Certification for Ecologists

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Contents 1 Background Information 2 Introduction and Objectives 3 SPECIFIC SKILLS THAT CHARACTERISE A PROFICIENT ECOLOGIST 3.1 Professional Practice 3.1.1 1. Plan & engage in continuous learning (general) 3.1.2 2. Use appropriate information technology and techniques 3.2 Environmental Awareness 3.2.1 3. Understand envtl values, current principles and frameworks 3.3 Analysis and Assessment 3.3.1 4. Identify impact sources, use appropriate environmental tools/ techniques/methods, and compile relevant information 3.3.2 5. Analyse data, assess its reliability & accuracy, interpret and present 3.4 Environmental Policy and Planning 3.4.1 6. Plan, implement, evaluate and improve systems, policies and procedures / 20. Understand, assess conformance to and design regulatory frameworks, accountabilities and standards for policies & activities 4 CRITERIA FOR ECOLOGICAL CERTIFICATION 4.1 Table 1: Assessment Criteria

Background Information

Consultation on Eligibility Criteria in New Zealand

The Ecological Society of America Certification Scheme (designed for Academics)

Some Dangers for Ecology on the Way to Becoming a Profession

Introduction and Objectives

At the EIANZ Annual Conference on 20 October 2009, a workshop was run on the development of standards for ecologists. The aim of the workshop was to produce a set of Competency Criteria, that could be used to identify candidates for certification. This was to be done in two phases:

1. Identification of skills and knowledge that characterise an ecologist (as opposed to any other discipline); and

2. Identification of Specific, Measurable, Achievable and Realistic (SMAR) measurement criteria that could be used to assess skills and knowledge.

A framework for identifying proficiencies was created by EnviroPartners, as research into a possible STEP program under CEnvP. This usefully identifies a draft set of 23 Environmental Proficiencies  and the skill and knowledge that a practitioner would need to demonstrate their proficiency under these headings. Proficiencies that specifically relate to ecologists are identified below. Anyone applying for Ecological Certification would need to be able to demonstrate that they have these proficiencies.

Ecological Certification is reserved for practitioners that can demonstrate a very high level of specialist competency in this particular field. All other practitioners, who may not themselves be ecologists, or who do not yet meet the full requirements for written eligibility, can still be generally certified.     

SPECIFIC SKILLS THAT CHARACTERISE A PROFICIENT ECOLOGIST

Professional Practice

1. Plan & engage in continuous learning (general)

• Does voluntary field work / field time
• Attends identification workshops or short courses related to ecology.
• Continues specialised skill development throughout career.
• Broadens skill base throughout career.

2. Use appropriate information technology and techniques

• Is proficient in the use, setup and maintenance of survey equipment including GPS.

Environmental Awareness

3. Understand envtl values, current principles and frameworks

• Is able to define ecological terms such as biodiversity, resilience, habitat etc.
• Has an intrinsic regard for the environment and wildlife.
• Understands the cultural context of ecology i.e. why are things particularly important?
• Understands how ecology sits within Ecologically Sustainable Development.
• Understands key principles of ecological theory e.g.:
  • Source-sink models
  • Population and community ecology

Analysis and Assessment

4. Identify impact sources, use appropriate environmental tools/ techniques/methods, and compile relevant information

• Has a 'connection' with given locations e.g. observation skills, knowledge and experience of particular geographic areas.
• Ability to develop statistically rigorous survey, impact and monitoring programs
• Has a robust understanding of survey techniques, including:
  • The ability to critique techniques and select those that are appropriate;
  • The ability to design surveys; and
  • An awareness of methodological bias and limitations.
• Demonstrates an appropriate skill level and knowledge in relation to their chosen specialist area.

5. Analyse data, assess its reliability & accuracy, interpret and present

• Has a technical ability to manage data, analyse data and use appropriate statistical techniques.
• Knows how to interpret ecological data to reveal trends, and to establish positions and judgement about what this means.
• Knows the difference between reporting facts and making an interpretation.
• Understands the limitations of uncertainty in ecology e.g. there can be no proof, and understands how to treat this uncertainty.
• Demonstrates capability in interpretation of the reliability and accuracy of data.
• Can present findings in a graphical, targeted, oral, verbal, written and visual way.
• Understands the relationship between ecology and risk assessment.
• Understands the various types of qualitative and quantitative 'models' that are used in making ecological predictions.

