Biological Scientist, Insect Biologist, Invertebrate Biologist, Research Scientist
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 | $30.69 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $41.93 |
| Top | $54.40 |
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.
Entomologists investigate the biology, roles and management of:
Responsibilities vary from one position to another. But in general, entomologists study insect physiology, ecology, distribution, and habitat and recommend ways to prevent the importation and spread of harmful insects. They also:
Entomologists usually specialize in particular fields of study, such as apiculture (bee husbandry), agriculture, or forest entomology. Some specialize in classification and evolution, insect ecology and physiology, or insecticide toxicology. Entomologists often collaborate with other scientists on projects. A team may work on developing crops resistant to insects or on combatting animal and plant diseases caused by arthropods that transmit infectious organisms. They may, for example, focus on mosquitoes spreading West Nile virus, bark beetles spreading Dutch elm disease fungus, or ticks carrying bacteria that cause Lyme disease.
Entomologists may put in more than a standard 40-hour week and may work weekends, particularly if they are doing research. They may travel a lot to attend conferences.
Entomologists carry out investigations in laboratories, greenhouses, fields and controlled-environment chambers. They may spend considerable time preparing and analyzing data. The work may be tedious.
Entomologists also do field research. Fieldwork can be strenuous and involve physical labour. It can mean living in a remote location for long periods. Safety is important when faced with hazards such as dangerous wildlife, rough terrain or adverse weather conditions.
Entomologists play an important role in the safe handling of poisonous and allergenic insects and arthropods that carry disease and toxic chemicals.
Entomologists need:
Entomologists should enjoy:
The minimum academic requirement is a 4-year bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences or agriculture. Research positions in universities, government and industry usually call for a master’s (M.Sc.) or doctoral (PhD) degree.
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.
Certification is not required for this occupation. However, it is required for entomologists who are also professional biologists.
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 learn about certification for internationally educated biologists, see Biologist Registration Process.
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
Entomologists are employed by government departments, post-secondary schools, environmental consulting companies and museums. For example, entomologists employed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency work to prevent the spread of invasive invertebrates. Pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing companies and large pest control companies hire entomologists to do research and demonstrate new products for people in the agriculture, forestry, and medical communities. Some entomologists are independent consultants who offer insect identification services, advise clients on insect control or carry out environmental impact assessments.
Many students work in post-secondary schools or government research centres as research assistants while completing their undergraduate degree. Graduates of bachelor’s degree programs may be hired for technical positions in research programs or work in government jobs, such as forest health survey coordinator. They also find work in customer service in pest control companies or as juniors in environmental consulting companies. Those with a PhD may do independent research, administrative work or teach at the post-secondary level.
Entomologists 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 is 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.
Entomologists’ salaries vary considerably depending on their qualifications and research responsibilities.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $25.72 | $48.08 | $30.69 | $25.72 |
| Overall | $31.46 | $63.82 | $41.93 | $37.73 |
| Top | $41.28 | $64.10 | $54.40 | $55.21 |
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.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $118,553 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $101,644 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $84,998 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $79,655 |
Alberta Society of Professional Biologists website: www.aspb.ab.ca
Entomological Society of Alberta website: www.entsocalberta.ca
Entomological Society of Canada website: esc-sec.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.
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.