Due to the low level of public awareness, not many people know why the world needs ecologists and what exactly they do. And this is despite the fact that, according to experts, this profession will become one of the most sought after in the near future. We invite you to fill the gap in knowledge and get to know the specifics of the work of specialists responsible for nature protection.

Development of heavy industry, testing of nuclear missiles, urbanization and human indifference to all living things around... As a result, climate change occurring in the world due to the release of gases into the atmosphere, and water pollution with toxic waste threatens the future of all mankind.

In order to avoid the disappearance of mankind from the face of the Earth, the world community is increasingly beginning to pay attention to the problems of environmental pollution, and state governments are trying to develop methods to prevent natural disasters and slow down global warming. In this regard, the relevance of the profession of ecologist is increasing. After all, if someone can find ways to solve the problem of environmental pollution, it will be these specialists.

Due to the low level of public awareness, not many people know why the world needs ecologists and what exactly they do. And this is despite the fact that, according to experts, this profession will become one of the most sought after in the near future. We invite you to fill the gap in knowledge and get to know the specifics of the work of specialists responsible for nature protection.

Who is an ecologist?

A specialist whose activities are aimed at analyzing the state of flora and fauna, as well as finding ways to reduce the negative impact of human activities on the environment.

The name of the profession comes from the ancient Greek οἶκος (dwelling, house) and λόγος (concept, teaching, science), which can literally be translated as "the science of the house." That is, ecologists study our common home (planet) in order to understand all the complex relationships in nature.

The ecologist profession is quite young (although the first mentions ecology how sciences can be attributed to ancient Greek treatises). Its origin dates back to the second half of the 20th century. During this period, society began to realize the importance of protecting the environment, which is daily exposed to pollution from industrial production and the release of gases into the atmosphere.

Today, specialists in this field provide an expert assessment of sites allocated for the construction of factories, residential buildings and roads, and only after receiving a positive opinion from experts, a construction company can start work. In addition, most industries have a qualified ecologist on their staff, who closely monitors compliance with environmental norms and standards.

Their responsibilities include:

• analysis of the pollution level of the assigned area;
• making forecasts about the future environmental situation in the region;
• control over the disposal of toxic waste;
• monitoring the activities of hazardous industrial production;
• study of areas for nuclear and missile tests.

Mostly beginners nature conservation can count on the position of technical assistant, and in the future, after acquiring practical skills, they become coordinators. In this role, they choose for themselves a specific area of ​​activity, that is, a narrower specialization. Among them are:

• specialists in the field of general ecology studying biological systems;
• specialists in applied ecology, whose activity is to identify the impact of man on the ecological situation and the search for methods of harm reduction;
• geoecologists study the organisms inhabiting the planet and its geosphere;
• environmental engineers develop and coordinate documentation on the environmental safety of a number of industrial enterprises and projects, study the level of soil, air and water pollution.

Experience and qualifications are the determining factors in the employment of an ecologist. Every employer who hires a specialist wants to see in him a person who:

• possesses relevant knowledge of regulations, standards and legislation in the field of ecology;
• has the skills to conduct an examination;
• understands the methods of environmental monitoring;
• has the necessary knowledge of chemistry, biology and physics;
• acquainted with domestic and international experience in the field of environmental protection.

What personal qualities should an ecologist have?

Among the main qualities of an ecologist, love for nature is distinguished, since, as practice shows, it is this that allows them to achieve success in the profession. However, no less significant character traits are their:

• diplomacy,
• stress tolerance,
• courage and flexibility in communication (due to the need to interact with government agencies and officials).

Environmental protection implies a high level of responsibility. Working with flora and fauna, the ecologist must be aware that the life of living organisms depends on his actions, so he must be very careful and responsible in order to exclude the possibility of error.

The profession refers to rather complex activities and without internal self-organization and diligence, a specialist will not be able to fulfill his duties in full.

In addition to the key qualities, he will definitely need:

• independence;
• Analytical mind;
• decency;
• team spirit;
• developed sense of justice;
• scrupulousness.

