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 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:

• Relationships among predators and prey
• Effects on organisms and ecosystems of parasites
• The types and organization of plant communities in the landscape
• The impact of invasive species on native communities
• The effects of human activities (like urbanization, dam construction, oil and gas development, mining, and hunting) on natural habitats and ecosystems (often by monitoring the presence or abundance of target species)
• The management of fish, wildlife, and other biological resources
• The design and management of protected areas
• Evaluation, listing, and recovery plans for species at risk
• The effects of pollutants on terrestrial or aquatic vegetation, wildlife, and ecosystems
• The restoration of functioning ecosystems
• Habitat changes after a natural disturbance, such as fire or flooding
• Fundamental questions about individual behaviour, population dynamics, community structure, or ecosystem function
• Biogeochemical processes, such as the flow of nitrogen, carbon, or energy through an ecosystem
• Populations, communities, and ecosystem function

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:

• Analyze existing data or use the data they collect to understand and classify vegetation and landscapes
• Use computers to enter data, design and manage databases, develop geographic information systems (GIS) layers and products, perform statistical analyses, model problems, and evaluate possible solutions
• Conduct studies to develop or refine ecological land classifications
• Count individuals, populations, species, and communities of organisms
• 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 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 developing government policy
• Work with the public, stakeholders, or government to develop and implement conservation strategies
• Use modeling techniques to assess the potential impact of changes to the ecosystem, such as the introduction of new species

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:

• Enter and analyze data, including spatial mapping, statistical analysis, and geographic information systems
• Communicate on the phone and in meetings with clients, government departments, colleagues, and the public, and present report findings to clients
• Prepare computer models based on reach to illustrate and manipulate ecosystem structure
• Compile data and preparing reports and scientific articles

In the lab, they:

• Process samples collected in the filed, by counting and measuring organisms, analyzing samples, and conducting genetic analysis
• Conduct lab experiments
• Maintain and prepare equipment for fieldwork

In the field, they:

• Study wildlife and plant populations, such as by collecting samples and specimens
• Observe the impact of invasive species on native communities
• Use a GPS for capturing field data
• Use geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze, evaluate, and prepare information

Ecologists work for:

• 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
• 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 is the standard for university and independent research positions and may be needed to advance to senior management positions.

Industry Concentration

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.

In the 2121: Biologists and related scientists occupational group, 79.3% of people work in:

• Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Public Administration
• Educational Services
• Health Care and Social Services

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

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Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

• Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
• Location in Alberta
• Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
• Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
• Size of the occupation
• Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

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

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

ECO Canada website: eco.ca

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