Ecologist
Study the environment and make an impact on the future of our world
Job opportunities
-
Jobs in SEEK right now
Job growth
-
5-year projection
Salary
-
Typical salary
Job satisfaction
-
Job opportunities
-
Jobs in SEEK right now
Salary
-
Typical salary
Job growth
-
5-year projection
Job satisfaction
-
What's it like to be an Ecologist?
Ecologists study relationships between plants, animals and humans and their environment. They analyse the environmental impact of actions and planned actions and provide guidance in matters of conservation and land management. An interest in science and the environment and the ability to analyse data are key to the role of an Ecologist. They split their time between laboratory work and fieldwork and may travel extensively, working irregular hours when required. They work for conservation organisations, non-profit organisations, government departments and companies in the agriculture and scientific and technical services industries.
Tasks and duties
- Conducting site assessments and collecting and analysing data to determine environmental conditions, damages or requirements.
- Developing and recommending environmental conditions and actions to landowners.
- Planning and overseeing environmental restoration projects, including supervising and training employees working in the field.
- Creating diagrams using geographic information systems (GIS) and computer-aided design (CAD) programs.
- Developing budgets and schedules of environmental restoration projects.
- Applying for permits for environmental projects.
- Presenting findings of studies and proposals to clients and stakeholders.
- Creating plans for habitat restoration and management.
How to become an Ecologist
A bachelor degree majoring in science is usually required to become an Ecologist. Common major subjects include biology, marine biology, zoology and environmental science. When choosing your subjects, consider which area of science you would like to specialise in as your career progresses.
- Complete a bachelor degree majoring in biology or a related field. This is a three-year course of full-time study. Prerequisites include completion of Australian Year 12 (or equivalent). Required units or assumed knowledge include mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics and English.
- Consider completing postgraduate study such as the Master of Science (Ecosystem Science). This is usually a two-year course of full-time study.
- Consider joining a professional association such as the Ecological Society of Australia (ESA). You may be eligible to join while studying.
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Ecologists.
Latest Ecologist jobs on SEEK
Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Ecologist jobs on SEEK right now.
Did you find this helpful?
Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Ecologist employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas.
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
Did you find this helpful?
Latest Ecologist reviews
May 2021
Reviewer's Qualification
Bachelor of Science
Experience
10+ years
Organisation size
Medium (20-199 employees)
Specialisation
Ecological consultancy
The good things
being outdoors with the challenge of assessing the environment and any potential impacts from potential development. Ensuring clients recognise the fundamental environmental values of sites they wish...
The challenges
Hours, unrealistic time demands, a lack of purpose as most sites get developed regardless.
Read more
Nov 2023
Reviewer's Qualification
Bachelor of Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) (Honours)
Experience
Less than a year
Organisation size
Medium (20-199 employees)
The good things
The role of a junior ecologist is a great way of getting familiar with the responsibilities and work expected. It helps you break into the process of collecting field dara, analysing the data and repo...
The challenges
Some jobs can be tedious and repetitive, particularly during the months where there is less field work to be completed.
Read more
Source: SEEK role reviews
SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through seek.com.au
Explore similar careers
Subscribe to Career Advice
Get expert career advice delivered to your inbox.
You can cancel emails at any time. By clicking ‘subscribe’ you agree to SEEK’s Privacy Statement.