Benefits of being an ecologist

Many ecologists consider their activity not as a way to earn money, but as a way of self-realization and moral satisfaction. Constant relationship with nature allows them to feel their importance and pleasure from constant communication with the object of their affection.

In addition, very often they go on business trips to different regions of the country and abroad, which gives them the opportunity to expand their horizons, and for some travel enthusiasts this is one of the most important advantages.

From a practical point of view, professional ecologists have great career prospects in the future. First of all, this is due to the fact that the need for good specialists will increase from year to year (which is why the profession of an ecologist can be attributed to professions of the future).

The versatility of the profession provides ecologists with a wide range of activities: pedagogical, research, control and expert, design and production. Based on their preferences, each specialist has the right to independently decide what kind of activity he wants to engage in: practical or theoretical.

For those who have the necessary experience and qualifications and for whom material well-being is not the last place, there is an opportunity to work in the energy, construction and petrochemical industries. Companies operating in this sector need professional environmentalists and pay their employees worthy fees (up to 100 thousand rubles per month).

Disadvantages of the ecologist profession

As ecologists deal with issues pollution control quite often they themselves are at risk. These professionals are the first to deal with toxic emissions in production, and protective measures are not always effective enough to prevent damage to health, which can be irreparable. In addition, like the EMERCOM teams, they go to the scene of incidents associated with natural disasters, where they have to work in extreme conditions.

Another negative factor of the profession is the low demand for young specialists in Russia. According to statistics, only 30% of graduates of environmental faculties work in their specialty. And the income of 70% of environmentalists does not even reach the average level. Depending on the region, most specialists receive from 20 to 40 thousand rubles. This circumstance, along with the need for long-term training, reduces the attractiveness of the profession among applicants.

Where can you get a job as an ecologist?

Education in a higher educational institution is the only way to become a sought-after professional with the necessary set of knowledge and skills in the field of ecology. In the process of studying, students choose the most preferred basic discipline for themselves and receive the necessary knowledge in many natural sciences.

At the moment in Russia there are a large number of universities that train future ecologists, among them:

• Russian University of Chemical Technology named after D.I. Mendeleev;
• State University for Land Management;
• Higher College of Rational Nature Management;
• Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov, etc.

In addition, a great advantage for a specialist will be the passage of international and other internship programs that will increase his demand in the labor market and replenish his knowledge base. For example, an ecologist can improve his skills at the courses of the Interregional Academy of the Industrial and Construction Complex, which works in the field of additional education and offers professional advanced training and retraining courses in the format distance learning.

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The profession of "Ecologist" (and others like it) is undeniably attractive. At least by the fact that even an ecologist, who is in the service hierarchy at one of the initial levels, receives a very good salary.

Demand

Payability

Competition

entry barrier

prospects

Story

Ecology, as a science, was formed at the beginning of the second half of the twentieth century. It was preceded by botanical geography. Researcher Alexander von Humboldt is considered the forefather of modern ecology, as he was the first to decide to closely study the relationship of various organisms with the environment.

Approximately in the 60s of the last century, mankind finally came to understand that industrial waste can cause serious harm to the environment and, consequently, to the population. There is a need for highly specialized specialists who understand how to minimize this harm.

Description

The main tasks of a modern ecologist are:

1. Monitoring of the state of ecology.
2. Prevention of ecological disasters.
3. In case of emergencies that caused damage to the environment: analysis of the problem, search for optimal solutions.
4. Establishing cause-and-effect relationships, researching the causes of natural disasters, man-made and environmental disasters.
5. Development of programs for the protection of the ecological environment, lobbying for relevant laws, rules, and public sentiment. Information support of existing problems in the environmental sector.
6. Development of tools for optimizing production capacities in accordance with the requirements of environmental safety criteria.

Where to study, in what specialties?

There are courses, after passing which, you will be given certificates that you attended them. But it is obvious that the value of such certificates cannot even be close to being equal to having a full-fledged diploma obtained from a prestigious university.

