Two ducks on a rock in the water on Isle Royale

What is Ecology?

Ecology is the study of interactions between organisms and their environment. Biodiversity and ecosystem services are essential for the well-being of humans, living, and nonliving organisms. The study of relationships between these can help us solve problems and gain understanding about energy, nutrition, species abundance, human interaction, pests and diseases, natural disasters, and many other patterns. This data is applied to world solutions like saving endangered species or combating climate change.

Applied ecology focuses on the practical application of ecological principles and knowledge to inform management decisions and conservation practices. These studies can help guide resource management decisions in forests and agriculture, help restore biodiversity along streams and wetlands, mitigate pollution in urban landscapes, sustainably develop new materials for buildings, inform policies, and more.

An understanding of ecological patterns, processes, and sustainability is at the core of a career in environmental science. Solving complex environmental problems like population impacts, climate change, land use degradation, and altered nutrient cycles comes from a knowledge of fundamental science in ecosystem processes.

What Do Ecologists Do?

Applied ecologists study interactions between organisms and their environment, then use this data to make land management decisions, conserve habitats, restore natural areas, sustainably manage natural resources, control pollution, and more.

Ecologists have a variety of jobs from conservation and restoration, to environmental management and policy making, to ecological engineering and land-use planning. These management decisions can be on a local level or expand to the biosphere.

Plant and Wetland Ecology

Study biotic and abiotic interactions to understand ecosystem processes and patterns. Analyze nutrients in soil and water to determine the health and abundance of aquatic organisms and surrounding trees. Restore wetlands and coastlines with native grasses and protect wildlife. Plant and animal species living in transitional areas between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are indicators for much larger, global climate challenges. Knowledge gained here can help to mitigate climate change impacts on local and larger scales.

Communicating Natural Resources

Understand, analyze, communicate, and manage ecosystems in a scientific and sustainable way to benefit the coexisting relationships that humans have with the natural environment. By communicating ecological information, ecologists help other natural resource professionals, landowners, and the public to understand the benefits of sustainably managing our forests. Advocacy and policy change can play a major role in land management decisions that can help prevent a further climate crisis. Understanding how to communicate natural resources and ecological services is the first place to start.

Biotechnology

Use and develop technologies to monitor, restore, conserve, and manage the environment. Produce energy from organic waste, exterminate pollutants in water or soil, examine productivity of natural resources and create new ways to sustainably harvest them. Explore genetics by using DNA sequencing to understand evolutionary relationships of species within ecosystems, explore biological control mechanisms to stop the spread of invasive species, and assess genetic health and viability in endangered species. Use natural environmental patterns to create solutions for tomorrow.

What Careers are There in Ecology?

Ecologists play a crucial role in conserving Earth's ecosystems. They understand ecosystem dynamics, unraveling the complex web of relationships that contribute to biodiversity. This understanding is essential for predicting how ecosystems will respond to environmental changes and human activities.

Ecologists use this knowledge to conserve and manage forests and other ecosystems, developing strategies to protect and restore areas. They create solutions for mitigating and adapting to climate change based on the impacts of species and distribution, and help control pollution and increase environmental health by studying the ecological impacts of pollutants such as pesticides and plastic waste.

Between soil, hydrology, pests and diseases, climate change, invasive species, and natural disasters, the opportunities of an ecologist are endless.

  • Field Ecologist
  • Research Technician
  • Environmental Analyst
  • Field Naturalist
  • Research scientist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Invasive Plant Technician
  • Entomologist
  • Mycologist
  • Hydrologist
  • Soil Scientist
  • Conservation Biologist
  • Water Resource manager
  • Climate Change Analyst
  • Ecological Restoration Specialist

What Skills Do Ecologists Need?

Professionals in ecology are well rounded when it comes to their depth of knowledge for natural resources and environmental science. The foundational skills needed include biology, chemistry, statistics and other mathematics, and conservation; however, social skills such as ethics, social responsibility, and communication are combined to form the backbone necessary for understanding and managing natural resources. Being adaptive and able to solve problems are vital for managing all the moving parts of an ecosystem. Knowledge and passion in conservation and sustainable practices helps maintain a balance of human and environmental needs.

