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What does an Ecologist do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

An ecologist is a scientist who studies ecosystems.

Ecologist job duties include:

  • Study the interaction of living organisms with their physical environment
  • Investigate the effect of human activity on ecosystems
  • Conduct field research to collect data on plant and animal populations
  • Analyze data to identify trends and patterns
  • Develop models to predict how changes in the environment will impact ecosystems
  • Write scientific reports and papers to share findings with other ecologists
  • Give presentations to groups to raise awareness about environmental issues
  • Work with government agencies to develop conservation and management plans
  • Teach classes on ecology and the environment

Ecologist Job Requirements

An ecologist studies the relationships between living things and their environment. To become an ecologist, you will need at least a bachelor's degree in ecology or a related field. In some cases, a master's degree or doctorate may be required. You may also need to be certified by the Ecological Society of America. In addition to formal education, you will need to have experience working in the field of ecology.

Ecologist Skills

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Ecology
  • Environmental science
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Statistics
  • Computer science
  • GIS
  • Remote sensing
  • Field work
  • Lab work

Related: Top Ecologist Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Ecologist

An ecologist is someone who studies the relationships between living things and their environment. To become an ecologist, you will need to have a strong interest in the natural world and how different species interact with each other and their surroundings. You will also need to be good at math and science, as you will be using these skills to collect data and analyze it.

If you want to become an ecologist, you should start by taking classes in biology, chemistry, and physics in high school. Once you have a solid foundation in these subjects, you can then move on to more specialized courses in college. Many ecologists have a master’s degree or higher, so you may want to consider pursuing further education after college.

There are many different career paths you can take as an ecologist. You could work for a government agency, a non-profit organization, or a private company. You could also choose to teach at the collegiate level or do research in a laboratory setting. No matter what path you choose, you will be playing an important role in protecting our environment and helping us to better understand the natural world.

Related: Ecologist Resume Example

Related: Ecologist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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