Two priority specialties: "Ecology and environmental protection", as well as - "Ecology and nature management". In the course of training, students, in addition to acquiring other specialized skills, also learn:

1. To study ecosystems, the biosphere, the interactions of organisms, compounds and substances.
2. Detect and track the influence of factors affecting the health of living beings, their behavior and life in general.
3. Identify, investigate and solve local and global environmental problems.
4. Conduct laboratory research and mathematical measurements, as well as other calculations.

In addition, environmental students receive detailed information about rational nature formation and the legislative framework that regulates environmental issues.

You can become an ecologist by getting an education in the following universities (and not only):

1. Moscow State University M.V. Lomonosov.
2. Academy MNEPU.
3. MSHA them. K.A. Timiryazev.
4. MGIMO.
5. Gorno-Altai State University.
6. Stavropol GAU.

Who is suitable for this profession?

Both men and women are equally good at the work of an ecologist. The best option is if the future ecologist spent most of his life in the countryside. Of course, the best ecologists are those who have loved wildlife since childhood, are fond of geography, natural history, gardening, biology, fiction about travel and adventure, when the main action takes place against the backdrop of wildlife. Also, active people will do this job perfectly: fighters for a healthy lifestyle, justice, animal protection, ideological adherents of environmental cleanliness, pedantic people who love order, but are not devoid of creativity; people who like to take care of animals and plants, to observe natural phenomena.

Where do ecologists work, how much do they earn?

Ecologists are in demand in the ministries of forestry and agriculture, in environmental organizations, in the hydrometeorological service, at industrial enterprises, and in municipal structures. The average salary of specialists of this profile (according to the results of this year) is:

1. Up to 60,000 rubles from the chief ecologist.
2. Up to 45,000 rubles for specialists and senior specialists.
3. Up to 30,000 rubles for beginner ecologists.

How can an environmentalist get a job?

Unfortunately, the demand for this profession is very small - the number of jobs for environmentalists in industrial enterprises is often limited to one or two. And even more often, the duties of an ecologist are assigned to engineers, as an additional burden. Of course, the salary of a certified ecologist is quite high, but in our time, the place of an ecologist is one of the “fat” (that is, good) jobs. The duties of an average specialist are limited to bureaucratic red tape, the so-called "shifting pieces of paper." And of course the pay is good.

Two options:

1. You have a thorough knowledge of the theoretical base and did an excellent job with practice. You are ready to pass interviews in hundreds of companies and successfully pass thousands of tests, as well as impress not only the HR manager, but also all your future bosses with the depth of your knowledge. But be aware. The competition will be very high. And if an enterprise needs a promising specialist for serious work, and not “a person who plugs a hole in the state”, you will have to give more than 100%.
2. You just somehow unlearned, received a diploma. Your parents have useful contacts. In this case, you are guaranteed a job, and the depth of your knowledge and skill level are practically irrelevant. Unfortunately, this concerns not only ecologists. This is a global problem of the post-Soviet social system.

Environmental problems are becoming more and more serious. Currently, no large enterprise can operate if the institution does not have an environmental specialist on its staff.

Environmental problems are also of concern to ordinary citizens, which makes the work of a field ecologist in demand. More and more people want to connect their profession with ecology. Where can you get the necessary knowledge to become an ecologist?

Where to study as an ecologist or major universities for future ecologists

To become an ecologist, it is not enough to complete certain courses: you need to get a higher education. The main universities that specialize in ecology are the State University for Land Management, Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov.

In addition, the Russian Chemical-Technological University named after D.I. Mendeleev, as well as the Higher College of Environmental Management.

These educational institutions offer full-time education. If a future student does not have the opportunity to constantly go to classes or pay large amounts for tuition, he can choose a university that has a correspondence department, for example, the International Independent Environmental and Political Science University.

How much to study as an ecologist

Upon admission to the Faculty of Ecology, those wishing to study must pass several exams. Basically, these include biology, mathematics and the Russian language. In addition, geography may be required. The university admission process may be easier if the applicant has good USE scores. An additional bonus upon admission may be victories in the Olympiads. Sometimes universities themselves hold olympiads in order to select students for themselves.

The term of study is four years by the type of education bachelor's degree. The student must choose a discipline to study in depth. It can be soil science, physics, chemistry or biology. In addition, the faculty may have different areas, for example, "Forestry" or "Water bioresources".

