• the effects of dam construction, mining, logging and recreational use on natural habitats,
• the management of fish, wildlife and forestry resources,
• the design of reserves and recovery plans for threatened species of plants and animals,
• the development of biological control strategies to combat pest insects and weeds,
• the reclamation of old mining land into habitat suitable for wildlife,
• the effects of pollutants discharged into the air by factories or vehicles on natural vegetation and wildlife,
• the effects of chemicals released into rivers and lakes on plant and aquatic animals,
• the accumulation of contaminants by ocean fish and mammals,
• how habitats change after a fire, and
• the fundamental underlying questions such as what determines population sizes or diet choices, or how nitrogen flows through an ecosystem.

In general, ecologists

• conduct field research which involves following rigorous scientific procedures to collect water, soil, plant or animal samples, and count and identify organisms,
• study animals over long periods of time, noting characteristics such as population numbers, life history patterns, behaviour, diet and habitat use,
• study and dissect plant and animal specimens in greenhouses and laboratories,
• analyze field and laboratory data,
• use computer simulations to model problems and evaluate possible solutions,
• prepare written reports and recommendations, and
• supervise the work of technologists and technicians.

Those working in university and college settings also teach classes and supervise student research.

Ecologists usually specialize in particular aspects of ecology such as microbial, plant, animal, community, landscape, population, ecosystem or behavioural ecology. For information about related fields, see the profiles Botanist, Environmental Engineer, Entomologist, Forester, Hydrologist, Marine Biologist, Microbiologist, Park Warden/Park Ranger, Soil Scientist and Wildlife, Habitat and Fisheries Biologist.

• the ability to learn quickly, think logically and persist in the search for answers to complex questions,
• a interest in nature,
• the ability to remain objective,
• the ability to communicate well both in person and in writing, and
• the ability to work either independently and as part of a team.

Some types of field work require considerable physical stamina.

Ecologists should enjoy synthesizing information to develop innovative approaches to problems, using instruments and equipment to perform tasks requiring precision, and supervising research projects.

Most research jobs in ecology require a graduate degree: usually a master's degree (M.Sc.), but sometimes a doctoral degree (Ph.D.), in the biological sciences. In Alberta, the following post-secondary institutions offer related graduate degree programs.

• The University of Alberta in Edmonton offers M.Sc. and Ph.D. degree programs in Biology with specializations in environmental biology, plant biology, invertebrate biology, and evolution and systematics. Some specializations require an overall Grade Point Average (G.P.A.) of at least 5.5/9 or equivalent standing in the last two years of the applicant's previous degree program. Other specializations require a G.P.A. of at least 7.0/9 or equivalent.
• The University of Calgary offers M.Sc. and Ph.D. degree programs in Biological Sciences with specializations in biochemistry and molecular biology; botany; cellular, molecular and microbial biology; ecology; and zoology. Applicants must have a G.P.A. of at least 3.2/4 in the last two years of their previous degree program, be proficient in the English language and submit a statement of their research interests.
• The University of Lethbridge offers an M.Sc. degree program in Biological Science. Applicants must have a G.P.A. of at least 3.0/4 on the last 20 graded university level semester courses in their previous degree.

Transfer programs and bachelor's degree programs in the biological sciences are offered by post-secondary institutions throughout the province. Admission requirements vary, but generally include a high school diploma with an average of at least 60% (70% for some programs) in five specified Grade 12 subjects (e.g. English 30, Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Physics 30, Math 30 or Math 31). When deciding which program to attend, students are advised to contact the post-secondary institutions listed above to discuss their education plans. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the transfer courses they choose to take will be accepted for credit at the institution to which they wish to transfer.

• provincial and federal governments,
• universities and colleges,
• research institutions,
• conservation organizations,
• environmental consulting firms, and
• large private corporations such as manufacturers of agricultural products, forestry companies, paper manufacturers, and oil and gas companies.

Corporations employ ecologists to help them safeguard supplies of raw materials, make sure that their operations comply with government regulations, and monitor processes and products.

Related summer work experience or volunteer experience is a definite asset for university graduates looking for work. Entry-level positions are often short-term, contract positions.

Those who have bachelor's degrees may be hired for non-research positions which require conducting laboratory tests or inspections, or collecting routine field data. However, advancement opportunities are limited for ecologists who have only a bachelor's degree. A doctoral degree is usually required for university and independent research positions, and may be required for advancement to senior management positions.

Ecologists are part of the larger "Biologists and Related Scientists" occupational group. In Alberta, employment in this group is primarily (50% to 75%) in the following industry sectors:

• Education,
• Business Services, and
• Health and Social Services.

Employment prospects for this occupational group will be influenced by a wide variety of factors, including

• the number of people in the occupation,
• the occupational growth rate, and
• trends and events in related industry sectors (see above).

1999 employment statistics and projections for Alberta indicate that

• there is a moderate number of people (1,000 to 5,000) employed in the "Biologists and Related Scientists" occupational group, and
• this occupational group is expected to grow at a well below average rate (less than 1.9% a year) compared to other occupations in the province through 2005. (The average overall growth rate for all occupations is expected to be higher for Alberta than for Canada as a whole.)

The occupational growth projection does not include positions that will become available when employees leave, and is based on a broad occupational group. The occupational growth rate specifically for ecologists may be different from the growth rate for the "Biologists and Related Scientists" group as a whole.

Specialists concerned with conservation biology, toxic waste, air quality and water quality are expected to be in greatest demand.

According to the 1999 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey , most Albertans in the "Biologists and Related Scientists" occupational group earned from $25,900 to $95,800 per year.

Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, CALGARY, Alberta, T2N 1N4.
Website address: www.ucalgary.ca/UofC/faculties/SC/BI/