Imagine you are standing on a section of vast prairie land thriving with the biodiversity of both plant and animal species. Just last year, this area and its species were extremely threatened, and you were responsible for bringing the area back to life. You have spent hours on the project doing everything from collecting samples to informing the community on the issue. Today, you’re pleased to see the progress the area and its surrounding community have made.
As a restoration biologist, you study and monitor species and habitats. You coordinate programs to study threatened ecosystems and evaluate the ecosystems through research, fieldwork, site visits, and analysis.
When restoration is required, you’re in charge of managing and evaluating the project. You also prepare reports on pollution reduction activities, conduct research, and work on public awareness programs.
Your work is completed in a variety of locations. Much of your time is spent outdoors visiting sites, evaluating ecosystems, and collecting data.
Indoors, you spend time in the lab testing the samples you have collected in the field. You also spend time in the office planning projects, preparing progress reports, summarizing data, and managing budgets.
You return home every evening feeling fulfilled by your work to restore ecosystems and protect biodiversity.
Duties vary significantly from job to job, but the following list includes typical job duties one might encounter as a restoration biologist:
If you are a high school student considering a career as an environmental geophysicist, you should have a keen interest in:
If you are a post-secondary student considering a career as an environmental geophysicist, the following programs are most applicable.
In most cases, the minimum education requirement to work as an environmental geophysicist is a graduate degree. Pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in fields related to environmental geophysics can enhance your expertise, career prospects, and ability to contribute to the field. These advanced degrees offer specialized knowledge and skills highly valued in both the professional and academic worlds.
In many provinces, geophysicists must obtain registration and licensure with their provincial association as a Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.). The certification process for geophysicists is similar to that of engineering professions and is typically overseen by the same regulatory body.
Our Environmental Professional (EP) designation can also help you progress in your chosen environmental career.
Technical Skills
Personal and Professional Skills
Environmental employers look for professionals who can combine technical knowledge with soft skills. Watch our free webinar “Essential Not Optional: Skills Needed to Succeed in Canada’s Environmental Industry” or take our Essential Skills courses.
As key executive leaders who shape their company’s sustainability policy, CSOs work in many different types of organizations. Common employers of CSOs include:
Search for jobs on the ECO Canada Job Board.
If you are a post-secondary student seeking a CSO role in the future, consider pursuing a university degree related to:
In addition to the educational fields mentioned above, you will also need extensive management experience to become a CSO, with well-developed human resources management and leadership skills. Consider educational seminars or post-graduate studies that will hone your analytical thinking, such as:
Our Environmental Professional (EP) designation can also help you progress in your chosen environmental career.
Technical Skills
Personal and Professional Skills
Environmental employers seek professionals who combine technical knowledge with personal and professional skills. Watch our free webinar “Essential Not Optional: Skills Needed to Succeed in Canada’s Environmental Industry” or take our Essential Skills courses.
Restoration biologists play a crucial role in repairing and revitalizing ecosystems that have been degraded or damaged by human activities, natural disasters, or other environmental disturbances. They apply ecological principles, scientific knowledge, and practical techniques to restore the functionality, diversity, and resilience of ecosystems.
One of their primary responsibilities is to develop restoration plans and outline specific goals, objectives, and strategies for ecosystem recovery. They consider the historical conditions of the ecosystem and design interventions that mimic natural processes.
Restoration biologists assess the current state of degraded ecosystems through field studies, data analysis, and mapping. They identify key ecological factors, such as soil composition, water quality, and plant and animal species present in the area.
Their work studying ecosystem dynamics, developing new restoration techniques, and exploring innovative solutions to environmental challenges contribute to the body of scientific research. They also use scientific methods to monitor the success of interventions, evaluate ecological indicators and adapt their strategies based on the observed outcomes.
Restoration biologists work on restoring habitats by reintroducing native plant species, rebuilding soil structures, and creating suitable conditions for the return of native wildlife. They contribute to the control and management of invasive species.
By combining scientific knowledge with practical skills, restoration biologists contribute significantly to the ongoing effort to conserve and restore ecosystems, ultimately promoting environmental health and biodiversity.
Marine geologists are classified into the following occupational grouping:
NOC Code: 21102 – Geoscientists and oceanographers
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) provides a standardized language for describing the work performed by Canadians in the labour market. It gives statisticians, labour market analysts, career counsellors, employers, and individual job seekers a consistent way to collect data and describe and understand the nature of work within different occupations.
See ECO’s Blue National Occupational Standard for a career competency profile for a marine geologist that outlines the specific skills, knowledge, and behaviours required for individuals to perform effectively in this particular role. This profile is a benchmark for training and development, ensuring consistency and quality across professions within the blue economy.
Dans un esprit de respect, de réciprocité et de vérité, nous honorons et reconnaissons Moh’kinsstis, le territoire traditionnel du Traité 7 et les pratiques orales de la confédération des Pieds-Noirs : Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, ainsi que les nations Îyâxe Nakoda et Tsuut’ina. Nous reconnaissons que ce territoire abrite la Nation métisse de l’Alberta, la région 3 au sein de la patrie historique des Métis du Nord-Ouest. Enfin, nous reconnaissons toutes les nations qui vivent, travaillent et se divertissent sur ce territoire, et qui l’honorent et le célèbrent.
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity, and truth, we acknowledge that we live, work, and gather on the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, including the Blackfoot Confederacy—comprising the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations—as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina Nations.
This land, known as Moh’kinsstis in the Blackfoot language and encompassing what is now Districts 5 and 6, is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3, within the historical Northwest Métis homeland.
We recognize and honour the deep connection these Nations have to the land, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share in its stewardship.
As we continue our work, we commit to learning from Indigenous knowledge systems, uplifting Indigenous voices, and fostering relationships rooted in equity, understanding, and reconciliation.
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Thank you for your patience while we finalize the new and improved version of our website.