How much does it cost to study environmental science

Every year the cost of studying to become an ecologist changes. In addition, the price depends on the specific educational institution and the city. For example, in ChelGU (Chelyabinsk) this amount is 70 thousand rubles.

In addition, already established specialists can take additional courses to improve their skills. Times are changing, new technologies for environmental research are emerging, and legislation in the field of environmental protection is changing every now and then. The cost of environmental safety courses can be 13 thousand rubles.

Where environmentalists work

Representatives of this profession have a very large field of activity.

• They can work at enterprises where environmental monitoring is required.
• A good option would be employment in a state organization that exercises environmental control. For example, you can go to Rosprirodnadzor, Rostekhnadzor, Ministry of Agriculture.
• Many ecologists work in laboratories that take orders for the study of the composition of air, water, etc.
• As a rule, ecologists who started their career in such an organization gain the necessary knowledge and experience within a few years, and subsequently can open their own laboratory.
• In addition, environmentalists can be useful in construction organizations.

Is it worth studying environmental science?

Those who want to become an environmentalist need to carefully consider all aspects of the profession and weigh the pros and cons.

Firstly, many students are attracted by the seeming simplicity of ecology, because at school this discipline is taught at a simple, accessible, understandable level. A graduate must understand that at work he will have to perform much more difficult tasks than while studying at school.

In addition, the work of an ecologist is associated with harmful and sometimes dangerous substances at work, which can cause serious respiratory diseases, and some harmful emissions can be carcinogenic.

You should also pay attention to the salary: yes, there are vacancies that promise from 40 to 70 thousand rubles, but most likely, a novice ecologist will have to be content with a more modest position with a salary of 18 or 25 thousand rubles. By the way, most vacancies require at least one year of work experience, so you will most likely have to start with more modest salaries.

The profession of an ecologist is associated with environmental protection for many. Actually this is not true. People of this profession are engaged in the study of the processes occurring in nature, and the complex relationships that exist in it. This science has a lot of branches and is closely related to other disciplines, such as biology and chemistry. And the process of nature protection is only a small particle of modern ecology. This profession, like any other, has not only its advantages, but also certain disadvantages that must be taken into account before starting to learn how to work in this direction.

Profession of the future

To date, professions related to ecology are not very in demand. But at the same time, there is an opinion that the demand for workers in this area will grow rapidly in the coming years.

An environmental technician is a specialist on whom quite a lot depends on the enterprise, since he:

• engages in the introduction of low-waste and waste-free production;
• controls the quality of raw materials;
• takes an active part in the operation of complexes that are environmental protection;
• ensures technological safety of production;
• supervises production processes;
• confirms the environmental safety of all projects.

Today, applicants who really would like to work in this area are repelled mainly by a relatively low salary, although the disadvantages of the profession do not end there. But first things first.

The profession of an ecologist will become quite relevant in a few years. That's why. Already today, no construction begins to develop without a positive conclusion of environmental expertise. Plus, the activities of any company should be controlled by an environmental technician.

Education

The description of this profession looks quite lively and is attractive to those who love nature and everything connected with it. The only thing left to do is to graduate from high school. So, upon admission to this specialty, you will have to take subjects such as:

• mathematics;
• Russian language;
• chemistry;
• geography;
• physics;
• biology.

But this list is not completely accurate. The subjects required for admission will depend on the profile. Today, finding a university that would train environmental specialists is quite simple. And before starting to study, the student can choose the most attractive discipline for himself, which will be the basic one. This aspect complements the advantages of this profession. Going through the possibilities, many future ecologists stop at a natural science or technical education.

But it will take a long time to learn. First, the student must graduate from a higher educational institution and receive a diploma of the relevant professional education, after which he will need to enroll in graduate school or doctoral studies. This is the only way to fully master the chosen profession. And in order for the salary to become higher, it is advisable to additionally undergo training within the framework of one or more international programs.

