3 answers
Aya
Student
Arlington, Virginia
1
Question
Asked
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What can I do with an ecology major and geographic information system minor?
I recently applied to college as an ecology major and GIS minor. I'm not too familiar with GIS but I was wondering what sort of careers would utilize it in the ecology field.
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3 answers
Richard Thornton
Aerospace Engineer
20
Answers
Robbinsville, New Jersey
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Aya, this is a wonderful and unique field. There are a variety of options out there, but the first few that come to mind would be related to civil and environmental engineering . The Army Corp of Engineers (which is open to non-military positions) does a lot of work related to assessing the environmental and ecological impacts of civil projects. A great example of this was the work they did to restore and further protect coastal towns along Long Island and the New Jersey shore following Hurricane Sandy. Another great example would be the work NASA and it's associates do to capture and process air-based and even satellite imagery to analyze things like coastal erosion, deforestation, the evolution of drought and flood zones, the migration of invasive species of flora and fauna (plants and animals), and much much more.
A specialization in GIS, in particular, would lend you the opportunity to go into data analysis, deep learning for pattern recognition, and other similar STEM fields. You can of course specialize further in a field like this or evolve your eventual major depending on what you find most interesting along the way. If you go into it with an open mind and ask lots of questions, you'll get a variety of responses as to the career options you have in a field like this. Don't just take my advice of course, try to find local businesses that may do work in this field and ask to speak to someone about the industry. As you enter college, do the same with your professors, upperclassmen, and anyone that comes in from the industry to speak to students.
In fact, as a general piece of advice, I would anticipate as you embark on your studies, you'll most likely find that your specific interests will be in one or two particular areas. Its important to explore these along the way and find opportunities (internships, research, etc) that allow you test your interest in the industry and inform whether you specialize further or branch out. Best of luck!
A specialization in GIS, in particular, would lend you the opportunity to go into data analysis, deep learning for pattern recognition, and other similar STEM fields. You can of course specialize further in a field like this or evolve your eventual major depending on what you find most interesting along the way. If you go into it with an open mind and ask lots of questions, you'll get a variety of responses as to the career options you have in a field like this. Don't just take my advice of course, try to find local businesses that may do work in this field and ask to speak to someone about the industry. As you enter college, do the same with your professors, upperclassmen, and anyone that comes in from the industry to speak to students.
In fact, as a general piece of advice, I would anticipate as you embark on your studies, you'll most likely find that your specific interests will be in one or two particular areas. Its important to explore these along the way and find opportunities (internships, research, etc) that allow you test your interest in the industry and inform whether you specialize further or branch out. Best of luck!
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
750
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Aya thank you for reaching out and asking your questions regarding what you could do as a career with an ecology major with a geographic information system (GIS) minor. I think this is a compelling combination that opens doors to a range of impactful career opportunities. I hope the information that I have below provides you some insight and/or help in helping you decide a potential career path that leverage both ecology and GIS expertise.
Here are a few careers that might be interesting:
• Environmental Consultant – They assess and mitigate environmental impacts of various projects. They typically use GIS to analyze spatial data for ecological assessments and propose sustainable solutions.
• Wildlife Biologist – These individuals’ study and monitor wildlife populations and habitats. You could utilize GIS for spatial mapping to analyze migration patterns, biodiversity, and habitat changes.
• Conservation Scientist – This is an area that contributes to the development and implementation of conservation strategies. You could possibly apply GIS to map and analyze ecosystems, identifying areas in need of protection or restoration.
• Land Use Planner – These individuals are expected to collaborate with communities and authorities to plan sustainable land use. You could use GIS to assess environmental factors, ensuring responsible development.
• GIS Specialist in Ecology Research – You could engage in ecological research projects, mapping ecosystems and analyzing spatial data. This could contribute to understanding environmental patterns and dynamics.
• Natural Resource Manager – These individuals manage and preserve natural resources such as forests, water, and wildlife. You could leverage GIS for effective resource mapping, monitoring, and management.
• Climate Change Analyst – currently one of the hottest jobs as they analyze climate data and model potential ecological impacts. I think you could most definitely utilize GIS for spatial analysis to understand climate change patterns.
• Ecotourism Planner – These individuals develop sustainable ecotourism plans, promoting environmental awareness. You could use GIS for site selection, impact assessment, and visitor management.
• Urban Ecologist – These individuals study the ecology of urban environments. You might look to employ GIS for analyzing green spaces, biodiversity, and urban sustainability.
• Environmental Policy Analyst – Contribute to the development of environmental policies. You could utilize GIS to assess the spatial implications of policy decisions on ecosystems.
Aya, your combination of ecology and GIS expertise positions you at the intersection of environmental science and technology. As you progress through your academic journey, consider gaining practical experience through internships or research projects to further enhance your skills and explore specific areas of interest within this interdisciplinary field.
Here are a few careers that might be interesting:
• Environmental Consultant – They assess and mitigate environmental impacts of various projects. They typically use GIS to analyze spatial data for ecological assessments and propose sustainable solutions.
