An ecologist is a scientist who studies large systems and their interactions with other systems. Ecologists usually spend between 2 and 4 weeks a year in field research. Most of their work is done in laboratory and office environments. Written communications skills are important for scientists entering this field. The minimum training is a 4 year science degree and many jobs in this field require a master’s degree in ecological science or a related field such as geology, chemistry or biology. A large part of the job involves studying information obtained in the field and analyzing it to form theories. Ecologists may work for non-profit agencies, government agencies or private industry.
About Ecologist Sample Resumes
It is possible to find free sample resumes on the Internet which can be used for visual guidance when writing your own resume. These samples will help you determine the information that needs to be provided to a prospective employer. For those just entering this field, education is the single most important area. Names and addresses of all educational institutions you attended need to be listed. Sample resumes can give ideas on the best ways to highlight these details along with the relevant strengths.
How to Write an Ecologist Resume
Always begin the resume with contact details and move on to the summary. The summary should clearly list the applicant’s skills and attributes in a manner that is directly relevant to the applied for position. The next step is to list any relevant work experience (including internships) and the responsibilities associated with each position. These responsibilities should be relevant to the position being applied for and demonstrate that the applicant has what it takes to perform the role well.
The next section should be education which is quite important for an ecologist. Individuals engaged in continuing education programs should make note of the programs they are attending. Credits for any published studies should also be included in the resume. Those who have been involved in teaching or education seminars should note this information on their resume. Field experience obtained during the educational process is a plus. After education, applicants should include certificates/licenses held, memberships and any additional skills such as language or computer skills.
Ecologist Job Description
Since ecologists are primarily scientists, most of the work is analytical and is performed in laboratories and office environments. Some field work is required and this varies from about 2 weeks to about 3 months in a year. As with many scientific disciplines, the ability to present theories in a cogent and compelling way is necessary. Presenting scientific data, conclusions and recommendations is the most important part of the job. Since the advice of ecologists is often ignored, the job has some frustrations.
Ecologist Salaries
In the U.S., an entry level ecologist can expect a salary of just under $30,000 per year. The average yearly salary for ecologists is $ 47,600 and the maximum salary is about $78,000. Ecologists working for non profits have lower average salaries than those who work for private companies. Geographical location and the type of systems studied also play a role in determining an ecologist’s salary especially in non profit or government jobs. Experienced ecologists who have published work earn higher salaries than those with no publishing credits.
The demand for trained ecologists is expected to grow over the next decade. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that jobs in ecology are recession proof when compared to other professions. Although the education requirements are greater than those for many other fields, this is a career with great job stability.
