ecologist/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — ecologist

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 19-2041.02 (Environmental Restoration Planners).

Task statements

• [Core] Notify regulatory or permitting agencies of deviations from implemented remediation plans.
• [Core] Develop environmental restoration project schedules and budgets.
• [Core] Develop and communicate recommendations for landowners to maintain or restore environmental conditions.
• [Core] Create diagrams to communicate environmental remediation planning, using geographic information systems (GIS), computer-aided design (CAD), or other mapping or diagramming software.
• [Core] Apply for permits required for the implementation of environmental remediation projects.
• [Core] Review existing environmental remediation designs.
• [Core] Supervise and provide technical guidance, training, or assistance to employees working in the field to restore habitats.
• [Core] Provide technical direction on environmental planning to energy engineers, biologists, geologists, or other professionals working to develop restoration plans or strategies.
• [Core] Plan or supervise environmental studies to achieve compliance with environmental regulations in construction, modification, operation, acquisition, or divestiture of facilities such as power plants.
• [Core] Inspect active remediation sites to ensure compliance with environmental or safety policies, standards, or regulations.
• [Core] Plan environmental restoration projects, using biological databases, environmental strategies, and planning software.
• [Core] Identify short- and long-term impacts of environmental remediation activities.
• [Core] Identify environmental mitigation alternatives, ensuring compliance with applicable standards, laws, or regulations.
• [Core] Create environmental models or simulations, using geographic information system (GIS) data and knowledge of particular ecosystems or ecological regions.
• [Core] Conduct feasibility and cost-benefit studies for environmental remediation projects.
• [Core] Conduct environmental impact studies to examine the ecological effects of pollutants, disease, human activities, nature, and climate change.
• [Core] Communicate findings of environmental studies or proposals for environmental remediation to other restoration professionals.
• [Core] Collect and analyze data to determine environmental conditions and restoration needs.
• [Core] Develop natural resource management plans, using knowledge of environmental planning or state and federal environmental regulatory requirements.
• [Core] Develop environmental management or restoration plans for sites with power transmission lines, natural gas pipelines, fuel refineries, geothermal plants, wind farms, or solar farms.
• [Core] Create habitat management or restoration plans, such as native tree restoration and weed control.
• [Core] Conduct site assessments to certify a habitat or to ascertain environmental damage or restoration needs.
• [Core] Write grants to obtain funding for restoration projects.

Detailed work activities

• Advise others about environmental management or conservation.
• Advise others about land management or conservation.
• Analyze environmental data.
• Assess compliance with environmental laws.
• Collect environmental data or samples.
• Communicate results of environmental research.
• Communicate with government agencies.
• Create images or other visual displays.
• Develop mathematical models of environmental conditions.
• Develop plans to manage natural or renewable resources.
• Direct natural resources management or conservation programs.
• Identify sustainable business practices.
• Inspect condition of natural environments.
• Plan environmental research.
• Plan natural resources conservation or restoration programs.
• Prepare documentation for permits or licenses.
• Prepare proposals or grant applications to obtain project funding.
• Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
• Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives.
• Review environmental permits, plans, or reports.
• Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
• Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.
• Write grant proposals.