zippia ai icon

Automatically Apply For Jobs With Zippi

Upload your resume to get started.

Ecologist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read
Quoted Experts
Douglas Conklin Ph.D.,
Srinivas Sonne Ph.D.
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical ecologist skills. We ranked the top skills for ecologists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 10.4% of ecologist resumes contained data collection as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills an ecologist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 ecologist skills for your resume and career

1. Data Collection

Data collection means to analyze and collect all the necessary information. It helps in carrying out research and in storing important and necessary information. The most important goal of data collection is to gather the information that is rich and accurate for statistical analysis.

Here's how ecologists use data collection:
  • Experience in preparing information for maps, data collection, and reports.
  • Submit reports as compiled through data collection from associated department staff.

2. GPS

GPS stands from Global Positioning System. It is a navigation system comprising of satellites that helps in determining the location, velocity, and synchronize time data for different modes of travel like air, sea, or land.

Here's how ecologists use gps:
  • Report finalized noting flora and fauna observed and aerial map of delineation line (depicted using GPS points from Trimble).
  • Utilized GPS receivers and forest mensuration tools and vegetation inventory and monitoring methodologies.

3. GIS

A geographic information system (GIS) is a tool for capturing, storing, manipulating, analyzing, managing and presenting various forms of geographic data.

Here's how ecologists use gis:
  • Utilized GIS and wetland delineation analysis.
  • Used GIS and Excel to complete analyses critical for problem solving and project development.

4. Technical Reports

Technical reports are a type of document that is used to indicate either the progress, result, or process of scientific research or the state of problems occurring within such research. A technical report may also showcase the report's overall conclusion and may also include recommendations. This kind of report does not require a peer review and isn't published officially but distributed within the organizations where it was formed.

Here's how ecologists use technical reports:
  • Managed data entry, data analysis, and co-authored technical reports and findings.
  • Researched and prepared technical reports, articles, presentations and briefings.

5. Data Management

The administrative process that involves collecting and keeping the data safely and cost-effectively is called data management. Data management is a growing field as companies rely on it to store their intangible assets securely to create value. Efficient data management helps a company use the data to make better business decisions.

Here's how ecologists use data management:
  • Performed field work, data management and analysis.
  • Perform data management tasks with a working knowledge of geographical and geological information.

6. Data Entry

Data entry means entering data into a company's system with the help of a keyboard. A person responsible for entering data may also be asked to verify the authenticity of the data being entered. A person doing data entry must pay great attention to tiny details.

Here's how ecologists use data entry:
  • Conducted creel surveys utilizing interpersonal skills, data entry skills, and organizational skills.
  • Managed databases, documenting, filing, reporting, and data entry.

Choose from 10+ customizable ecologist resume templates

Build a professional ecologist resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your ecologist resume.

7. ArcGIS

Here's how ecologists use arcgis:
  • Identified and classified over 10,000 wetland polygons from aerial imagery using the ArcGIS 10 software suite.
  • Identified and georeferenced species and habitat using Trimble Geo XT handheld units and ArcGIS Prepared documents for formal reports Maintained non-disclosure agreement
Select Skills To Add To Your Resume

8. Data Analysis

Here's how ecologists use data analysis:
  • Course concepts include basic techniques in field surveys, data analysis and interpretation, and reporting/presentation skills.
  • Compile data from lab reports and quality checked data analysis of soil boring samples and groundwater sampling.

9. Natural Resources

Natural resources are the natural elements of the environment that are useful to humans or that could be useful under conceivable technological, economic, or social circumstances or in resources derived from the earth. Resources such as food, construction and clothing materials, fertilizers, metals, water, and geothermal energy.

Here's how ecologists use natural resources:
  • Instructed contractors on natural resources related construction to be done on military base.
  • Experienced natural resources consultant who provides high quality environmental planning and permitting support to clients across diverse industry sectors.

10. Project Management

Here's how ecologists use project management:
  • Project management including developing and writing of proposals and budgets, and negotiating with clients.
  • Provided leadership in business development, project management, and quality control.

