PURPOSE
The Environmental Biology credential is designed to document the essential competencies for biology professionals specifically working in the environmental biology arena.
AUDIENCE
This credential is appropriate for a variety of workers who must have foundational knowledge of environmental biology to complete their daily tasks or solve problems in the course of their job responsibilities. These scientists and technicians may include environmental scientists, agriculture and food scientists, anthropologists and archaeologists, atmospheric scientists, biochemists, conservation scientists, forestry professionals, environmental engineers, environmental protection professionals, geoscientists, hydrologists, natural scientists, animal scientists, zoologists, and teachers at the secondary and post-secondary level.
JOB/CAREER REQUIREMENTS
The Environmental Biology credential documents competencies that include professionals working in environmental biology and require a solid understanding of major concepts including ecology, human population and development issues, biological principles related to water and soil, agriculture production, pest control, energy concepts, and pollution. They must also understand economic issues and considerations for policy development. Many of these professionals work in sustainability and urban planning and development arenas requiring an environmental biology foundation.
ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY WORKPLACE TASKS:
- Scientists and technicians in the environmental arena determine how to collect data for research, investigations, and surveys.
- Researchers and compliance workers collect and compile environmental data from samples or air, soil, water, food, and other substances for analysis.
- They analyze samples, surveys, and other information to identify and assess threats to the environment and work to develop effective and sustainable solutions.
- Environmental biology specialists work with teams to develop plans to prevent, control, or fix environmental problems.
- These professionals provide information and guidance to government officials, businesses, policy makers, and the general public on potential hazards and health risks in the environment.
- These scientists and technicians often prepare technical reports and make presentations to a variety of stakeholders.
- Agricultural and food scientists work to develop better ways to improve the quantity and quality of field crops and farm animals as well as study the composition of soil and water as they relate to plant growth.
- Conservation scientists and foresters monitory forestry and conservation activities to assure compliance and habitat protection as well as conduct research and develop plans related to managing of natural resources.
- Zoologists and animal scientists study wildlife populations and their habitats and assist in policy development.
- Secondary and post-secondary teachers provide education related to environmental biology
EXAM STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Number of Questions in Exam: 140
Total Time: 120 minutes
Overall Passing Score: 70%
(All sections require an individual passing score of 70%)
