National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2011
2 - Natural and applied sciences and related occupations
21 - Professional occupations in natural and applied sciences
212 - Life science professionals
2121 - Biologists and related scientists
Biologists and related scientists conduct basic and applied research to extend knowledge of living organisms, to manage natural resources, and to develop new practices and products related to medicine and agriculture. They are employed in both laboratory and field settings by governments, environmental consulting companies, resource and utilities companies, chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnical companies and health and educational institutions.
Illustrative example(s)
- anatomist
- bacteriologist
- bioinformatician
- biologist
- botanist
- cell biologist
- ecologist
- embryologist
- geneticist
- histologist
- immunologist
- marine biologist
- microbiologist
- molecular biologist
- mycologist
- parasitologist
- pharmacologist
- physiologist
- protozoologist
- toxicologist
- virologist
- zoologist
Exclusion(s)
- Architecture and science managers (0212)
- Biochemists (See 2112 Chemists)
- Specialists in laboratory medicine (See 3111 Specialist physicians)
Main duties
Biologists perform some or all of the following duties:
- Plan and conduct studies of the environment, and of the population, distribution, structure and functional characteristics and behaviour of plants and animals
- Conduct ecological and environmental impact studies and prepare reports
- Study, identify and classify plant and animal specimens
- Conduct experiments in plant or animal growth, heredity and breeding
- Prepare reports and plans for management of renewable resources
- May supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.
Microbiologists and cell and molecular biologists perform some or all of the following duties:
- Conduct research into the structure, function, ecology, biotechnology and genetics of micro-organisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and algae
- Conduct research into the structure and functioning of human, animal and plant tissues and cells
- Conduct studies into the identification, effects and control of human, plant and animal pathogens and toxins
- Conduct clinical or laboratory studies to test, evaluate and screen drugs, pharmaceuticals and nanoparticles used in biomedical applications
- Conduct molecular or biochemical studies and experiments in genetic expression, gene manipulation and recombinant DNA technology to develop new or alternative methods of producing products
- Conduct research in biotechnology to discover, develop and refine, and evaluate new products
- May participate in the commercialization of new products
- May supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists
- May conduct biostatistical data analysis using computer modelling techniques.
Biologists and related scientists may specialize at the macroscopic level, in fields such as botany, zoology, ecology and marine biology or, at the cellular and molecular level, in fields such as genetics, immunology, pharmacology, toxicology, physiology, pathology, bacteriology, virology, biotechnology and bioinformatics.
Employment requirements
- A bachelor's degree in biology or in a related discipline is required for biologists.
- A master's or doctoral degree in biology or a related discipline is required for employment as a research scientist in biology.
- Post-doctoral research experience is usually required before employment in academic departments or research institutions.
2122 - Forestry professionals
Forestry professionals conduct research, develop plans and administer and direct programs related to the management and harvesting of forest resources. They are employed by the forest industry, provincial and federal governments, consulting companies, educational institutions and other industries, or they may be self-employed.
Illustrative example(s)
- appraisal forester
- consulting forester
- district forester
- forest engineer
- forester
- forestry superintendent
- regional inventory officer - forestry
- registered professional forester (RPF)
Exclusion(s)
- Forest economists (See 4162 Economists and economic policy researchers and analysts)
- Forestry and woodlands operations managers (See 0811 Managers in natural resources production and fishing)
- Managers of government forestry policy and program administration (See 0412 Government managers - economic analysis, policy development and program administration)
- Managers of research in forestry (See 0212 Architecture and science managers)
Main duties
Forestry professionals perform some or all of the following duties:
- Plan and direct forest surveys and related studies and prepare reports and recommendations
- Establish short- and long-term plans for management of forest lands and forest resources
- Plan and direct woodlands harvesting, reforestation, silviculture and fire prevention and fire suppression programs, road building, wildlife management, environmental protection and insect and vegetation control programs
- Negotiate terms and conditions of agreements and contracts for forest harvesting, forest management and leasing of forest lands
- Monitor contract compliance and results of forestry activities
- Ensure adherence to government regulations and company objectives
- Plan and conduct public relations programs, and education and extension programs related to forestry
- Develop and oversee programs for tree seedling production and woodlands nursery operations
- Conduct advanced research in the areas of tree improvement, nursery seedling production, forest soils, forest ecology, forest mensuration, forest operations and other areas
- Provide advice and recommendations, as a consultant on forestry issues, to private woodlot owners, municipal, provincial or federal governments or to companies.
Employment requirements
- A bachelor's degree in forestry or forestry engineering is required.
- Certification as a forester or forest engineer by provincially chartered associations is required in provinces having such associations.
- A two-year practicum of supervised work experience and professional examinations are usually required before registration.
Additional information
- Supervisory and senior occupations in this unit group require additional experience.
- With experience, mobility is possible to management positions in government and industry.
2123 - Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists
Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists provide assistance and advice to farmers on all aspects of farm management, cultivation, fertilization, harvesting, soil erosion and composition, disease prevention, nutrition, crop rotation and marketing. They are employed by businesses, institutions and governments that assist the farming community, or they may be self-employed.
Illustrative example(s)
- agricultural consultant
- agricultural extension supervisor
- agricultural livestock specialist
- agricultural representative
- agricultural soil and crop specialist
- agriculturist
- agrologist
- agronomist
- consulting agrologist
- crop specialist
- farm management consultant
- field service adviser - agriculture
- field service agent - agriculture
- growers' advisor
- professional agrologist (P.Ag.)
Exclusion(s)
- Agricultural engineers (See 2148 Other professional engineers, n.e.c.)
- Agrology technologists and technicians (See 2221 Biological technologists and technicians)
- Biologists and related scientists (2121)
- Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists (2225)
- Managers of agricultural extension and consulting services (See 0212 Architecture and science managers)
- Managers responsible for agricultural economic policy (See 0412 Government managers - economic analysis, policy development and program administration)
Main duties
Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists perform some or all of the following duties:
- Provide counselling and advisory services to farmers on crop cultivation and fertilization, harvesting, animal and poultry care, disease prevention, farm management, farm financing, marketing and other agricultural subjects
- Prepare and conduct advisory information sessions and lectures for farmers and other groups
- Conduct research, analyze agricultural data and prepare research reports
- Liaise with researchers, educators and government or business managers on matters pertaining to farming and agriculture
- Maintain records of services provided and the effects of advice given.
Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists may specialize in specific aspects of agriculture such as animal science, field crops, horticulture, soil science, irrigation or drainage, farm management, marketing, agricultural economics, land use, and environmental management, appraisal or extension and education.
Employment requirements
- A bachelor's or master's degree in agriculture or in a related science is required.
- Membership or eligibility for membership in a provincial institute of agrology is usually required.
- In Quebec, membership in the Ordre professionnel des agronomes is mandatory.
Additional information
- Progression to management positions is possible with experience.
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