Environmental Policy and Planning

6. Plan, implement, evaluate and improve systems, policies and procedures / 20. Understand, assess conformance to and design regulatory frameworks, accountabilities and standards for policies & activities

• Knows or knows how to find out about laws, guidelines and policy.
• Has a working knowledge of international laws and conventions (e.g. ramsar, CBD).
• Is up to date with ecological best practice.
• Has a broad understanding of ecology in environmental planning and assessment.
• Understands ecological principles in a way that will enable policy and procedure development.
• Is familiar with ecological impact assessment principles and practice.
• Is able to prepare terms of reference, procedures, reports and manage / monitor impact and risk assessments.

CRITERIA FOR ECOLOGICAL CERTIFICATION

The CEnvP board have requested the development of criteria for an Ecology Certification under CEnvP. As with the proposed Impact Assessment certification, this requires a level of excellence beyond generic CEnvP, including a minimum of 10 years professional work out of 15 years in the industry. The criteria are addressed primarily by written eligibility. For those who appear eligible to apply, an interview process takes place, then the candidate is expected to maintain their skills through continued professional development.

The Ecology Certification recognises two 'types' of ecologist. For the purpose of certification, these are not differentiated. However, candidates are expected to apply based on their specific skills / role within the ecological community and certification will be limited to these.

Table 1: Assessment Criteria

	General	Field Ecologists (Technical)	Managerial ecologists / EcIA (Generalist)
Written Eligibiity	Ten years of experience in ecological practice during the last fifteen years. A relevant ecology related degree, or at least 10 years of demonstrated work in the ecology field. Statement of ethical conduct. Nomination by three respected professionals who are willing to support application. Two of these must be ecologists. All must be prepared to vouch for the candidate's skills and knowledge; and that the candidate is a respected competent, ethical and active member of the ecology profession. Evidence in the form of referee statements (at least two) Evidence of publication in ecology citations (books, journals, articles or reports).  A curriculum vitae. Reasonable evidence of existing training and professional development effort (100 points of CPD over a two year period) A signed (and witnessed) statement of claim covering qualifications, experience, ethics, commitment and accuracy of materials provided to the certification board. A brief (no more than four sides of A4) personal testimony, describing how the candidate believes they achieve the six key proficiencies for practising ecologists (see above). - note, this will be used to further ascertain whether the candidate is eligible for interview.	The candidate should provide evidence of having gained significant experience in at least one specialist field. This evidence should be backed up by at least one of the two referee statements.	The candidate should give evidence of having kept up skills in at least one specialist field of their own (even if they do not regularly undertake field work).   This evidence should be backed up by at least one of the two referee statements.
Interview	Candidate to describe how their work over the past ten years has applied current ecological scientific principles and procedures. Candidate to describe the use and limitations of ecological science in their work. Candidate to demonstrate clear understanding and practical implications of social, economic and environmental sustainability dimensions of their work. Candidate to describe processes used for maintenance of professional standards (e.g. through use of peer reviews, inependent audits, advisory bodies etc.).	The candidate should be able to clearly articulate the theoretical and practical context in which their field skills are being applied. For example, they should understand why ecological impact assessment is needed, what biodiversity is and why it is important. The candidate should be able to demonstrate some level of understanding of modern biodiversity principles. The candidate should be able to understand and demonstrate how to design and implement field surveys, for their group of interest, as applied to the type of commercial work they do. They should understand sources of statistical bias and how to avoid these in design and implementation. The candidate should be able to answer some questions on their knowledge within nominated region(s) of expertise. This would include some species identification and questions regarding life history and distribution of species and their ecology.	The candidate should be able to clearly articulate the process of ecological assessment and how it applies to their work. They should be able to identify some of the more serious difficulties in achieving biodiversity outcomes in their work and give examples of how these can be overcome. If the candidate is involved in implementing ecology for commercial EIA, the candidate should have a thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of the EcIA method, its implementation and how it relates to other disciplines in EIA. The candidate should have a thorough understanding of how to analyse field data, and interpret this in relation to fundamental ecological theory. The candidate should be able to give evidence of some direct supervision of ecologists undertaking field work. The candidate should be contributing, at a senior level, to mentoring young professionals and should be able to give evidence of this. This may be as part of work with the Institute, training of staff etc.
Continued Professional Development	Candidate to describe evidence of ongoing professional development in areas of relevance to ecological practice and principles. Candidate to demonstrate a clear understanding of the importance of ongoing professional development in their work.	Evidence of existing and ongoing structured and unstructured professional development.	Evidence of ongoing professional development. If in a managerial position, evidence that some of this is through provision of professional development services to others e.g. through use of external providers or teaching, coaching, mentoring of ecologists.