Skills needed include:

  • In-depth knowledge for ecology and sustainable ecosystem management
  • Hands-on field skills related to the management of natural resources
  • Data collection and analysis and the capacity to draw conclusions from data
  • Spreadsheet and other software skills for data analysis and management
  • Ability to provide alternative solutions to challenges
  • Effective communication among team members, collaborators, and the public
  • Persistence in research and development processes
  • Active participation and engagement in projects and initiatives
  • A deep commitment to sustainable practices and conservation

Combine skills from out in the field and in the lab with technology to assess environmental data and inform decisions that lead to positive changes in our environment. Our world needs ecology professionals with a mindset geared toward a changing climate, ecosystem management, and sustainability.

What Tasks Do Ecologists Do?

Between forests, water, soil, pests and diseases, human impacts, and more, there are endless opportunities when it comes to the day-to-day tasks of an applied ecologist.

Fieldwork

A large portion of ecologists time is spent in the field.

  • Conduct surveys on vegetation, wildlife, or aquatic organisms to collect data on species abundance, distribution, and health.
  • Monitor ecosystems by measuring variables such as water quality, soil health, or atmospheric conditions.
  • Collect samples of soil, water, plants, or animals for laboratory analysis.
  • Assess habitats to evaluate the quality and suitability for various species.

Data Analysis

  • Analyze collected data from field surveys using statistical software.
  • Develop models to predict ecological outcomes and assess the impact of management decisions.

Research and Experimentation

  • Design experiments to test ecological hypotheses and assess the effects of environmental changes.
  • Stay up-to-date on scientific research.

Collaboration and Communication

  • Document projects and their data and prepare reports.
  • Collaborate with other scientists and stakeholders on projects and initiatives.
  • Engage with the public to educate and promote awareness and understanding of ecological issues.

Environmental Management

  • Develop management plans for the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources.
  • Design and implement ecological restoration projects to rehabilitate degraded ecosystems.

Policy and Advocacy

Provide real-world data and expertise to lawmakers to help create and maintain environmental policies.

How Much Do Ecologists Earn?

The salary of an ecologist can vary widely depending on factors such as their level of education, experience, geographic location, type of employer (government agency, non-profit organization, consulting firm, etc.), and specific field of expertise within ecology (e.g., conservation biology, wildlife ecology, marine ecology, etc.). According to Payscale,Entry Level ecologists (bachelor's degree) earn $44,768 per year while Senior Ecologists (PhD or many years experience) earn $71,760 per year.

  • $44,768
    average entry-level ecologist salary according to payscale.com
  • $55,104
    average mean annual ecologist salary according to payscale.com
  • $78,000
    top 10 percent salary of ecologists according to payscale.com

Figures from payscale.com, accessed June 2024.

Pursuing an Ecology Degree

There are several paths students can take to start a professional career in ecology. Most entry-level positions require at least a bachelor's degree. The following tips can be helpful to those who wish to pursue a degree in an ecology field.

Tips for High School Students

High school students who are considering a career in the ecology field should consider the following:

  • Focus on math and biology classes—statistics is particularly useful due to the amount of sampling that ecologists do. Courses related to environmental science or conservation will be helpful, as well.
  • Research several applied ecology and other land management degrees such as forestry, wildlife ecology and conservation, or others to see which one is the best fit.
  • Talk with teachers, school advisors, friends, and classmates about the options to gain more perspectives and ideas on how to become a natural resource professional.
  • Do a job shadow or "ride along," if possible. There are a natural resource professionals in most areas that could be contacted regarding a job shadow. Research local agencies and companies such as the DNR, Forest Service, or small private companies and don't be afraid to reach out and ask what kind of opportunities are available. 

Choosing a College/University for Ecology

Selecting a school to study an ecology field can be a difficult decision, but these tips can help:

  • Research colleges and universities that offer ecology degree programs, paying special attention to the kinds of ecology offered. "Applied Ecology" is generally more hands on with more outdoor labs.
  • Look into similar degree programs such as forestry, wildlife ecology, or natural resource management
  • Visit schools of interest and ask lots of questions about the degree program(s), scholarships, financial aid opportunities, application requirements, and deadlines.
  • Consider the school's reputation location, and size; the total cost of attendance; and student housing options.
  • Consider the amount of time in the classroom versus in the field. Some schools offer a "camp" experiences that employers find extremely valuable when it comes to hiring.
  • Find out about campus life, academic support, career services, class sizes, and internship opportunities.
  • Apply to the schools that are the right fit when the time comes. Don't miss the application and other deadlines!

