Entomologist

Entomologists investigate the biology, roles and management of: 

• insect pests 
• beneficial insects such as plant pollinators, insect parasites and insect predators
• other insects and arthropods (for example, spiders and mites).

Duties and responsibilities vary from one position to another but, in general, entomologists:

• study insect physiology, distribution and habitat and recommend methods of preventing the importation and spread of harmful insects
• investigate and evaluate the role of insect pests in forests, agriculture, human health and the environment
• study the evolution of insects and classify them using taxonomic, molecular and other techniques
• discover and describe new species of insects
• monitor insect biodiversity as part of ongoing efforts to preserve ecological integrity in natural landscapes
• conduct research into the impact and control of insect pest problems
• develop biological methods of controlling harmful insects (for example, using pathogens, predators, parasites or genetic methods) and implement pest management programs
• develop methods of controlling weeds with herbivorous insects and mites 
• conduct field and laboratory tests of pesticides to evaluate their effect on different species of insects under different conditions
• preserve and maintain museum collections
• prepare and provide information to help the public identify insects and other arthropods
• co-ordinate public awareness and education programs.

Entomologists usually specialize in particular fields of study such as applied agriculture and forest entomology, apiculture (bee culture), classification and evolution, insect ecology, insect physiology or insecticide toxicology. They often work with other scientists on joint projects such as developing crops resistant to insects, or containing animal and plant diseases caused by arthropods transmitting infectious organisms (for example, mosquitoes spreading West Nile Virus, bark beetles spreading Dutch elm disease fungus and ticks carrying bacteria that cause Lyme disease).

Entomologists may work more than a standard 40-hour week, particularly if they are involved in research studies. They work indoors conducting experiments in laboratories, greenhouses, controlled environment chambers and museums as well as outdoors conducting field research. They may spend considerable time on data preparation and basic analysis. Fieldwork can be strenuous and may require living in a remote location for extended periods of time. Safety precautions are required to avoid injury when handling poisonous or allergenic insects, arthropods that are a vector for disease agents and toxic chemicals. Precautions are also required when faced with other hazards while working outdoors (for example, dangerous wildlife, rough terrain or adverse weather conditions). Frequent travel may also be required to attend conferences.

Entomologists need the following characteristics:

• a keen interest in invertebrate biology
• the intellect, curiosity, creativity, patience and perseverance required to pursue answers to complex research questions
• a good eye for detail and good dexterity (for working with insects under a microscope)
• the ability to work well independently and as part of a team
• the ability to work long hours and do physical labour
• the ability to communicate effectively with their colleagues and the general public.

They should enjoy synthesizing information, conducting research, preparing reports, performing tasks requiring precision and supervising research projects.

Entomologists are employed by municipal, provincial and federal governments, 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 also hire entomologists to conduct research and demonstrate new products for people in the agriculture, forestry and medical communities. A few entomologists are independent consultants who provide insect identification services, advise clients on insect control or conduct environmental impact assessments.

Many entomologists may begin their career as research assistants to studies conducted in post-secondary schools while still completing their undergraduate degree. Graduates of bachelor's degree programs may be hired for technical positions in research programs, entry-level government jobs such as forest health survey coordinator, customer service positions in pest control companies, or junior positions in environmental consulting companies. A PhD generally is required for independent research, administrative work or teaching 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:

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PDF)
• Public Administration (PDF)
• Health Care and Social Assistance (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• time of year (for seasonal jobs)
• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

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

Entomological Society of Alberta website: www.entsocalberta.ca

Entomological Society of Canada website: www.esc-sec.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.