Ecological Economist in Colorado Career Overview

As an Ecological Economist, you engage in analyzing the interplay between ecological systems and economic activities, striving to understand how resources are utilized and how these processes impact the environment. Your role encompasses a variety of responsibilities that contribute to sustainable decision-making and policy formulation.

  • You evaluate the economic value of natural resources and ecosystem services, helping industries recognize the benefits provided by nature.
  • You conduct research that informs policymakers about the environmental consequences of economic actions, advocating for practices that promote sustainability.
  • Your expertise makes you a vital contributor to interdisciplinary teams, collaborating with ecologists, economists, and community stakeholders to create comprehensive solutions to environmental challenges.
  • You often assist businesses in implementing practices that reduce environmental footprints, balancing profitability with ecological health.
  • Engaging in public outreach and education is part of your role, as you help to raise awareness about the importance of ecological considerations in economic planning.
  • Your insights are essential for developing models that predict the long-term impacts of economic decisions, fostering an understanding that leads to better resource management.
  • By participating in policy development, you aim to influence regulations that safeguard ecosystems while supporting economic growth.

Through your work, you play a critical role in advancing the field of ecological economics, promoting a deeper understanding of how economic systems can work harmoniously with natural systems, thereby ensuring a sustainable future for both the environment and society.

Ecological Economist Salary in Colorado

Annual Median: $105,060
Hourly Median: $50.51

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become an Ecological Economist in Colorado

To become an Ecological Economist, you will need to pursue relevant educational qualifications and training. Here are the recommended degree programs:

  • Development Economics and International Development: This program focuses on the economic aspects of development and the impact of policies on global welfare. A solid foundation in economic theory and practical applications in international contexts is essential.

  • Environmental Economics: This degree emphasizes the economic principles that govern environmental issues. You will examine how economic incentives can be used to address environmental concerns and promote sustainability.

  • Resource Economics: This program concentrates on the utilization and management of natural resources. It covers the economic dimensions of resource scarcity and the efficient allocation of resources for long-term sustainability.

  • Developmental Economics and International Development: This combined program merges insights from both developmental economics and international development, focusing on economic growth and poverty alleviation in developing countries through resource management and environmental considerations.

  • Environmental and Natural Resource Economics: This degree integrates environmental sciences with economic analysis. You will study the valuation of natural resources and the impact of environmental policies on economic systems.

In addition to these degree programs, pursuing internships, research opportunities, or specialized coursework in environmental policy, statistics, and data analysis can enhance your expertise in the field of ecological economics.

Best Schools to become a Ecological Economist in Colorado 2024

#1Los Angeles County

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

In-State Tuition:$11,564
Out-of-State Tuition:$41,636
Admission Rate:9%
Graduation Rate:92%
Total Enrollment:46,430
#2Denver County

University of Denver

Denver, CO

In-State Tuition:$55,260
Out-of-State Tuition:$55,260
Admission Rate:78%
Graduation Rate:77%
Total Enrollment:13,734
#3Chittenden County

University of Vermont

Burlington, VT

In-State Tuition:$16,280
Out-of-State Tuition:$41,280
Admission Rate:60%
Graduation Rate:76%
Total Enrollment:14,088
#4Tompkins County

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

In-State Tuition:$62,456
Out-of-State Tuition:$62,456
Admission Rate:7%
Graduation Rate:95%
Total Enrollment:25,898
#5District of Columbia

Georgetown University

Washington, DC

In-State Tuition:$61,872
Out-of-State Tuition:$61,872
Admission Rate:12%
Graduation Rate:96%
Total Enrollment:20,984
#6Cook County

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL

In-State Tuition:$61,179
Out-of-State Tuition:$61,179
Admission Rate:5%
Graduation Rate:96%
Total Enrollment:18,339
Ecological Economist Job Description:
  • Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources.
  • Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

Ecological Economist Required Skills and Competencies in Colorado

  • Analytical Skills: You must possess strong analytical abilities to evaluate complex systems and understand the interactions between economic and ecological factors.

  • Quantitative Proficiency: Familiarity with statistical methods and econometric modeling is important for analyzing data relevant to environmental economics.

  • Research Skills: Ability to conduct thorough literature reviews and field research is essential for gathering information and supporting your economic analyses.

  • Environmental Knowledge: A solid understanding of ecological principles, environmental policies, and sustainability practices will enhance your insights into how economic activities impact natural resources.

  • Communication Skills: You need to effectively communicate complex ideas in both written and oral formats to various stakeholders, including policymakers, academics, and the public.

  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working with professionals from diverse fields, such as ecology, public policy, and economics, requires strong teamwork and collaborative skills.

  • Problem-Solving Abilities: You should be adept at identifying issues and developing innovative solutions that consider economic viability and environmental sustainability.

  • Technical Competence: Proficiency in software and tools used for data analysis, modeling, and visualization (such as GIS and statistical programming languages) is beneficial.

  • Policy Understanding: Knowledge of environmental legislation and policy frameworks at local, state, and federal levels is necessary to navigate the regulatory landscape impacting ecological issues.

  • Critical Thinking: Ability to evaluate information objectively, identify biases, and make reasoned judgments is important for forming sound economic and environmental recommendations.

  • Project Management: Skills in planning, organizing, and managing projects will help you oversee research initiatives and collaboration efforts effectively.

  • Ethical Considerations: A keen understanding of ethical issues related to resource management and economic practices will guide you in promoting sustainable development.

Job Duties for Ecological Economists

  • Collect and analyze data to compare the environmental implications of economic policy or practice alternatives.

  • Conduct research on economic and environmental topics, such as alternative fuel use, public and private land use, soil conservation, air and water pollution control, and endangered species protection.

