Entomologists study the classification, biodiversity, life cycles and ecology of insects and other anthropods, and plan and implement surveys and pest management programs.

Entomologists investigate the biology, roles and management of: 

• insect pests 
• beneficial insects such as plant pollinators, insect parasites and insect predators
• other insects and arthropods (for example, spiders and mites).

Duties and responsibilities vary from one position to another but, in general, entomologists:

• study insect physiology, distribution and habitat, and recommend methods of preventing the importation and spread of harmful insects
• investigate and evaluate the role of insect pests in forests, agriculture, human health and the environment
• study the evolution of insects and classify them using taxonomic, molecular and other techniques
• discover and describe new species of insects
• monitor insect biodiversity as part of ongoing efforts to preserve ecological integrity in natural landscapes
• conduct research into the impact and control of insect pest problems
• develop biological methods of controlling harmful insects and weeds (for example, using pathogens, predators, parasites or genetic methods) and implement pest management programs
• conduct field and laboratory tests of pesticides to evaluate their effect on different species of insects under different conditions
• preserve and maintain museum collections
• prepare and provide information to help the public identify insects and other anthropods
• co-ordinate public awareness and education programs.

Entomologists usually specialize in particular fields of study such as applied agriculture and forest entomology, apiculture (bee culture), classification and evolution, insect ecology, insect physiology or insecticide toxicology. They often work with other scientists on joint projects such as developing crops resistant to insects, or containing animal and plant diseases caused by anthropods transmitting infectious organisms (for example, mosquitoes spreading West Nile Virus, bark beetles spreading Dutch elm disease fungus, ticks carrying bacteria that cause Lyme disease).

Entomologists may work more than a standard 40 hour week particularly when involved in research studies. They work indoors conducting experiments in laboratories, greenhouses, controlled environment chambers and museums, and outdoors conducting field research. They may spend considerable time on data preparation and basic analysis. Field work can be strenuous and may require living in remote locations for extended periods of time. Safety precautions are required to avoid injury when handling poisonous or allergenic insects and toxic chemicals.

The minimum academic requirement is a four year bachelor's degree in the biological sciences or agriculture. Research positions in universities, government and industrial organizations require a graduate degree: a master's (M.Sc.) or doctoral (PhD) degree.

The University of Alberta in Edmonton offers a four year Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree program in Biological Sciences with specialization or honours in animal biology, and M.Sc. and PhD degree programs in which research focused on insects may be conducted. The entrance requirement for the B.Sc. (General) degree program is a competitive average (ranging from 70 to 80 per cent) in English Language Arts 30-1, Pure Math 30, two of Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Physics 30 or Math 31 and one other approved Grade 12 subject. Admission to the honours program requires an 80 per cent average in English Language Arts 30-1, Pure Math 30, Biology 30, Chemistry 30 and one other approved Grade 12 subject (Physics 30 recommended).

Transfer programs and bachelor's degree programs in biological sciences are offered by post-secondary institutions throughout the province. Admission requirements vary depending on the program and the institution but generally include a high school diploma or equivalent with an average of at least 60 per cent in English Language Arts 30-1, Pure Math 30, Biology 30, Chemistry 30 and one other approved Grade 12 subject (Physics 30 recommended). It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the transfer courses they choose to take will be accepted for credit at the institution to which they wish to transfer.

For current information about programs, admission requirements and mature student admission policies, please check post-secondary calendars or websites.

Professional Biologist is a protected title under Alberta's Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act. This means that to call yourself a Professional Biologist, you must be a registered member of the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB). At present, you can call yourself a "biologist" if you are not a registered member of ASPB.

Entomologists are employed by municipal, provincial and federal governments, post-secondary institutions and museums. For example, entomologists employed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency work to prevent the spread of invasive invertebrates. Pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing companies and large pest control companies also hire entomologists to conduct research and demonstrate new products for people in the agriculture, forestry and medical communities. A few entomologists are independent consultants who provide insect identification services, advise clients on insect control or conduct environmental impact assessments.

Graduates of bachelor's degree programs may be hired for technical positions in research programs, entry level government jobs such as forest health survey coordinator, customer service positions in pest control companies, or junior positions in environmental consulting companies. A PhD is generally required for independent research, administrative work or teaching at the post-secondary level.

Entomologists are part of the larger National Occupational Classification 2121: Biologists and Related Scientists. In Alberta, 80 per cent of Biologists and Related Scientists work in the following industries:

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
• Public Administration
• Health Care and Social Assistance.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• time of year (for seasonal jobs)
• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next ten years.

Entomologists' salaries vary considerably depending on their qualifications and research responsibilities.

According to the 2007 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Biologists and Related Scientists occupational group working part-time or full-time earned from $48,100 to $104,100 a year. The average salary was $72,900 a year.

Post-secondary institution calendar or website (see Educational Requirements above)

EDinfo website: www.alis.alberta.ca/edinfo

Entomological Society of Alberta website: www.biology.ualberta.ca/courses.hp/esa/esa.htm

Entomological Society of Canada website: www.esc-sec.org