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ENTOMOLOGIST
An entomologist is a scientist who studies
insects. Entomologists have many important jobs, such as the study
of the classification, life cycle, distribution, physiology, behavior,
ecology and population dynamics of insects. Entomologists also
study urban pests, forest pests, agricultural pests and medical and
veterinary pests and their control. These scientists may work with
beneficial insects like honeybees, silkworms, ladybird beetles and
parasitic wasps. Entomologists are researchers, teachers and consultants
and can work for private companies, universities or government agencies.
About
8,000 men and women work as professional entomologists in the United
States, which includes teaching about insects; working as extension
entomologists (public educators who provide information on insects
and their management in agricultural and urban environments); raising
bees; enforcing quarantines and regulations; performing insect survey
work; consulting on integrated pest management topics; selling insecticides;
controlling pests; and conducting research on insect classification,
taxonomy, biology, ecology, behavior and control. The greatest number
of entomologists are employed in some aspect of economic or applied
entomology that deals with the control of harmful insects. There
also are tens of thousands of amateur entomologists and hobbyists
who study insects without pay and who provide valuable information
on insect distributions, seasonal activity patterns, identification,
life cycles and behavior.
Career Opportunities
Entomology careers in research involve studying and understanding
the anatomy, habits, life histories, physiology and classification
of insects and investigating various types of chemical and biological
controls. Increasingly, basic information is required to supply
answers to complex questions and problems involving insects.
Research
Opportunities: Many entomologists are involved with research in integrated
pest management. IPM uses all suitable pest control techniques to
keep pests below economically injurious levels. Each pest control
technique must be designed carefully so it is environmentally sound
and is compatible with producer and user objectives. But IPM is more
than chemical pesticide management — it also includes
biological, cultural and sanitary control practices. Once sound,
reliable information on insect control is gathered from research,
the results are given to farmers and other people who deal with insect
pests.
Teaching Positions: There are many teaching opportunities for
entomologists at colleges and nonprofit educational institutions
and organizations. For example, the Cooperative Extension Service
in each state plays an important role in providing information on
insects and pest control to homeowners, farmers and others. Entomologists
at CES work closely with individuals and businesses to help solve
their insect problems. Another important extension job is the survey
entomologist, who reviews all important crops in a given state or
area for possible insect outbreaks and alerts farmers and growers
before a major problem arises.
Government Work: Many entomologists
work for government agencies. For example, U.S. regulatory entomologists
help prevent the entrance of harmful, destructive pests from foreign
countries. Both federal and state governments have set up plant and
animal quarantine agencies. All plants, fruits, vegetables, artifacts,
baggage and animals are examined at international ports of entry,
and these inspections are performed under the supervision of trained
entomologists and other scientists. Entomologists also impose strict
quarantines in areas where introduced insects have established a
foothold. In some cases, roadblocks and inspection stations are erected
to prevent the spread of pests. Most states have laws and regulations
requiring the inspection of nursery stock, many types of agricultural
produce, logs and bee hives. Many states also have laws regulating
the activities of pest control operators (exterminators) and pesticide
applicators. Entomologists help enforce those important laws and
provide technical information and counsel for those in this type
of insect control work.
Medical and public health entomologists work
for federal, state and local public health departments and deal with
pest control problems. Entomologists engaged in public health work
in different areas of research and in the control of house flies,
mosquitoes, cockroaches, lice, fleas, ticks and many other pests
that pose a health hazard or nuisance problem.
Military entomologists
work for various branches of the armed forces and supervise pest
control operations at a large number of military bases in the United
States and abroad. Research work and the protection of military personnel
against insect-borne diseases and parasites are important aspects
of entomology in the military service.
Forensic entomology is a new
field of study. Entomologists in this specialty area use their knowledge
of insect life cycles and behavior to help police solve crimes.
Agricultural
entomologists work to protect valuable crops from insect pests. Annual
losses to agricultural insect pests are enormous and in some areas
can result in up to a 25 percent loss in yield. Agricultural entomologists,
pest management consultants and pest scouts all are involved in research
and control of crop pests.
The rapid growth of the forest products
industry has set the stage for forest entomology. The United States
uses an enormous amount of lumber, pulp and paper products annually,
yet yearly losses from forest insects also are substantial. Forest
entomologists work to protect these valuable resources from insect
pests.
Commercial-Sector Work: Commercial entomologists work for industry
rather than public agencies. These jobs can involve field-service
work, research, insect-control services and insecticide sales. Selling
insecticides is part of the large agribusiness industry that supplies
farmers and growers with goods and services.
Some entomologists work
to control pests affecting shade trees, lawns, ornamental plants,
homes, warehouses, stores, hotels and restaurants. Other work includes
spraying farm crops and orchards as well as urban areas for flies
and mosquitoes.
Commercial entomologists also can work as private
consultants to the pesticide industry, pest control operators and
agribusiness (pest management services, for example). Entomologists
in this field can establish their own company, can work for a small
business or can work for a large commercial company.
Education/Training
Individuals interested in a career in entomology should prepare themselves
by taking classes in math and science (biology, zoology, botany,
ecology and chemistry), by becoming familiar with the steps of
the scientific method and by practicing keeping records and presenting
information, data and conclusions. They should conduct investigations
of the insect world; visit libraries and stores to find interesting
educational books, videos and software about insects; look for
summer jobs with companies, universities, state experiment stations
or government agencies that deal with insects; or simply spend
the day with a museum curator, beekeeper, pest control operator
or other professional entomologist to help provide insight into
entomological careers and the decision to enter a career in entomology.
Training also is available through youth groups such as scouts,
4-H, science and bug clubs and the Young Entomologists’ Society.
Through organizations such as the Young Entomologists’ Society,
young insect enthusiasts can interact with others interested in
insect study, trade insect specimens and information, publish interesting
information on insects and read about the latest discoveries in
insect study.
Most universities do not have a specialized entomology
department but instead offer courses in entomology. Many entomologists
receive a general undergraduate degree in biology or zoology and
then specialize in entomology at the postgraduate level. Research
positions in universities, the government and industrial organizations
require either a master’s
degree or in most cases, a Ph.D. For individuals interested in leading
a research team or teaching at the university level, a Ph.D. is required.
Certification
The Entomological Society of America offers two certification programs:
the Associate Certified Entomologist and the Board Certified Entomologist.
The BCE is geared toward individuals who are formally educated
in entomology, while the ACE is geared more toward individuals
with hands-on training and professional development in the field
of structural pest management.
Salary
Average Entry-Level: $29,260 per year
Average: $47,740 per year
Average Higher-Level: $71,270 per year
Related Links
http://www.entsoc.org/index.htm
The Entomological Society of America serves the professional and
scientific needs of entomologists and colleagues in related disciplines.
Members include educators, extension personnel, consultants, students,
researchers and scientists from agricultural departments, health
agencies, private industries, colleges and universities and state
and federal governments. There also is an Employment link
on the site that lists entomological job opportunities available
in the United States.
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