• Wildlife Biologist – These individuals’ study and monitor wildlife populations and habitats. You could utilize GIS for spatial mapping to analyze migration patterns, biodiversity, and habitat changes.
• Conservation Scientist – This is an area that contributes to the development and implementation of conservation strategies. You could possibly apply GIS to map and analyze ecosystems, identifying areas in need of protection or restoration.
• Land Use Planner – These individuals are expected to collaborate with communities and authorities to plan sustainable land use. You could use GIS to assess environmental factors, ensuring responsible development.
• GIS Specialist in Ecology Research – You could engage in ecological research projects, mapping ecosystems and analyzing spatial data. This could contribute to understanding environmental patterns and dynamics.
• Natural Resource Manager – These individuals manage and preserve natural resources such as forests, water, and wildlife. You could leverage GIS for effective resource mapping, monitoring, and management.
• Climate Change Analyst – currently one of the hottest jobs as they analyze climate data and model potential ecological impacts. I think you could most definitely utilize GIS for spatial analysis to understand climate change patterns.
• Ecotourism Planner – These individuals develop sustainable ecotourism plans, promoting environmental awareness. You could use GIS for site selection, impact assessment, and visitor management.
• Urban Ecologist – These individuals study the ecology of urban environments. You might look to employ GIS for analyzing green spaces, biodiversity, and urban sustainability.
• Environmental Policy Analyst – Contribute to the development of environmental policies. You could utilize GIS to assess the spatial implications of policy decisions on ecosystems.
Aya, your combination of ecology and GIS expertise positions you at the intersection of environmental science and technology. As you progress through your academic journey, consider gaining practical experience through internships or research projects to further enhance your skills and explore specific areas of interest within this interdisciplinary field.
Ivett Navarro
Data Coordinator
9
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Ivett’s Answer
Hi Aya,
An ecology major combined with a geographic information system (GIS) minor can open up a wide range of career opportunities in Arlington, Virginia, and the surrounding areas. Some potential career paths include:
1. Environmental Consultant
- Work with government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations to assess environmental impacts, develop conservation plans, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
2. GIS Analyst
- Utilize GIS software and spatial analysis techniques to create maps, analyze data, and support decision-making processes in fields such as urban planning, natural resource management, and conservation.
3. Conservation Scientist
- Develop and implement strategies to protect and manage natural resources, such as wildlife habitats, forests, and wetlands.
4. Urban Planner
- Use your knowledge of ecology and GIS to help design sustainable cities, manage land use, and create green spaces that promote biodiversity and ecosystem health.
5. Research Scientist
- Research ecological systems, species interactions, and the impacts of human activities on the environment, working for universities, government agencies, or private research institutions.
6. Park Ranger or Natural Resource Manager
- Work in national or state parks, wildlife refuges, or other protected areas to manage and conserve natural resources, educate the public, and enforce environmental regulations.
7. Sustainability Coordinator
- Help organizations, businesses, or government agencies develop and implement sustainability plans, reduce their environmental footprint, and promote eco-friendly practices.
Some specific employers in the Arlington, Virginia area that may be interested in candidates with an ecology major and GIS minor include:
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- U.S. National Park Service (NPS)
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
- The Nature Conservancy
- Chesapeake Conservancy
- Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
- Arlington County Department of Environmental Services
Remember to also consider internships, volunteer opportunities, and networking events to gain practical experience and make connections in your field of interest.
An ecology major combined with a geographic information system (GIS) minor can open up a wide range of career opportunities in Arlington, Virginia, and the surrounding areas. Some potential career paths include:
1. Environmental Consultant
- Work with government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations to assess environmental impacts, develop conservation plans, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
2. GIS Analyst
- Utilize GIS software and spatial analysis techniques to create maps, analyze data, and support decision-making processes in fields such as urban planning, natural resource management, and conservation.
3. Conservation Scientist
- Develop and implement strategies to protect and manage natural resources, such as wildlife habitats, forests, and wetlands.
4. Urban Planner
- Use your knowledge of ecology and GIS to help design sustainable cities, manage land use, and create green spaces that promote biodiversity and ecosystem health.
5. Research Scientist
- Research ecological systems, species interactions, and the impacts of human activities on the environment, working for universities, government agencies, or private research institutions.
6. Park Ranger or Natural Resource Manager
- Work in national or state parks, wildlife refuges, or other protected areas to manage and conserve natural resources, educate the public, and enforce environmental regulations.
7. Sustainability Coordinator
- Help organizations, businesses, or government agencies develop and implement sustainability plans, reduce their environmental footprint, and promote eco-friendly practices.
Some specific employers in the Arlington, Virginia area that may be interested in candidates with an ecology major and GIS minor include:
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- U.S. National Park Service (NPS)
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
- The Nature Conservancy
- Chesapeake Conservancy
- Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
- Arlington County Department of Environmental Services
Remember to also consider internships, volunteer opportunities, and networking events to gain practical experience and make connections in your field of interest.