Careers in Entomology

[Margot J]

I'm not sure if there is already a thread like this one, but I'm curious about uncommon jobs that one can do as an entomologist.
For example, would it be possible to become certified as an entomologist or biologist and visit public places like schools and talk about an animal and/or its behavior, etc., and have that animal in person so people less exposed to nature can experience an amazing creature?
I've heard of companies that hire people to do this, or would it require being a field entomologist and this just being a side job?
This is to anyone with more experience with jobs and college (or not), it's just a thought of mine

Thanks!

 

[Vanisher]

I wish i had such a job!

 

[Sarkhan42]

Sounds like you’re interested in outreach/extension in entomology! Some Universities fund positions doing exactly what you describe, with some variation in focus, ranging from spreading info about forest or agricultural pests, to organizing programs with schools and young kids on simple insect biology.

You might also find satisfaction working for an insect focused branch of a zoo, as I find that scratches a similar itch and you’re able to work with a great variety of species, with that same element of outreach.

 

[Margot J]

Thanks for the replies! I will definitely look into it.

 

[hunterc]

My wife does stuff like this. Shes an extension agent for the university of florida

 

[pannaking22]

There are some people who do this as a side job if there aren't any schools or organizations in their area that does this kind of thing. I don't think there'd be enough interest to make it full time on your own unless you live in a big city. Doing it through a university would probably be the best way to make that work out, plus you'd probably get to work on other fun projects as well.

Another uncommon job would be doing identification work for the federal government. I've seen ads for those pop up on the USA Jobs website and they sound interesting. I've got a couple friends in those positions as well and they really enjoy them. They basically ID insects that are coming into the US with cargo shipments and figuring out if they're harmful or not and what to do with the cargo.

 

[ShilohKiwi]

I learned about entomology from a woman who came to my high school! She went to UC Davis and got a PhD in entomology. She was a researcher for several years, discovering several new species of bark beetle in South America. Then she taught as a professor at a different college for a little while. Now she goes to schools and teaches about arthropods. It is her full-time job and she has a happy family. So yes, it is definitely possible!

 

[ThemantismanofPA]

the top school as far as i know in outreach types of ento is UC davis. It is also highly ranked for research, but i think the highest in that field is Cornell.