Ecologist: who is this and what does it do?

Ecologists focus on the relationships of organisms within the environment. Given the wide scope of ecology, there are several subdisciplines on which the ecologist can focus, since all living things (plants, animals, microbes) depend on each other and on a healthy environment. This profession has become especially relevant in the modern world.

An environmental chemist or environmental technician are all varieties of the same profession, especially in demand today. Environmental problems have become an integral part of our lives, which is why the need for an increase in the number of specialists in this category has grown.

The job description of the ecologist will depend on what he specializes in. For example, some specialize in restoring unhealthy ecosystems. There are aquatic ecologists who study the relationships of organisms in various aquatic environments.

All the duties of a person in this profession related to ecology are clearly spelled out. The demand for the described specialty is due to the poor environmental situation not only in our country, but throughout the world. After all, a person systematically destroys entire species of plants and animals, and causes irreparable harm to nature.

The main responsibilities of the ecologist are not limited to the list provided below.

1. Field research to maintain and develop agricultural production with a neutral or positive impact on the quality of the environment of pasture agroecosystems.
2. Calibration and use of tools to study environmental processes and mechanisms for responding to adaptive management, seasonal weather variability, extreme events, and predicted climate variability.
3. Providing the necessary support to the research team through data collection, research and monitoring using highly specialized and sophisticated equipment, mainly related to water balance.
4. Relationship study between human activities and the environment.
5. Researching according to the damage done.
6. Writing Technical Reportsdetailing the methods used, interpretation of the results.

For example, environmental technician must implement special technologies designed to ensure non-waste or low-waste production. In its turn, environmental chemist monitors processes which lead to a change in the state of the environment determines the source of pollution.

The described profession has advantages and disadvantages. From the pros, the following points can be distinguished:

• positive impact on the environment;
• demand;
• you can get settled without experience;
• good salary;
• the possibility of employment abroad.

Minuses:

• sometimes you have to work in extreme conditions;
• health hazard when working with chemicals.

Company Responsibilities come down to tracking the environmental impact of the company’s activities. Environmentalists work both stationary and constantly traveling to conduct research. Ecologists, as well as representatives of other professions, have their own job description, which makes the employee responsible for the consequences of his defects.

Ecologists work in a variety of public and private institutions, can hold a variety of positions - from a technical worker in the laboratory to an environmental policy consultant. The public sector provides great opportunities for the conservation and improvement of natural sites, advising on legislation.

Private sector sectors in which environmentalists work (usually as freelance consultants) include:

• mining and oil;
• food production;
• waste collection and disposal;
• water use and water supply;
• civil engineering (construction of roads and infrastructure);
• tourism.

Environmental NGOs also work with environmentalists. Some of them own and manage nature reserves, others run awareness-raising campaigns on environmental issues..

Environmentalists can work in research departments of universities and organizations, funded by the state. Such employees usually complete graduate school and additionally give lectures, as well as conduct their own research.

Finally, some environmentalists work in the media industry as journalists, authors of books on environmental issues, editors of scientific journals or public relations officers. This industry is particularly competitive, and candidates often require a journalistic degree in addition to their academic qualifications.

Most environmentalists are scientists with work experience. in chemistry, ecology, geology, biology, climatology, statistics and in many cases economics. The depth of knowledge in each area determines the scope in which the specialist works.

All novice environmentalists should get field experience. A good ecologist must clearly know his responsibilities and fulfill the tasks assigned to him.

Responsibilities may include:

• classification of fauna and flora;
• monitoring of air, water and soil quality;
• conducting field research using various specialized methods, including geographic information systems (GIS) and satellite imagery;
• analysis of collected data using industry standard technologies;
• preparation of written reports;
• providing advice on how the natural habitat may be affected by construction, agricultural or mining plans (environmental impact assessment);
• providing scientific evidence in favor of new legislation;
• campaigns to protect endangered species of animals and plants;
• management of natural sites (reserves, parks, botanical gardens) and legally protected sites (national parks and territories of exceptional natural beauty);
• liaising with other scholars, politicians and the press;
• educate the general public on the importance of ecosystem conservation.

The qualities that are common to most environmentalists in the world are creative nature and the ability to solve problems in the shortest possible time. An ecologist must possess personality traits such as:

• passion for nature;
• interest in field work;
• analytic mind;
• computer literacy;
• learning ability;
• curiosity;
• excellent oral and written communication skills;
• accuracy and attention to detail;
• initiative;
• patience;
• ability to adapt to difficult conditions.

An ecologist needs to know a lot and be able, for example:

• know modern environmental legislation, regulations and standards;
• have knowledge in such fields as chemistry, biology, zoology, physics;
• understand the natural processes of nature;
• have taxonomic knowledge;
• know the procedure in accordance with which the environmental impact assessment is carried out;
• Be familiar with the features of monitoring and computer modeling;
• constantly improve, get acquainted with the experience of foreign ecologists;
• be able to draw up the necessary documentation, fill out reports;
• speak one or several foreign languages.

Deep love for the environment - one of the desired qualities in a person who claims to be an ecologist. On a trial period, the ecologist provides his services to the organization for a small fee. In the process of its work, the management evaluates the information received, the studies being carried out, and then makes its decision on the employee's qualification level. Then a decision is made regarding the level of wages.

Many state and federal agencies hire environmental technicians to collect data from urban landfills or even from the bottom of a lake or ocean. A novice ecologist often specializes in maintaining cleanliness in a specified area, research on the interaction of man and nature.

After years of working outdoors, an employee is promoted. As part of his duties, there may be a large object, for example, a whole forest or a reservoir.One of the main duties of an ecologist is the ability to monitor animals, note changes in their behavior, and collect research materials.

To become an ecologist, you will need to learn a lot. To enter a university in Russia, you need to take such exam items as Biology, Chemistry. You can start training from college. You can go there after grade 9. The course studies a lot of subjects, including ecology, chemistry, botany. Already in the process of his activity, the ecologist takes advanced training courses.

In the past, environmentalists conducted field research, collected data, and prepared reports. All of their work was under control, many of them were involved in specific tasks. Most of the time I had to spend in the office, so such work was paid low. On average, environmentalists in Russia received up to 15,000 rubles. Today the situation has changed. The need for qualified personnel has increased, and with it, wages.

To work as an environmentalist in a public institution, you will need at least a bachelor's degree in one of the following disciplines:

• "Ecology";
• "Earth science";
• "Botany";
• “Marine science”;
• "Biology";
• "Environmental Management";
• "Geography".

Small companies are arranged by environmentalists without experience. You can increase the prospect of employment if postgraduate education. For employment, you must have a driver’s license, because you often have to travel to an area that is inaccessible to public transport. The applicant should be prepared to spend a lot of time working away from home, as field work involves constant travel.

Place of work will depend on specialization: a person can work at sea on a ship, in the desert, in the mountains, in the city, and so on. Often you have to be in harsh conditions, so the applicant needs to be healthy and hardy.

You can always join one of numerous local and national environmental organizations. You can create your own consulting department with other freelance ecologists or your company, and lead a team of scientists.