Career Explorer > Career Details
| Limnologist |
$60,370 Annual Average (US Bureau of Labor and Statistics) |
| Career Cluster: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics | |
| General
Information: Limnologists study the structure and function of inland water ecosystems. |
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| Career
Information: Limnologists deal with physical, chemical and biological aspects of freshwater ecology, such as how different lake types and running waters are treated, and the various with applications of water conservation. They deal with sampling water, sedimentology, loading, eutrophication, acidification, effects of sewage water and treatment methods. They do prepare and analyze samples and investigate biotic conditions. They work with phytoplankton, algae and fish to determine the population and nutritional requirements of different groups of organisms, as well as pollution issues, water blooms and the removal of vegetation. Limnologists need to be knowledgeable about the geographical information system (GIS), lake morphometry, water movements, ground- and drain water, paleolimnology and sedimentology, water transport, and budget calculations as well as winter limnology. They also must be familiar with the different types of wastes and their effects on aquatic systems, as well as measures which can be taken to improve the situation. |
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| Educational
Requirements: 4 year degree within discipline |
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| Suggested High School/Collegiate
Courses: Agriculture, environmental studies, biology, ecology, geography, horticulture, math, business and computers. |
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| Skills
Necessary: Mathematical , Analytical , Oral Communications , Organizational , Scientific , Work independently , Computer Skills , Written Communications , Detail Oriented , Research , Responsible , Logical , Investigative , Orderly Minded , Initiative , Inquisitive , Persistent |
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| Job
Availability: Excellent Growth |
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| Location
of jobs: Most limnologists are employed by corporations, government agencies and universities located near inland water systems (lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and wetland), including both fresh and salt waters. |
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| Working
Conditions: Many aquatic science researchers spend at least some time each year engaged in field work, collecting data and samples in natural environments on board small boats or large research vessels. Limologists spend a significant amount of time in the laboratory conducting experiments, or at the computer analyzing data or developing models. |
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| FFA
Programs that Promote this Career: Agriscience , CDE: Ag Issues , CDE: Environmental and Natural Resources , Supervised Agriculture Experience: Exploratory |
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| Related
Occupations: Agriculture Environmental & Natural Resources , Research/Scientist |
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| Current
FFA Sponsor/Employer Opportunities Available: |
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