Ecologist jobs vary greatly depending on the type of ecology being studied, the location of the study, and the employer. Some ecologists spend a lot of time collecting data in the field. Others may find themselves working in an ecology lab, conducting various experiments in order to find solutions to problems. Some people may work in the woods. Others may work by the sea, in the mountains, or in other environments.
Behavioral ecology may be a focus of some ecologist jobs. The goal of this field is to study animal behavior and try to figure out why they react to stimuli the way they do. This could be crucial in determining how to best protect various species. It is impossible to determine the potential harmful elements of a situation without first understanding how they will react to it. Understanding that an owl requires a specific type of tree to build its nest, for example, is critical to the population’s survival. Assuming that the owl can use any tree could jeopardize its chances of surviving beyond this generation.
There are plenty of ecologist jobs available for those who want to work in the great outdoors. Some may choose to work as park rangers. Others may find work in the educational field, such as teaching others about life in a particular environment, leading school field trips, and leading visitor ecotours. Others may devote their time solely to research or to collecting samples for laboratory testing. All of these options will necessitate a significant amount of time spent outside.
Applied ecology is the field in which many ecologist jobs are found. This is the type of job that focuses on applying classroom theory and principles to real-world situations. Returning to the owl’s use of a specific tree, a real-world ecologist might count the number of different tree species to determine whether the area is suitable for owls. The ecologist might also suggest adding more trees of that species to the area or protecting the ones that are already there.
Aquatic ecology may be one of the best ecologist jobs available for those who live near the ocean or have an interest in aquatic life. These ecologists study not only the interaction of aquatic life, but also how that interaction contributes to a healthy land ecology. Aquatic ecology can be conducted in a variety of settings, including the ocean, lake, or river, as well as swamps and wetlands.
In most cases, ecologist jobs are extremely competitive, and obtaining an advanced degree, at the very least a Master’s degree, is often required to even be considered. As a result, students should conduct research into the types of jobs that they are most interested in and make plans accordingly. While a Bachelor’s degree may allow you to get a job in ecology, many people will dislike the type of work you’ll be doing or the limited opportunities for advancement.