If your desire is to be working as an Ecologist, or Wildlife Ecologist, it is important to know the nature of the work you will be doing. An ecologist spends quality scientific time in the field, conducting investigations, classifying plants, animals and other organisms, and recording the data accumulated.
After conducting surveys, you will spend time in your laboratory or office analyzing, evaluating and deciphering the data that you collected.
Within the realm of fish and game warden careers, ecologists often work for government agencies, environmental groups, conservation charities and research institutes.
Education of Wildlife Ecologists
In order to become an ecologist, or wildlife ecologist, you will need an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a relevant subject, such as ecology, biology, zoology, marine biology, geography, botanical sciences, or environmental management.
An advanced postgraduate degree can improve your chances of landing a solid job as an ecologist.
Ecologists perform such important tasks as the following:
- conducting field research
- consulting with governmental groups on issues such as environmental management
- examining animals and observing important characteristics such as life history patterns, population numbers, behavior, diet, and habitat use
- monitoring animal populations
- analyzing laboratory data
- conducting meticulous scientific processes to collect soil, plant, water, and animal samples
- protecting ecosystems and native wildlife
- preparing written reports
- supervising the work of technicians and technologists
Ecologists will often specialize in areas such as marine biology, botany, microbiology, zoology, soil science or toxicology.
An ecologist, or wildlife ecologist, can conduct research into any of the following fascinating areas:
- the effects of pollutants released into the atmosphere on wildlife and vegetation
- mining
- expansion of biological control policies to fight weeds and pest insects
- management of wildlife, fish, and forestry resources
- dam construction
The ecologist presents data in a concise and easily digestible manner. Part of your role might also involve educating local communities about environmental issues and ecosystems in their area.
As an ecologist, your work schedule may fluctuate depending on the nature of the work being performed. An example of your schedule fluctuating is that if you are working out in the field, your schedule might be determined by the seasons and the specific ecosystems that you are investigating. However, if you find yourself working in a laboratory or an office, you may enjoy a much more predictable daytime working schedule. Ecologists often spend much time working outdoors in sometimes unpredictable weather.
It is satisfying to know that the reports written by an ecologist can affect environmental policy and offer expert advice to engineers, architects, town planners and members of the public. An ecologist can have a profound effect on important issues.
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Online Game Warden Programs and Education
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Choose an area of study & concentration and receive free information about programs you are interested in. Federal and state game wardens are law enforcement officers and wildlife conservation specialists, so having a degree in an area like environmental science or wildlife management is just as important as experience in law enforcement.