Education · 1 of 5

The path

A science degree, then field experience, then a graduate degree if you want to lead projects.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Biology, chemistry and math. Get outside: volunteer bird counts, stream monitoring, park clean-ups.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Ecology, biology, environmental science, forestry or wildlife biology. Take statistics and mapping courses, they are what employers screen for.

3. 3

   Field seasons

   Every summer

   Summer jobs and co-op terms doing plant surveys, fish sampling and bird point counts. This is what gets you hired.

4. 4

   Master's degree (optional but common)

   2 years

   Two years of research. It moves you past the seasonal-contract stage faster than anything else.

5. 5

   Register and specialize

   2 to 4 years of work

   Join a provincial body or earn an Environmental Professional designation, then build a niche: wetlands, species at risk, restoration.