Ecologist - Working conditions
Kaipūtaiao Taupuhi Kaiao
Working Conditions
Ecologists usually work in offices and laboratories, and do fieldwork. When doing fieldwork they often travel to remote locations such as national parks or offshore islands. They may need to work in all weather conditions.
Ian Popay writing an email to a colleague
Ecologists often have to travel to remote areas to conduct fieldwork
Photo courtesy of Anna Crowe, Cawthron Institute
Equipment
Ecologists use specialist equipment such as traps for catching animals, and instruments such as thermometers for measuring conditions.
They also use office equipment, computers and software packages to analyse data.
Hours
Ecologists generally work regular office hours, but often work evenings and weekends when they are doing fieldwork.
Contact with people
Ecologists usually work independently but may work with other scientists on certain projects. They may also work with:
- clients such as representatives of private companies that are trying to get resource consents
- members of the public
- members of community groups or iwi
- students.
Ecologists may supervise other ecologists, technical staff and volunteers.
Ian Popay and a colleague discuss the health of plants in a greenhouse
Updated
October 2009
