Ecologist

Aliases: Environmental Biologist

Industry/Sector(s): Life Sciences

JOB DESCRIPTION ¹

The tasks an Ecologist is expected to perform include:

Studying effects of environmental influence on growth, development, distribution, etc. of plant and animal life
Undertaking field trips to study plants or animals in their natural habitat
Observing environmental influence such as temperature, rainfall, altitude, etc. and their effect on plant or animal growth and development
Classifying drought resistant areas, type of fodder and pastures suitable for those areas
Propagating or introducing special varieties of plant, grass, weed, etc. to suit local climatic conditions
Running experimental farms or laboratories under natural and artificial conditions
Watching effect of climatic condition on crops, plants and animals
Studying geographical distribution of different species and genera of Indian flora
Studying role of plants as indication of special kind of soils and chemicals
Conducting research on suitable plants from different parts of India or from similar climates outside India for regeneration of swamps and deserts

WORK ENVIRONMENT ^{1, 2}

It is not a desk job
Need to handle a team of Junior Ecologists
Local travelling may be a part of this job role
Part-time work and contractual jobs may be available
Work from home option is not available

Working hours

Organizations usually work for 5/6 days a week and 9/10 hours everyday. This may vary from organization to organization
Shift system may be available
Overtime may be involved

Is the job suitable for a candidate with special needs?

This may vary from organization to organization

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING ³

Preferably, M. Sc. in Ecology

KEY COMPETENCIES ¹

Knowledge of environmental policies and legislation
In-depth knowledge of environmental biology
Skilled in clinical and laboratory techniques
Knowledge of flora and fauna of India
Knowledge of current developments and technologies
Knowledge of different vegetation and habitats
Knowledge of scientific methods for conducting wildlife and vegetation/habitat surveys
Familiar with taxonomic methods
Knowledge of techniques and instruments used in botany
Basic knowledge of remote sensing
In-depth knowledge of plant biochemistry, plant physiology, plant molecular biology and plant genetic engineering

DESIRABLE COMPETENCIES ¹

Ability to work independently
Patient
Good communication skills
Analytical skills

AVAILABLE SKILL TRAINING AND LEARNING INSTITUTES

Assam University
www.aus.ac.in/
Pondicherry University
www.pondiuni.edu.in/
The Indian Institute of Ecology and Environment
www.ecology.edu/
The Eastern Institute for Integrated Learning

AVAILABLE SKILL TRAINING SCHEMES/SCHOLARSHIPS

SAMPLE OF TRAINING AND LEARNING COURSES

CAREER PROGRESSION PATH ⁴

Head of the Department

        ↑
Senior Ecologist

        ↑
Ecologist → Teacher/Professor

        ↑
Junior Ecologist

        ↑
   Intern

The progression is indicative

EXPECTED EARNINGS ³

For new entrants - Rs 16,500 to Rs 20,800 per month

These figures are indicative and subject to change

REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE ³

Some organizations hire new entrants too

PROBABLE EMPLOYERS ³

Research organizations
Forest departments
Agricultural research departments
Department of Environmental Affairs

KEYWORDS

Environmental Biologist
Plant Ecologist
Animal Ecologist

OCCUPATIONAL CODES AND STANDARDS

Standard	Code	Description
NCO 2015	2133.0100	Ecologist
ISCO 2008	2133	Environmental Protection Professionals
NIC 2008	72100	Research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering
QP Reference	Not available	Not available
NSQF	Not available	Not available

REFERENCES

1	National Classification of Occupations Division 2
2	http://socialjustice.nic.in/
3	http://www.freejobalert.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Notification-Maharashtra-Forest-Dept-Social-Mobilizer-Ecologist-and-Other-Posts.pdf
4	http://www.indiastudychannel.com/courses/1833-M-Sc-Botany-Courses-in-India.aspx
5	http://career.webindia123.com/career/options/basic_environmental_science/ecology/intro.htm
6	http://www.sciencemag.org/site/products/lst_20130222.xhtml
7	www.censusindia.gov.in
8	https://www.infosys.com/industries/life-sciences
9	http://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/global/Documents/Life-Sciences-Health-Care/gx-lshc-2015-life-sciences-report-india.pdf
10	https://targetstudy.com/professions/ecologist.html
11	http://dget.nic.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/publication/Des-Div-2.pdf

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