Ecology is the study of relationships between organisms and their environment. Jobs involve field and laboratory research, conservation efforts, and teaching. Ecologists specialize in specific regions and populations, and work in government agencies, nonprofit groups, universities, and research institutions. A master’s or doctoral degree is typically required. The growing concern for environmental protection is creating more ecology jobs.
Ecology is the scientific study of the relationships between organisms, their interactions with the environment, and the means by which ecosystems develop and thrive. Many ecology jobs involve field and laboratory research, in which scientists observe natural ecosystems, collect soil, water, air, and living samples, and conduct laboratory experiments. Other ecology jobs involve organizing and promoting conservation efforts in yet another area of expertise.
Ecologists aim to discover the interrelationships between living things and their immediate environments. To this end, ecologists often specialize in the study of specific regions and populations. A marine ecologist, for example, studies all types of ocean plants and animals, their interactions with one another, and the impacts of pollution and climate change on marine ecosystems. A marine population ecologist further specializes in focusing on the local population of a particular plant or animal species.
Most ecology work is found in government agencies, nonprofit environmental groups, universities, and independent research institutions. Ecologists working for government agencies such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service can become involved in protection and restoration projects and educate the public about wildlife conservation. Employees of nonprofit groups often travel to places where human activity has damaged natural ecosystems, such as rainforests. These ecologists advocate for public awareness of sustainability and work directly on hands-on restoration efforts.
Scientists who hold ecology jobs at universities and private institutions often perform extensive field research. Many research ecologists spend months or even years observing ecosystems, collecting samples and reviewing previous studies. They often work in teams to conduct laboratory experiments on organic and inorganic matter to learn more about an ecosystem. Additionally, some research ecologists choose to become university professors and high school science teachers.
To become an ecologist, a person typically must receive a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited university in a specialized area of ecological science. After graduation, many ecologists begin their careers by doing internships or fellowships at research universities, where they gain valuable experience working with veteran ecologists. Interns and fellows acquire the necessary skills when they begin to work independently, such as field research techniques and writing scientific papers.
A growing public concern for environmental protection and sustainable living is creating more ecology jobs than ever before. Ecology experts are needed to investigate the impacts of population growth, urbanization and global climate change on native habitats and ecosystems. The research carried out by today’s ecologists plays a vital role in creating new environmental policies.
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