An ecologist is the professional that study and examines the relationship between various components (living and non-living) of the environment and effects of the actions of one, on the function of the other like rainfall, pollution and temperature shifts etc. Although nature was supposed to be self-sustaining by maintaining the ecological balance itself and need for any kind of study or examination was never felt some fifty years ago thereby diminishing the need of ecologists. But due to rapid industrialization and increase in the population on the earth, this ecological balance appears to be shattering thus the need of care and requirement of ecologists.
An ecologist is the professionals responsible to look at the impact of housing, recreational facilities and farming methods and urbanization on the environment. They try to rectify imbalances caused to the environment by human beings. Ecologists are also involved with conservation programmes and providing scientific expertise in support of management decisions. In all the above, intelligent interpretation and application of biological principles are required. Although it demands a lot of hard work and effort at the same time, it offers enormous scope for the building of one’s career. But on the other hand, this profession is such a profession which demands high perfection, hard work and high level of patience.
Ecologist Eligibility
Educational Qualification
The minimum educational qualification for joining a course to become an Ecologist is the 12th class or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as subjects.
Ecologist Required Skills
- Ecologists should have good interpretation skills, be confident in accepting challenges and an ability to understand things as they come before him.
- They have to look into every minute details of the facts to conclude as precisely as possible. So to acquire these kinds of traits one can go for course specially designed for the professional who has decided to choose Ecology as a career.
- They possess the ability to identify different species as appropriate to the role; competence in understanding and using statistics and other ecological data.
- They also possess good written communication and presentation skills; enthusiasm about and fascination for animals and plants.
How to become an Ecologist?
To become an Ecologist one has to follow the given steps:
Step 1
After clearing 12 class or equivalent examination with physics, chemistry and biology with a minimum of 50% marks in the aggregate in the subjects concerned the aspiring candidates have to get admission in B.Sc. Medical (preferably ecology the branch of Biology as specialized subjects). Candidates may have to clear entrance exams for getting admission to this courses in reputed institutes.
Step 2
After getting a Bachelor's degree one can go for M.Sc. Ecology or related subjects. Selection to the postgraduate courses (M.Sc.) in different universities is through entrance test conducted by the respective universities.
Step 3
After getting master degree candidates can look for a job in the related field or go for More advanced courses such as PhD (Ecology) and Post-Doctoral Research in Ecology can also be pursued.
Institutes offering Courses for Ecologist
- Indian Institute of Ecology and Environment, New Delhi
- Sikkim Manipal University, East Sikkim
Ecologist Job Description
Ecologists work with scientific and mathematical models to analyze and interpret correlations between actions taken by the living components and their effects on the environment. Professional ecologist can make a difference in how the general population treats the environment with their rigorous scientific research and presentation of their ideas in well-written reports and articles which educate others.
Ecologist Career Prospects
In the present scenario, there is a great demand for ecologists in so many fields related to the environment and their demand is bound to increase in near future. Ecologists can be of service in a wide variety of fields like agriculture, forestry, nature conservation, pollution control, regional development and environmental education to name a few of them. One may be employed by the Department of Agriculture and the various Agricultural Research Institutes, the Department of Environmental Affairs, the provincial departments of Nature Conservation and the National Parks Board. Private organisations, with a special interest in nature conservation, may also employ ecologists. Ecologists with the necessary experience and who are professionally registered can practise as private consultants.
Ecologist Salary
Ecologist salary depends largely upon their academic qualification, institute or university from which the degree is attained and the level of work experience they have achieved. To start with the fresh Graduates from the prestigious institutes can get anything between Rs.3,00,000 to Rs.4,00,000 as annual income in the corporate sector with rapid growth with a little experience.
