Career Explorer > Career Details
| Entomologist |
$22,000 - $52,000 |
| Career Cluster: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics | |
| General
Information: Entomologists study and conduct research on insects for purposes of classification, control, and use. |
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| Career
Information: Entomologists may concentrate on nonpoisonous substances that may trigger abnormal growth or behavior in insects. These agents may attract insects to traps or make them sterile. New research is investigating the use of microorganisms such as bacterial and viruses that cause the insects to get a disease and die. These measures allow farmers to use less pesticides. The benefits include higher crop yields as well as reduced risk of groundwater pollution. Entomologists also work with other scientists on joint projects such as developing crops resistant to diseases. Some entomologists work with government officials to try to stop the entry into the United States of pests such as African honeybees, sometimes called killer bees, that are gradually moving northward into the Southern part of the United States from South America. These teams have intercepted bark beetles that spread Dutch elm disease, wood borers in packing crates, and larvae of fruit flies that can threaten the entire citrus fruit industry. Entomologists also work to control insects that carry diseases. These insects cause epidemics by transmitting infectious organisms to animals and to humans. A hundred years ago malaria was common in the United States. Entomologists helped discover the cause: organisms transmitted by mosquitoes. The work of entomologists in insect diseases--caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi--may be closely linked with the work of microbiologists, virologists, or mycologists studying the agents of human diseases. Some of these diseases adversely affect beneficial insects such as bees. Other infectious diseases can enhance the biological control of pest species. |
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| Educational
Requirements: 4 year degree |
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| Suggested High School/Collegiate
Courses: Agriculture, biology, math, business, botany, zoology. Degree in Biology, Botany, Zoology or Entomology. |
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| Skills
Necessary: Analytical , Oral Communications , Organizational , Scientific , Work independently , Computer Skills , Written Communications |
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| Job
Availability: Steady Growth |
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| Location
of jobs: All United States |
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| Working
Conditions: Works outdoors and in laboratory situations. |
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