Entomology Job Description
Entomologists are professionals who study insects as they relate to plants and animals, according to CareerPlanner.com. They research ways to control harmful insects so as to prevent damage to crops and the loss of millions of dollars to farms, according to StateUniversity.com. Entomologists also study how to use beneficial insects. They can focus on specialty areas such as bee culture, forest entomology or insecticide toxicology, according to SchoolsInTheUSA.com.
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Duties
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Entomologists are responsible for collecting insects or researching them in their environmental habitats. They study how to control or get rid of insects by using improved pesticides or pests' natural enemies. They also research how to create crops that resist harmful insects. They work with veterinarians, plant pathologists, pest control workers and biological technicians and must have a solid knowledge of fields such as genetics, horticulture and microbiology. Entomologists also explain new insect species and study how to control animal and plant diseases caused by insects. Some of these scientists additionally help develop vaccines to destroy insect-causing diseases, such as malaria.
Skills
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Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are required in the field of entomology. Entomologists also must have a strong understanding of science and must be interested in conducting long-term experiments. They should have solid interpersonal communication skills for working in teams and also must be self-directed, patient and creative. Entomologists must have strong verbal and written communication skills as well.
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Education
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Entomologists who perform research or teach at the postsecondary level usually must have a Master’s or doctoral degree in this complex field. Master’s degree programs last about two years, while doctoral degree programs typically take two to three years to complete. Those who have doctoral degrees have the best advancement opportunities, as they can direct research or teach as a full university professor. They also can run their own pest control or consulting businesses. Individuals who have four-year bachelor’s degrees in entomology can work as biological technicians or food product inspectors.
Opportunities
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Entomologists often work for the government, where they work in the areas of food and agricultural inspection. They also can land jobs in institutions of higher learning, medical facilities or even museums. Other employment opportunities exist with pesticide businesses and chemical manufacturing companies that use them to research and demonstrate new products in the agriculture field.
Outlook
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The outlook for entomologists is positive as private companies and the government demand more research on insects that are adapting to existing pesticides, reports StateUniversity.com. The demand for entomologists also is important as the quality of soil and water decrease because of destructive pesticides that need to be replaced. The average salary of entomologists in 2010 was $62,000, according to SimplyHired.com.
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References
- Photo Credit insect 1 image by Bruce Hewitson from Fotolia.com
