What Does an Ecologist Do?
Someone who studies nature, and the organisms within nature, is called an ecologist. Ecologists are people who care about the Earth and try to find ways to preserve it. Most have at least a bachelor's degree, either in ecology or some related field, such as biology or life sciences, and many have advanced graduate degrees as well.
The main job of an ecologist is to perform research. Ecologists prepare field studies based on concerns about the environment. For example, an ecologist may study the environmental impact, or consequences, of building a dam near a largely forested area. The ecologist would consider how this change in the environment would affect individual species of trees, plants and wildlife, as well as how the change would affect the ecosystem as a whole. The information gathered would then be typed up with a recommendation and presented to the government, local environmental organizations, and anyone else who may have a hand in building the dam.
Ecologists don't do all of their studies in the field. Reading and analyzing research by other ecologists, using computer simulations, and doing laboratory studies of animals and plants are also tasks performed by an ecologist. Ecologists use the data from their studies to create reports and to make recommendations based on the available data and the ecologist's prediction of any changes in the environment based on that data. They also supervise and advise any actions that may change the environment, such as a new factory being built or turning a previously occupied area back into a habitat that will be suitable for wildlife.
A large part of being an ecologist is education, both for the ecologist and for the community. An ecologist needs to be constantly learning, keeping up to date on current research and trends. Ecologists also spend a lot of time educating others. Some ecologists do this as teachers or university professors. Others work with the community, speaking at seminars and other events about the importance of preserving the Earth. Ecologists may also work as advisers, consultants or advocates, helping local companies or governments operate in a way that will not harm the environment.
Ecologists spend most of their time doing research, analyzing data and preparing reports. They also work within their communities, encouraging others to help them with their goal of protecting the environment. Some choose to specialize in a particular aspect of ecology, such as wetlands, tropical or even urban areas. There are dozens of different career possibilities that an ecologist can pursue, all with the main goal of conservation.
Written by Margo Upson
