Environmental Biology Job Description
Biology is the study of living organisms and how they affect our environment. An environmental biology professional, also referred to as an environmental biologist or scientist, studies organisms and develops ways to improve our environment, protect plant and animal species or protect the health of human populations. These professionals often work for environmental protection or government agencies.
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Qualifications
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Most employers require a bachelor's degree in biology and at least several years of field research experience. Most of these professionals will pursue a master's or doctoral degree related to environmental biology. Personal attributes include strong attention to detail, patience and self-discipline to be able to conduct extensive, ongoing research, and the ability to work individually or as a team.
Types
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Environmental biology professionals can work in a variety of industries. Some work for conservation or government agencies to assist in protecting the environment. Others may work for natural resource renewal organizations (green organizations) or other companies who utilize environmental sciences to develop drugs, vaccines and other medicines to improve our health and protect human populations against disease.
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Research Responsibilities
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This profession often requires field research, which involves traveling to locations to study organisms, collect specimens, and perform basic tests in the field. Field research can last hours, or longer periods requiring overnight stays to correctly perform the research. When field research is completed, more extensive testing is performed in a laboratory environment. This may involve replicating life cycles of living organisms in a laboratory environment, or more extensive research using sophisticated equipment and technologies.
Administrative Responsibilities
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All research requires extensive reporting regarding results, and possible ways to improve environments. These professionals compile and analyze research results and present information to an employer. This can include developing procedures to improve environments, or creating proposals to receive government funding if research projects may help the environment and the health of human populations.
Salary
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Salaries can vary for these occupations depending on the type of employer and project. Some of these professionals require funding for research projects, and salary is based on the amount of funding approved. In March 2010, Indeed.com, a jobs website, lists a national average salary of $80,000 per year for this occupation.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit young researcher image by Nadezda Karaseva from Fotolia.com
