into:
Duties and responsibilities vary from one position to another but, in general, ecologists:
Depending on the nature of their projects, ecologists may work outdoors in locations that may be rugged or remote, or indoors in laboratories and offices. Some ecologists primarily work on computers and use data obtained from other scientists.
Ecologists often work long hours. Some projects require hours of observation or weeks of travel. Others require the use of specialized equipment and techniques.
Ecologists need the following characteristics:
Some types of field work require considerable physical stamina.
Ecologists should enjoy synthesizing information to develop innovative approaches to problems, using instruments and equipment to perform tasks requiring precision, and supervising research projects.
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.
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
Ecologists are employed by the following types of organizations:
Governments often employ ecologists to complete policy assessments in relation to environmental issues. Many ecologists, particularly those with master's degrees, are involved in identifying gaps in environmental impact assessments and developing recommendations for improvements to meet legislated requirements. Additional experience with legal aspects of environmental biology is an asset for those involved in environmental impact assessments.
Corporations 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 when university graduates are looking for work. Entry level jobs often are short-term contract 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 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.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $19.50 | $54.74 | $33.14 | $31.25 |
| Overall | $27.99 | $68.42 | $45.86 | $43.04 |
| Top | $33.00 | $106.05 | $61.02 | $56.29 |
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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.
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.
Alberta Society of Professional Biologists website: www.aspb.ab.ca
ECO Canada website: www.eco.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 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.