Career

Now it's time to find out the pros and cons of the job. Is there career growth? So, an environmental technician or environmental engineer, after completing his many years of training, can be hired:

• in one of the public services;
• environmental organization;
• to factory;
• to a construction company
• to the research laboratory;
• into the eco-structure at a single object;
• to the factory;
• to control and oversight bodies.

As a rule, an environmental specialist begins his career as a technical assistant. After some time, when the young specialist supplements his knowledge with a certain practice, the position of the coordinator follows. At this point, the ecologist can choose for himself any particular direction. Further, the coordinator becomes a curator over several other coordinators.

If a specialist in this field is busy working in one of the commercial organizations, then in this case his salary will be slightly higher than at budget enterprises. However, here the amount of salary largely depends on his experience and qualifications.

Already today, the most tangible demand for environmentalists is observed at industrial enterprises, somewhat less - in design organizations. At the same time, each employer will require from a specialist in this field knowledge of thematic audit, certification and management, as well as the ability to navigate the legal framework. In addition, an ecologist must understand environmental regulations and standards, have deep knowledge in the field of biology, physics and chemistry, and know how the examination is carried out.

Equally important in this work is the ability to write reports and have an idea of ​​experience in the field of nature conservation. If the activity involves business trips, then the employer will certainly require knowledge of foreign languages.

What personal qualities are needed?

Having analyzed the pros and cons of working conditions, it would be useful to talk about what qualities it is desirable for a potential ecologist to have. Since in the process of activity this specialist will be faced with the need to challenge the opinions and actions of higher officials, he must be characterized not only by civil courage, but also by flexibility, diplomacy and, of course, stress resistance.

The position of an ecologist involves very painstaking work, which will be facilitated by internal discipline, scrupulousness and accuracy. A specialist in this field must have an analytical mindset and the ability to scientific activity. A true professional ecologist is always passionate about wildlife, he knows how to work both independently and in a team.

Advantages of the profession

Some of the advantages of this type of activity have been noted somewhat above. Let's talk about the advantages in more detail and find out if their list can surpass the disadvantages of the profession.

An environmentalist doesn't just get paid. As a result of his work, which is aimed solely at improving the state of the environment, the specialist acquires great moral satisfaction.

The demand for environmentalists is growing inexorably, and soon professionals in this industry will be able to direct all their energy to doing a good deed, and nature will receive only undeniable advantages from this.

During training, many universities provide the opportunity to do an internship at work, which simplifies career growth and makes it somewhat faster.

A qualified specialist with sufficient work experience can count on a position with a very good salary and at the same time choose between the construction, energy and petrochemical industries.

We also write down the pluses that the ecologist is an international profession, which is already quite in demand abroad. And this is the expansion of horizons, acquaintance with a foreign culture and mentality, with different people and distant countries.

Disadvantages of the profession

The turn has come to highlight the cons. The salaries offered to specialists in this industry by most enterprises and organizations leave much to be desired. In addition, with rather meager earnings, the environmentalist is often forced to work in difficult conditions and endanger his own health. Often this is due to laboratory studies, during which various substances and reagents are used. On this, fortunately, the disadvantages of the profession end.

In fact, not everyone is able to decide to become a professional ecologist. It is enough to pay attention to the pros and cons. Someone on these lists highlights for themselves convincing arguments for refusing this kind of activity, but there are also those who, in spite of everything, strive to contribute to environmental protection.

Today, the environmental situation is not entirely favorable, so there are many different professions in nature protection. Now the specialty "Ecology and nature management" is in demand. Whom to work and where to study in this direction? This is discussed in the article.

A little about the specialty

Ecologists study the relationship of living beings, both with nature and with each other. The main task of specialists in this field is the regulation and reduction of environmental pollution, control over changes that can cause negative consequences.

Often ecologists have to go on different expeditions to carry out research and analysis of nature, to detect threats. Knowledge of such sciences as biology, geography, chemistry, mathematics will help to cope with this work.

Exams

It is necessary to study for 4-5 years to get an education in the specialty "Ecology and Nature Management". What items to donate? For admission, you need to successfully pass the Russian language and geography. Universities also establish a third subject. These include mathematics, chemistry, biology.

