Meg Veith ⋅ Port Chester, NY MVH Design, LLC ⋅ 20 years experience

Hi Donna, I have been in landscape Design over 20 years, There has been a huge swing in Native plants and conservation in last 10 years. The principals are same for land/sea/insects/birds. We must change old practices and preserve the fragile environments/ecosystems that remain. No matter how small a project, I plan with as many beneficial, native plants to provide better habitat/food as well as beauty. It is a very interesting field that connects with ecology on varied levels b/c it connects the dots from study to field application and demand. Look into it with Lady Bird Johnson Native Plant Center in Texas. I got certified by local Community College that was a satellite program. There are others around the country. My work covers ornamental gardens, wetland restorations, xeriscape (dry condition gardening), seashore restoration, water management, vegetable gardens, invasive plant management and. naitve plant expertise. With your interest in ecologybiology it might be a good start to focus on as so much work is out there, Best, Meg

Susana Moraga ⋅ Hayward, CA California State University East Bay ⋅ 20 years experience

Donna,

Understanding your interests specifically can help you focus your search. As has been mentioned ecology is very broad encompassing not only the environment; air, water, soil but social justice, poverty and more.

First understanding how you want to have an impact and what you want to do are key to start researching fields and careers.

Start with researching the advisers here and and then the agencies or organizations that are involved in what you want to do.

It sounds like you are at the beginning of your career exploration process.

Good luck,
Susana

Harry Rakfeldt ⋅ Belfair, WA AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants and related products ⋅ 38 years experience

Hello Donna,

I agree with Bob that the field/study of 'ecology' is broad. So where do you start? This may help; here's is a link to WA state's dept of ecology - http://www.ecy.wa.gov/. There may be many paths that interest you. One of my personal concerns is our water. (And one of the reasons I use and promote the use of natural fertilizers wherever we can.)

Wishing you success in your next adventure,

Harry Rakfeldt
hrakfeldt@gmail.com

Alec Mackie ⋅ Los Angeles, CA California Water Environment Association ⋅ 15 years experience

The water and wastewater sector offers dozens of different types of jobs and provides an opportunity to help both your community and protect the environment. Here's a listing of California water jobs and career information www.CAWaterJobs.org

Greg Genzman ⋅ Perrysburg, OH Toledo Metroparks ⋅ 28 years experience

Hello Donna, Many of the prior answers are correct. I have 25 years in the field and a degree in Wildlife Conservation. Many universities have curriculum related to ecology. Since the topic is very broad, I would recommend researching several types of jobs in the industry to determine future job outlook and wages. From there you should be able to determine the level of education needed and the best universities that offer the curriculum you want. Water will definitely be a major topic in years to come. I live in the Toledo area and two summers ago, Toledo's water supply for the region was shut down due to an algae growth in Lake Erie. Water shortages and water quality will become of great importance worldwide and a threat to natural and national security. Good luck in your pursuit and you have chosen a great career.

Markee Cuevas ⋅ Escalon, CA ⋅ 1 years experience

I can provide you with personal reference guidance on that exact subject.

Email me for further instruction/proposal: markeecaves1231@gmail.com

Douglas Lavelle ⋅ Chatham, NJ Financial Services ⋅ 24 years experience

Many thanks for your service. I am not sure if you are incoporating energy into your ecology interest. If so, you may want to pursue renewable energy opportunities in your region. Just a a thought, that I hope is helpful. Best- Doug

Bret Weaver ⋅ Rochester, PA Rochester Public LIbrary ⋅ 19 years experience

I'd suggest starting with education. There's a new website out there called study.com. Allows you to take certain classes and you get to choose the specialty. This will give you a "soft-start". In other words, a taste of the subject without fully committing yourself to a defined program off the bat. If you like the material and it engages your thinking about how to help or solve problems, then go for it. Look for entry-level jobs in the area. I'm sure a "good" position will require a professional license and/or degree.

John Dyck, Ph.D. ⋅ Spring, TX Career Strategies ⋅ 30 years experience

Donna,
What is it about ecology that interests you?

Bob Potterton ⋅ Oakton, VA Monday Properties (Commercial real estate owner manager, operator) ⋅ 30 years experience

Well, ecology is a very broad category ! if your interest is preserving our underwater environment I may be able to assist. Im a certified scuba instructor, former dive shop owner and underwater ecology liasion with resorts and conservation related groups. Feel free to contact me if you have that interest.
Good luck, Bob
bpotterton@cox.net