Nature of work
An ecologist is a scientist who studies the close ties between the environment and all living creatures. He/she examines the effects of industrialization, temperature shifts, pollution, and rainfall. Using knowledge of a variety of scientific disciplines, an ecologist may collect, examine, and report information on the quality of soil, food, air, and water.Some typical tasks of ecologist include:
Conducting field research, which comprises rigorous scientific processes to collect soil, plant, water, or animal samples.
Protecting ecosystems and native wildlife.
Examining animals over a long period of time and observing characteristics, such as the animals’ life history patterns, population numbers, diet, behavior, and habitat use.
Analyzing laboratory data and preparing written reports.
Monitoring animal population.
Supervising work of technicians and technologists and advising councils and governments on environmental management.
An ecologists generally specialize in areas such as marine biology, botany, soil science, microbiology, zoology, or toxicology. He/she conduct research into mining, dam construction, management of wildlife, fish, and forestry resources. Expansion of biological control policies to fight weeds and pest insects and the effects of pollutants released into the atmosphere on wildlife and vegetation.
Environment of work
An ecologist works for universities, nongovernmental conservation associations, environmental consulting firms, and various other entities. Apart from field work, often in remote areas, an ecologist also works in laboratories analyzing collected samples. Many ecologists involve themselves in environmental consulting, habitat restoration, and biological monitoring.He/she travels a lot to conduct field research. Those environmental scientists working as government officials, lecturers, and professors need not travel as much. At the research site, work can stretch for long hours and be mentally and physically demanding. But on an average, an ecologist has 40-hour work weeks.
Professional life
An ecologists with only a bachelor’s degree has limited advancement opportunities. A doctorate is generally required for independent research and university positions. The ecologist with suitable academic qualifications may advance to senior management positions as he/she gains experience.The job market for ecologists is expected to experience a significant growth between now and 2016. A Professional scientist in this field should be prepared to face tough competition in the coming years. Since an ecologist is engaged in long-term projects, he/she is less likely to be laid off during temporarily tough economic times. An economic downturn can have an influence on the amount of funding allocated to new ecology efforts, especially in innovative or risky research areas.
There are more structured opportunities for promotion in larger organizations where it is possible to progress to senior and principal ecologists. Otherwise, an ecologist should expect to change locations and/or employers to progress. Competition for positions is fierce throughout the sector.
More senior positions usually mean more office-based work with managerial tasks including budget planning and people management.
Range of typical starting salaries are 35000 SYP plus potential bonuses.
Getting the job
An ecologist must have a bachelor’s degree with knowledge in organic and inorganic chemistry, biology, computer science, mathematics, physics, statistics, and calculus. Depending on the area of specialization, an ecologist may have an educational background in subjects as diverse as economics, climatology, mathematical modeling, geology, oceanography, meteorology, or science sociology. The majority of jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree, and a PhD is necessary for those who wish to teach in colleges and universities and often for those who conduct research.The placement office at a medical school or university can provide information regarding suitable job openings in ecology. Professional journals often offer employment news for ecologists. Candidates also can directly approach government agencies, private companies, and research centers that hire ecologists. Apart from this, information about employment opportunities is readily available on job sites on the Internet.
Skills
Candidates need to show evidence of the following:- Ability to identify different species as appropriate to the role.
- Competence in understanding and using statistics and other ecological data.
- The ability to use computer software for recording, analyzing and presenting data and reports;
- Good written communication and presentation skills.
- Enthusiasm about and fascination for animals and plants.
- Confidence in using survey techniques and identification keys.
- Good team working and project management skills.
Sources and references
If a candidate needs any further information on what is included in this file, he/she can visit the following websites: www.env-pro.org, The Ecological Society of Syria
www.theecologist.org, news and investigations on the environment,
Arab Standard Classification of Occupations, 2008, Ed. Arab Labor Organization.
Summary
An ecologist is concerned with ecosystems as a whole, the abundance and distribution of organisms (people, plants, animals), and the relationships between organisms and their environment. An ecologist usually chooses a specialist area (e.g. freshwater, marine, terrestrial, fauna, and flora) and then carries out a wide range of tasks relating to that area.When starting out, an ecologist often conduct surveys to identify, record and monitor species and their habitats. With career progression, work is likely to become more wide-ranging, with senior ecologists being more involved in policy and management work.