[Juls483]

I'm considering a career in entomology/arachnology but am hesitant because after graduating with a degree in wildlife management, I found the available jobs were not at all interesting to me. I am not a fan of pesticides and definitely do not want a job in research or consulting that would contribute to increased use of, or stronger pesticides. I love the idea of using insects as pest control for organic farming but wonder if jobs in that area exist and if so, do they pay enough for me to make a living off? Can anyone refer me to websites, etc where I could find more information about an entomology career in relation to organic farming/pest control? Also, can anyone recommend courses or certifications that would help me move forward in this field?

[cdad]

With a degree in wildlife management then you may try looking at forestry as a job. Rangers have that as a prerequisite. It would be a wonderful opportunity to explore your area of expertise and to preserve nature.

[gnahcd]

There are companies that grow biological control insects. Rincon-Vitova Insectaries. is an example. You will have to make yourself essential to the operation of the business, as I don't imagine that the lower skill positions will pay well.

Research doesn't have to increase the use of pesticides. Research can be about ecology, taxonomy, non-pesticidal control methods, medical entomology, physiology, genetics. Applying your degree to entomological research could be satisfying to you, but to make a career of it you might have to become an academic.

Entomology jobs that don't necessarily involve promoting pesticide use include taxonomist, curator, zookeeper, inspector, ranger, biologist, professor, teacher, researcher, naturalist, entomologist, farmer. Some of these jobs take more technical expertise than others.

Bugs can be significant pests. If you aren't a technician, it will be difficult to keep from being involved in their control, at least tangentially.

Organic farms need growers or staff who know how to control bugs and diseases with organic materials. Again, the lower skill positions will do more of the grunt work for less pay. Larger farms will have more specialists.

My degree is in entomology. I work for an agriculture dept govt regulatory agency. We are required to be certified in pest mgmt and rules enforcement. I progressed from being a pesticide enforcement inspector, to supervising the pest detection field crew, and now I am weed control project manager. (but maybe you wouldn't like my job)

Here is a website that lists agricultural jobs: AgCareers.com