The Consulting Environmental Biologist

Only about 2,000 biologists are currently employed as environmental consultants, down from a 1978–79 peak of about 5,000. The prospects should improve over the next couple of years with stabilization estimated at 3,000. We got into this predicament by doing a good job of determining the effects of electric utility generating stations on the inhabitants of the water bodies upon which they are sited. The trend toward energy conservation and the recent prolonged and deep recession have aggravated the employment picture. New areas of environmental concern are developing, offering new employment opportunities. These include studies associated with toxic substances, leachates from manufacturing and storage facilities, and biological aspects of issues dominated by social, hydrological or engineering concerns. The consulting biologist of the 1980s will require skills in these areas at least sufficient for multidisciplinary communication, an understanding of fundamental business concerns such as meeting deadlines and living with budgets, and a proficiency in language and communication skills. Universities must provide opportunities and guidance in developing these new skills and supplement the classical training in taxonomy and fishery management. Jobs will exist for the best trained people.