What Do Ecologists Do?

Focus on Ecologists
What is it really like to be an ecologist? Find out from professional ecologists who share their interests and career paths, and discuss the joys and challenges of their jobs. Read their advice for students!

ESA Sections
Interested in Aquatic Ecology? Environmental Justice? International Affairs? Learn about all the fascinating types of research interests ESA members have.

Ecological Research Interests
Issues in Ecology are great introductions to the burning issues in ecology! Current Issue: "Excess Nitrogen in the U.S.
Environment: Trends, Risks,and Solutions."

From the ESA Membership:

Primer on How to Apply and Get into Graduate School
Commentary by Walter P. Carson in the October 1999 ESA Bulletin.

Perspective of an Ecologist Outside Academia
Guest Editorial by Sean O'Brien in the October 1999 ESA NewSource.

So You Want to Be an Ecologist?

Careers in Ecology
Find out what you can be doing right now to prepare for a career in ecology! Browse types of jobs, employers, job outlook, and ways to gain experience.

Info for High School Students

Info for Undergraduate Students

Student Resources
Explore student opportunities for aspiring ecologists offered by ESA, including travel awards and ways to get involved!

My College Options is the largest college and career planning community in the country. Students can register to obtain a personal online college and career planning profile where their needs, talents and interests are matched with colleges and universities across the nation. Other resources include test preparation, scholarship matching, and expert college planning advice for students, parents, educators and counselors. 

Find a Job in Ecology

Job Board
Browse current internship and full-time employment opportunities in many areas of ecology, from Agronomy to Zoology.

Ecolog-L Archive
Search the ECOLOG-L listserv archives for jobs, grants, and news.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook provides information on employment, wages, training and qualifications, and work environment:

• Biological Scientists
• Conservation Scientists and Foresters
• Environmental Scientists and Specialists
• BLS Green Careers Page

European Job Search Sites
Ecological Society of Germany
Greenjobs.de
Jobvector.de
Academics.de
Science-Jobs-De
German Zoological Association (Deutsche Zoologische Gesellschaft)
Ethological Society (Ethologische Gesellschaft)
Stellenboersen.de
German listserv for academic jobs in biology