How to become an Industrial Ecologist

Ecologists use scientific and mathematical models to analyse and interpret correlations between living components' actions and their effects on the environment. Professional ecologists can influence how the general public views the environment by conducting rigorous scientific research and presenting their findings in well-written reports and articles that educate others. Industrial ecologists conduct laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate pollution sources, including those harmful to health. Many work under the supervision of environmental scientists and specialists, who direct and evaluate their work. They work in offices, labs, and out in the field.

• Inspection of establishments, including public places and businesses, to ensure that there are no environmental, health, or safety hazards.
• They install and maintain pollution-monitoring equipment such as remote sensors that measure emissions from smokestacks.
• They collect air, soil, water, and other materials for laboratory analysis.
• Industry ecologists conduct scientific tests to identify and quantify pollutant levels in samples.
• Prepare charts and reports summarising test results as an industry ecologist.
• They also meet with clients to discuss test results and analyses.

• Industrial ecologists are individuals with distinct personalities. They are typically investigative people, which means they are intellectual, reflective, and curious.
• They are curious, systematic, rational, analytical, and logical in their approach.
• Some are also enterprising, which means they are daring, ambitious, assertive, extroverted, energetic, enthusiastic, confident, and optimistic.

People who study ecology are often hired under other job titles like environmental consultant, natural resource manager, program manager, lobbyist, and lawyer.