Ecology: Career for Environmentalists

Ecology is the scientific study of the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings as well as study of the interactions of the human beings with their environment. It includes scientific study of the effect of climatic factors such as rainfall and drought on the environment, effect of pollution and temperature shifts on the natural ecosystem, adverse effects of industrialization and other human activities on the natural environment etc. Ecological studies include subjects such as the impact of buildings and farming practices on the ecosystems. That is, the major objective of an ecologist is to work for the protection of the natural ecosystem to prevent the environmental degradation caused by human activities and other causative agents.

Job nature of an ecologist includes both field work and laboratory work. Ecology professionals collect all significant data from the fields and research and analyze them in the laboratories. So ecology as a career is most suited for the candidates who are nature-loving and are having a curious mind and strong analytical ability. Ecology is a good career choice for the people who are coming from the academic backgrounds such as environmental science, agriculture, forestry, environment conservation, and pollution control.

Career opportunities are available for ecologists in agriculture and environment research organizations, nature conservation agencies, national parks and similar organizations. Not-for-profit environmental groups; large corporations and the government agencies also employ ecologists in various positions. Teaching positions are also available in academic institutions. Major career profiles available in this field are as professional ecologists, ecology scientists, teachers and professors, research officers etc. Minimum a master’s degree in ecology is required to start a good career in ecology.

Many leading universities offer bachelor and master level courses in ecology. Masters programmes offered by them include M.Sc in ecology and environmental management, M.Sc in ecology and M.Sc. in environmental economics and environmental management.