Tips for College Students

For current college students, these tips can help ensure success along the path toward an ecology career:

  • Work with academic advisors to choose the appropriate program and courses that will provide the appropriate knowledge and skills for a career in an ecology field.
  • Gain experience in ecology activities like student organizations, co-ops and internships, professional conferences, and research projects.
  • Form relationships with faculty members. These connections will help identify relevant ecology experiences and jobs, both during college and after graduation.
  • Network with professionals at conferences, on-campus career fairs, and more. Opportunities to form connections with professionals in the field are invaluable during the job search.
  • Keep an up-to-date resume and brush up on interviewing skills. Many institutions have a dedicated career center that can help.

The Future of Ecology

With our changing climate, ecology has a promising future. There has been an increased demand for environmental solutions—challenges like climate change, habitat degradation, pollution, and loss of biodiversity are at a critical point and there is a demand for ecologists to develop and implement solutions to mitigate these impacts. Advancements in technology are making it easier to access data, come up with innovative solutions, monitor ecosystems, and manage them more efficiently. Tools like drones, LiDAR, geographic information systems (GIS), and DNA analysis are allowing ecologists to do more than we have ever imagined. Agencies and companies are focusing their efforts toward sustainability and mitigating impacts on the environment, leading to an increase in collaboration and allowing us to integrate knowledge from other fields like data science, computing, and social sciences.

Adapting to climate change is inevitable. A changing climate is already here, and it is up to ecologists to not only mitigate negative impacts, but also to adapt to some of the challenges that come along with a changing climate. Ecologists will continue to develop strategies that help ecosystems and human communities adapt to these changes by developing conservation plans, restoring degraded landscapes, and utilizing carbon sequestration. As the world changes, ecologists have to keep up and are consistently helping influence policy that has to do with our natural resources. The public will continue to need to be educated about biodiversity, sustainability, and other ecological issues.

 

Diverse Ecosystem of Environmental Stewardship

If you have a love for the woods, and a desire to sustain resources for the future, you will feel at home in the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (CFRES). Our College is a community on a first-name basis, connected by a shared passion for study, research, and work centered on forest health and ecosystem integrity. Similar to Keweenaw’s biodiverse ecosystems, CFRES is a community of undergraduates, graduates, faculty, staff, and alumni who learn, lead, and thrive in the unique environment the college has to offer. You’ll notice flags from countries around the world when you step into the door of our atrium. We are a safe space for all who love natural resources, with a commitment to a sense of belonging

Ecology at Michigan Tech

At Michigan Tech, our ecologists are out in the field doing hands-on learning. Students in our Applied Ecology and Environmental Science program take two outdoor labs in their first semester—that's five hours of time outside each week and attend Integrated Field Practicum (or "camp") during the summer or fall of their third year at our research forest.

Students with hard hats kneeling in the woods at the Ford Center taking measurements.
Ecologists are paving the way for climate solutions. We monitor habitats using real world data and technology to solve challenges facing our forests today. Tomorrow needs people who want to unchange the climate. Tomorrow needs ecologists.

Tomorrow Needs Stewards for Ecology and the Environment

  • Take classes like soil science, hydrology, or forest genetics. With three concentrations to choose from, students are exposed to plant ecology and wetlands, biotechnology, or the communication needed to be an ecologist. Spend an entire semester outdoors at camp at the Ford Center and Forest.
  • Participate in research your very first year with our Earn and Learn Assistantship Program and continue throughout your academic career. Applied ecology and environmental science students participate in research projects related to the Wolves and Moose of Isle Royale, fungus that can stop the spread of invasive species, insects like the emerald ash borer, and more.
  • Join one of the College's student organizations to get more involved, network with other ecology professionals, attend national conferences, or make new friends with similar interests. Make friends with your professors as they teach and mentor you about skills you will take with you for the rest of your life. We're a community on a first-name basis. The College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science strives to make sure every ecologist feels like they belong. Come play in the woods with us!

3,650 Acres of Research Forest

Michigan Tech’s Ford Center is home to our 3,650-acre forest. Located just over 40 miles from campus, students in their third year get to live, learn, and play in the woods for a whole semester. Learn how to navigate among the trees, count board feet, identify forest pests and diseases, and explore ways to mitigate them. Take a swim in the Sturgeon River while taking water samples, quantify woody and herbaceous plants, design maps, and learn to mark timber.  Spend a couple of hours in the classroom, and the rest of the day outdoors. Work closely with your peers and professors to create management plans that best suit the environment for the changing climate.

Integrated Field Practicum at the Ford Center

The Integrated Field Practicum (IFP) is the cornerstone of natural resource management at Michigan Tech, and stands out among the rest as the only off-campus, semester-long field practicum in the United States. Offered in the Fall and Summer.