11. Water Quality

Here's how ecologists use water quality:
  • Performed water quality testing using a hydrolab and beta sampler.
  • Water quality standards review and creation.

12. Ecological Research

Here's how ecologists use ecological research:
  • Participated in field teams conducting ecological research and environmental assessments.

13. Wetland Delineations

Here's how ecologists use wetland delineations:
  • Completed wetland delineations and reporting procedures for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 permitting in proposed project locations.
  • Assisted Project managers with wetland delineations, joint permit application, Virginia water protection permits and mitigation plans.

14. Regulatory Agencies

A regulatory agency is a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) that is responsible for supervising certain human activities and controlling them to some extent. They are set up in some areas such as hospitals, law firms, and governmental setup to regulate safety standards. They prevent undue and unjust abuse of power in these setups.

Here's how ecologists use regulatory agencies:
  • Conduct special status species surveys and coordinate with regulatory agencies.
  • Monitored and reported progress for submittal to regulatory agencies.

15. Statistical Analysis

Here's how ecologists use statistical analysis:
  • Performed statistical analysis on the field data and produced the final technical report.
  • Performed home range analysis of deer and turkey telemetry data to quantify species space use for statistical analysis.
top-skills

What skills help Ecologists find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on Ecologist resumes?

D

Douglas Conklin Ph.D.Douglas Conklin Ph.D. LinkedIn Profile

Associate Professor, University at Albany, State University of New York

The main skill that always stands out is research experience. Taking what you've learned in the classroom and applying it to a real-world problem is invaluable - and it's never too early to start. Research skills are highly transferable. Experience with thinking that is both objective and creative is useful in many fields - not just biology research. A recent study by the National Institute of Health concluded that obtaining an advanced degree in a research-based field is worth $1 million in additional earnings over your career - whether you stay in research or not. Being able to identify, understand and solve problems are skills that all organizations want their team members to have.

What soft skills should all Ecologists possess?

S

Srinivas Sonne Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Biology, Paine College

Flexibility, Communication, Leadership, Team work, thorough understanding of underlying concepts for biological principles, etc., are required for Biology students.

What Ecologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

C

Christopher Herren Ph.D.Christopher Herren Ph.D. LinkedIn Profile

Teaching Assistant Professor, Kansas State University

For a gap year, get a job related to your major.

What type of skills will young Ecologists need?

S

S. Laurie Sanderson Ph.D.

Professor and Chair, William & Mary

Young graduates will benefit from problem-solving skills, interpersonal and teamwork skills, quantitative skills, and strong writing abilities.

What technical skills for an Ecologist stand out to employers?

J

Joshua Raabe Ph.D.Joshua Raabe Ph.D. LinkedIn Profile

Associate Professor, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point

Many graduates' first position is a field technician, so being able to handle and identify fish, trailer and operate boats, and use a variety of sampling equipment are essential skills. Management and research requires data analysis, so statistics, computer programming, and GIS are valuable skills. Finally, writing and communication skills are absolutely necessary to communicate science to the public and each other.

List of ecologist skills to add to your resume

Ecologist Skills

The most important skills for an ecologist resume and required skills for an ecologist to have include:

  • Data Collection
  • GPS
  • GIS
  • Technical Reports
  • Data Management
  • Data Entry
  • ArcGIS
  • Data Analysis
  • Natural Resources
  • Project Management
  • Water Quality
  • Ecological Research
  • Wetland Delineations
  • Regulatory Agencies
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Federal Agencies
  • Species ACT
  • Species Surveys
  • Environmental Compliance
  • Water ACT
  • Habitat Assessments
  • Plant Identification
  • Remote Sensing
  • Management Plans
  • Ecological Restoration
  • Environmental Data
  • Harvest
  • Analyze Data
  • Water Samples
  • Environmental Policy
  • Interagency
  • Usfws
  • R
  • NOAA
  • Plant Communities
  • Restoration Projects
  • EPA
  • Technical Assistance
  • ESA
  • USDA
  • Research Findings
  • BLM
  • Surface Water

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse life, physical, and social science jobs