Ecologist
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours but may work weekends or evenings
- Usually work in offices and outdoors and may travel locally and nationally
- May work in all weather conditions
- Need to be practical, logical and identify and solve problems
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Identify sustainable practices
- Monitor how human activity affects nature
- Develop sustainable industrial and development methods
- Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives
- Prepare environmental reports
- Share research findings
- Advise people about environmental management and conservation
- Review scientific articles
- Develop scientific databases
Outlook
Ecology is becoming increasingly important as New Zealand responds to biodiversity loss, climate change, freshwater pressures and biosecurity risks. Conservation, environmental restoration and infrastructure projects all require ecological knowledge. Technology such as remote sensing, environmental DNA and data mapping is expanding how ecosystems are monitored. Globally, nature-positive planning and climate adaptation are increasing attention on biodiversity, although work can depend on project funding and policy priorities.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Careful observation and a genuine interest in ecosystems
- Strong scientific thinking and accurate data collection
- Ability to analyse information and write clear reports
- Knowledge of native species, habitats and environmental issues
- Confidence using mapping, data or field-monitoring technology
- Teamwork and respectful engagement with mana whenua and communities
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
Further study options
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.