Introduction to Ecology as a Career
Study of nature or environment is a promising career these days. Ecology being a science related to nature and environment offers good career scope. Here we are discussing about different aspects of ecology as a career.
What is Ecology?
Ecology is a branch of science deals with the study of the environment and the mutual relationship between its inhabitants. It is defined as the scientific study of interactions of organisms with one another within the physical and chemical environment. A person who study ecology are ecologist.
Ecologists study and explain the relation between the environment and all living creatures including plants, animals and humans. Along with that the study covers other natural systems like air, water, earth, etc.
Roles and Responsibilities of an Ecologist
The work role of an ecologists is mainly to do research, analyze data and prepare reports of the findings. Using this investigation, scientific decisions are made to proper use of ecosystems and natural resources.
Educational Qualification Required
A good knowledge in science subjects like botany, zoology, forestry, etc. are a mandatory for this field. A bachelor’s degree in science is a qualification to start a career in ecology. But a master’s degree or higher qualifications like PhD will add much to the scope and position.
Skills and Knowledge Required for Ecology as a Career
An ecologist must be a person who loves nature very much and have interest in working with nature. He / she must be a person with a science background, good observation skills, and ability to understand. Good computer and mathematics skills are also a requirement in this field. Other skills required are creativity and problem solving, collecting and interpreting the available data, communication (both written and oral) skills and presentation skills, etc.
How to become an Ecologist?
To become an ecologist one must have to study science stream in 10 + 2 and go for bachelor’s degree in science after this. He / she must get Master’s degree in science or get master’s degree in ecology or specialization of this field. They can further go for higher qualifications like MPhil or PhD.
Different Courses in Ecology
Some of the specializations under this course are:
Forest ecologists – study of forest environment and its impact
Marine ecologists – study of aquatic ecosystems
Plant ecologist – study of plants
Restoration ecologist – work with projects dealing with reviving the environment
Urban ecologist – study ecosystems that include human living in cities
Wildlife ecologist – study of animals
Where do I get the Job?
Jobs are available in different fields and many sectors of the economy. Some of them are agriculture, nature conservation, forestry, pollution control, etc.
The job opportunities are available as researcher / scientist, wildlife manager, environmental consultant, etc. The jobs are available with government, NGO’s, different companies, universities, research institutes, forest departments, museums, etc.