What does an Entomologist do?
Entomologist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real entomologist resumes:
- Create Linux shell scripts to automate common process which severely reduce manual work load and processing time for the entire lab.
- Perform IPM, inspections, and water/soil tests.
- Assist in development of an IPM program for NIH laboratory buildings.
- Trap and identify various bug species using pheromone bait traps as well as UV light traps.
- Inspect horticultural products in greenhouses, nurseries and garden centers to detect harmful disease or insect infestation.
- Request instructor for NAVFAC DoD pesticide applicator recertification courses.
- Used bioassays to uncover structure-activity relationships for repellency of newly synthesize organic compounds.
- Conduct laboratory bioassays to determine insecticide susceptibility.
- Communicate key process knowledge during research team meetings through PowerPoint presentations.
- Conduct laboratory bioassays to determine insecticide susceptibility.
Entomologist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 26% of Entomologists are proficient in Insect, Public Health, and Pest Management. They’re also known for soft skills such as Emotional stamina and stability, Interpersonal skills, and Outdoor skills.
We break down the percentage of Entomologists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Insect, 26%
Support Research Leader/Lead Scientist in surveying insect pests associated with Alaskan agricultural crops.
- Public Health, 15%
Provided public health consulting services to installation and preventive medicine personnel at 12 military installations in the North Atlantic Medical Region.
- Pest Management, 13%
Prepared daily monthly and quarterly reports for pest management activities.
- Pathogens, 10%
Developed novel technologies for the treatment, detection, and identification of invasive pathogens using rationally designed antimicrobial proteins.
- GIS, 7%
Trained technicians at grassroots organizations with GIS and worked with the organizations directors on the functionality of spatial and database technologies
- IPM, 6%
Assisted in development of an IPM program for NIH laboratory buildings.
Most entomologists use their skills in "insect," "public health," and "pest management" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential entomologist responsibilities here:
Interpersonal skills. Another essential skill to perform entomologist duties is interpersonal skills. Entomologists responsibilities require that "zoologists and wildlife biologists typically work on teams and must be able to work effectively with others." Entomologists also use interpersonal skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "leveraged interpersonal skills to ensure efficient, complete and quality data collection across numerous diverse locations. "
Outdoor skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of entomologists is outdoor skills. This skill is critical to many everyday entomologist duties, as "zoologists and wildlife biologists may need to navigate rough terrain, carry heavy equipment for long distances, or perform other activities associated with living in remote areas." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "grit when performing physically intense data collection in rough, outdoor conditions. "
Problem-solving skills. A big part of what entomologists do relies on "problem-solving skills." You can see how essential it is to entomologist responsibilities because "zoologists and wildlife biologists try to find solutions to wildlife threats, such as disease and habitat loss." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical entomologist tasks: "coordinate and devise solutions for matters controversial in nature related to natural resources, wildlife and integrated pest management. "
Communication skills. Lastly, "communication skills" is an important element of what an entomologist does. Entomologist responsibilities require this skill because "zoologists and wildlife biologists write about and present their research to the public, policymakers, and academic audiences." This resume example highlights how entomologist duties rely on this skill: "key team collaborator on documentation of synthesis of azaphilone natural products, which was published in j. american chemist society communication. "
The three companies that hire the most entomologists are:
- UUS Meat Animal Research Center3 entomologists jobs
- CCertified Laboratories2 entomologists jobs
- MMassey Services1 entomologists jobs
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Compare different entomologists
Entomologist vs. Researcher
A researcher is responsible for collating, organizing, and verifying necessary information for a specific subject. Researchers' duties include analyzing data, gathering and comparing resources, ensuring facts, sharing findings with the whole research team, adhering to required methodologies, performing fieldwork as needed, and keeping critical information confidential. Researchers must be knowledgeable about the current market trends and align findings with the research goals. A researcher must show strong communication skills, as well as strong attention to detail and time-management skills to meet deadlines under minimal supervision.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between entomologists and researcher. For instance, entomologist responsibilities require skills such as "insect," "public health," "pest management," and "pathogens." Whereas a researcher is skilled in "python," "lab equipment," "c++," and "r." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Researchers tend to reach similar levels of education than entomologists. In fact, researchers are 3.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 7.4% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Entomologist vs. Research technician
A research technician is responsible for assisting in research studies and laboratory experiments. Research technicians operate laboratory tools and equipment, process data for experiments, collect samples for study, analyze existing research materials, analyze experiment results, manage inventories and stock supplies, record observations, and create reports for further examination. A research technician must have strong analytical and scientific knowledge, as well as a passion for research writing and investigations crucial for this kind of industry.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, entomologist responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "insect," "public health," "pest management," and "pathogens." Meanwhile, a research technician has duties that require skills in areas such as "patients," "cell culture," "laboratory equipment," and "lab equipment." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Research technicians earn lower levels of education than entomologists in general. They're 5.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 7.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Entomologist vs. Wildlife division manager
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from entomologist resumes include skills like "insect," "public health," "pest management," and "pathogens," whereas a wildlife division manager is more likely to list skills in "wildlife habitat," "harvest," "law enforcement," and "management plans. "
Wildlife division managers typically earn similar educational levels compared to entomologists. Specifically, they're 1.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 12.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Entomologist vs. Wildlife biology technician
Types of entomologist
Updated January 8, 2025