Ecology involves the study of the formation and functioning of populations, biogeocenoses and ecosystems. The discipline deals with the relationship of living beings between themselves and the environment. To be successfully trained, you need to understand such disciplines as biology, geography, soil science, geology, landscape science. A specialist needs to be knowledgeable in environmental law and design, monitoring, expertise, and marketing.

universities

In many institutions you can get education in ecology and nature management. Universities in different regions offer to study with a diploma. But the most sought after are:

1. Moscow University. Lomonosov.
2. Russian State University of Oil and Gas. Gubkin.
3. State University for Land Management.
4. MGIMO.
5. Moscow Aviation Institute.
6. Peoples' Friendship University of Russia.
7. Russian State Geological Prospecting University. Ordzhonikidze.

Whichever institution is chosen in the direction of "Ecology and Nature Management", universities include compulsory practice for students. They test their knowledge on field training, off-season practices, in industry organizations related to the use of natural resources. Industry organizations, departments and laboratories of universities are assigned for practice. At the end of the training, there is a defense of the bachelor's work and a state exam.

Subjects studied

In the direction of "Ecology and nature management" you will have to study many subjects. The main ones include general ecology, hydrosphere, social ecology, geoecology, geoinformation systems. Successful assimilation of disciplines will allow you to become a professional in your field.

There is also general education. These include history, jurisprudence, Russian language, chemistry, biology. Studying physics and mathematics.

What are they teaching?

After training in the specialty "Ecology and Nature Management", the bachelor receives many useful skills. The specialist can:

1. Participate in expeditions.
2. Create recommendations for saving the environment.
3. Assess the degree of influence of factors.
4. Carry out audit work.
5. Collect and process documentation.
6. Create regional development projects.
7. Design and implement activities for the protection of nature.
8. Teach in specialized disciplines.
9. Ensure environmental safety.

Employment

If you received an education in the direction of "Ecology and Nature Management", who will work after that? Typically, specialists are required at industrial enterprises that deal with the ecological state of nature. Typically, such organizations prevent the deterioration of the environment. The average salary is 30-40 thousand rubles per month, depending on the position.

If you graduated from the Faculty of Ecology and Nature Management, where else can you work? Specialists are needed in environmental firms, laboratories, research institutes and expert groups. Graduates can work in ministries, for example, natural resources, as well as in administrative institutions, educational institutions and companies related to the environmental field.

Many cities have a department of ecology and nature management, which also requires specialists. This organization is engaged in improving the state of the environment, preventing many adverse consequences. There is an inspectorate for ecology and nature management, where university graduates can find a job.

Jobs

If you have completed your education in ecology and nature management, who should you work with? Graduates are offered the following positions:

1. Agroecologist.
2. Geoecologist.
3. Environmental inspector.
4. Scientific editor.
5. Bioecologist.
6. Engineer.
7. Ecologist.

Graduates have the opportunity to get a job as an environmental engineer, as well as an ecologist-user of nature, a hydroecologist and a trainee researcher in the field of ecology. If you graduate from the magistracy and gain rich experience, then there is the possibility of transferring to high positions. Such a person will be in demand as a worker with a higher education.

Qualities

Several personal qualities are needed to work in the direction of "Ecology and Nature Management". Whomever you have to work, you must have:

1. Diplomacy.
2. internal discipline.
3. Stress resistance.
4. Responsibility.
5. Accuracy.
6. Analytical mindset.
7. Working capacity.

Pros and cons of the profession

The benefits include:

1. Moral satisfaction from the work done, because you have to work in the field of improving the state of the environment.
2. Demanded profession in many enterprises.
3. Graduates have the opportunity to practice in production, which leads to the acquisition of useful contacts.
4. Environmental engineers work in the petrochemical, construction and energy sectors.
5. The profession is considered international, so you can work in another country.
6. You have to travel often.

Among the shortcomings are:

1. Insufficient income.
2. Often you have to work in extreme situations.
3. Danger from working with harmful substances.

Thus, the specialty allows you to work in various enterprises. The profession is important because employees in this field work to improve the environment.