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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:
| Starting | $35.12 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $48.26 |
| Top | $65.88 |
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 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:
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 Nov 17, 2020 and Jul 30, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
| Personal Suitability: Accurate | 12 |
|---|---|
| Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 12 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent written communication | 12 |
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 11 |
| Supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists | 10 |
| Conduct research into the structure, function, ecology, biotechnology and genetics of micro-organisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and algae | 7 |
| Conduct studies into the identification, effects and control of human, plant and animal pathogens and toxins | 7 |
| Plan and conduct studies of the environment, and of the population, distribution, structure and functional characteristics and behaviour of plants and animals | 6 |
| Resource Usage and Environmental Studies: Site remediation | 5 |
| Resource Usage and Environmental Studies: Environmental assessment and monitoring | 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.
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 [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.
Membership requires:
For official, detailed information about registration requirements, visit 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 in Canada? and ASPB.
To learn about certification for internationally educated biologists, see Biologist Registration Process.
Alberta Society of Professional Biologists
370, 105 12 Ave SE
Calgary, Alberta T2G 1A1
Canada
Call: 403-264-1273
Email: info@aspb.ab.ca
Website: aspb.ab.ca
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.
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 | $23.08 | $53.84 | $35.12 | $32.21 |
| Overall | $32.45 | $67.40 | $48.26 | $50.11 |
| Top | $36.06 | $110.04 | $65.88 | $62.26 |
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.
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.
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $107,924 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $99,637 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $92,613 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $87,920 |
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.