  • Write technical documents or academic articles to communicate study results or economic forecasts.

Technologies and Skills Used by Ecological Economists

Analytical or scientific software

  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • The MathWorks MATLAB

Development environment software

  • Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
  • Microsoft Visual Studio

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • Writing things for co-workers or customers

People and Technology Systems

  • Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Job Market and Opportunities for Ecological Economist in Colorado

  • The demand for ecological economists in Colorado is on the rise, as organizations increasingly recognize the value of integrating economic and ecological principles to inform sustainable policies.

  • Various sectors are driving this demand, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and private consulting firms. As environmental concerns continue to escalate, the need for professionals who can analyze and promote sustainable resource management is especially pronounced.

  • Growth potential in this field is significant. As climate change and environmental degradation become more pressing issues, the role of ecological economists is likely to expand. You can expect opportunities to emerge in areas such as policy development, environmental impact assessment, and conservation finance.

  • Key geographical hotspots for ecological economists in Colorado include:

    • Denver: The state's capital and a major hub for policy-making, where many government initiatives focus on sustainability and ecological preservation.
    • Boulder: Known for its environmental activism and home to numerous non-profit organizations and research institutions, Boulder offers a vibrant community for ecological economists.
    • Fort Collins: With a strong emphasis on sustainability and a large academic presence through Colorado State University, Fort Collins is a promising location for job opportunities in ecological economics.
    • Colorado Springs: This city hosts several organizations focused on managing natural resources efficiently, contributing to the demand for ecological economists.

  • The intersection of local government initiatives and non-profit efforts targeting climate adaptation and sustainability can create collaborative opportunities for ecological economists to engage in impactful projects.

  • Networking events, workshops, and conferences in these hotspots often present opportunities for ecological economists to connect with potential employers and engage with ongoing research, fostering career advancement.

  • As awareness of ecological economic principles spreads, interdisciplinary collaborations are likely to increase, enhancing the role of ecological economists within various organizations and sectors.

Top Related Careers to Ecological Economist 2024

Sustainability Analyst
Environmental Policy Advisor
Conservation Economist
Climate Change Economist

Additional Resources To Help You Become an Ecological Economist in Colorado

  • Books

    • "Ecological Economics: Principles and Applications" by Herman E. Daly and Joshua Farley
      An authoritative text covering the foundational concepts and applications of ecological economics.
    • "Valuing Ecosystem Services: Toward Better Environmental Decision-Making" edited by National Research Council
      This book examines methods for valuing ecosystem services and integrates ecological and economic perspectives.

  • Websites

    • Ecological Society of America
      www.esa.org
      A professional organization focused on the study and promotion of ecological science.
    • International Society for Ecological Economics
      www.isecoeco.org
      A global organization dedicated to advancing the field of ecological economics through research, education, and policy.
    • United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
      www.unep.org
      Offers resources and reports related to sustainability and ecological economics at a global level.

  • Organizations

    • The Natural Capital Project
      www.naturalcapitalproject.org
      A partnership dedicated to integrating the value of nature into decision-making processes.
    • World Resources Institute
      www.wri.org
      A global research organization focusing on sustainable resource management and advocating for policy changes based on ecological economic principles.

  • Journals

  • Online Courses

  • Conferences and Workshops

    • International Society for Ecological Economics (ISEE) Conferences
      www.isecoeco.org/conferences
      Provides information on upcoming events and conferences that focus on ecological economics.
    • Ecological Economics Network
      www.econsoft.org
      A platform for networking, sharing knowledge, and finding workshops related to ecological economics.

Utilizing these resources can deepen your understanding of ecological economics and expand your professional network in Colorado and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ecological Economist in Colorado

  • What is the role of an ecological economist?
    As an ecological economist, you analyze the relationships between ecological systems and economic activity. Your role often involves assessing environmental policies, evaluating resource management strategies, and integrating ecological health into economic models.

  • What qualifications do I need to become an ecological economist?
    Typically, a master’s degree or Ph.D. in ecological economics, environmental science, or a related field is required. Additional coursework in economics and environmental policy is also beneficial.

  • What skills are essential for an ecological economist?
    Key skills include strong analytical abilities, proficiency in quantitative modeling, knowledge of environmental regulations, and excellent communication skills for conveying complex information to diverse audiences.

  • Where do ecological economists typically work?
    You can find employment in government agencies, non-profit organizations, research institutions, and academic settings. Some may also work in the private sector, focusing on sustainability consulting or corporate social responsibility.

  • Is there demand for ecological economists in Colorado?
    Yes, Colorado emphasizes sustainability and environmental conservation, creating opportunities in state agencies, environmental non-profits, and academic institutions focused on ecological research and policy analysis.

  • What does a typical workday look like for an ecological economist?
    Your day may involve conducting research, analyzing data, writing reports, attending meetings, and collaborating with stakeholders. Fieldwork may also be part of your responsibilities, depending on your specific role.

  • Can I specialize within ecological economics?
    Yes, possible specializations include sustainable resource management, environmental policy analysis, climate change economics, and biodiversity valuation. Specializing can enhance your expertise and job prospects in targeted areas.

  • What types of projects might I work on?
    Projects can range from evaluating the economic impacts of renewable energy initiatives to analyzing the cost-benefit implications of conservation efforts, or developing policies for sustainable land use.

  • How do I stay current in the field of ecological economics?
    Engaging with professional organizations, attending conferences, participating in workshops, and subscribing to relevant academic journals can help you stay informed about new research findings and industry trends.

  • What is the salary range for an ecological economist in Colorado?
    Salary can vary based on experience, education, and specific employer, but it generally ranges from $60,000 to $120,000 annually. Advanced positions and those with specialized skills may earn higher salaries.