SS 7 - How ESA Membership & Certification Can Support Professional Development in Applied Science

Session Description: ESA's certification program is undergoing big enhancements to improve its value to scientists and employers, as well as to better integrate applied scientists into the work of the Society. The program today is more accessible, rigorous and relevant than ever, at its core a requirement of continuing education in ecological science, technical and communications skills, service and human dimensions.

In addressing how to ensure that adequate and affordable professional development is available to certified ecologists, we face a common problem across ESA: How can we best support the career aspirations of all ecologists? And in doing so, how can we serve scientists outside of academia who have historically viewed ESA and other scientific societies as primarily academic organizations?

We invite a roundtable of scientists in ecology and allied sciences, working in a wide array of professional environments, to explore how societies can support their individual career pathways and the role that credentialing programs like ESA's can ensure rigorous standards in the application of scientific theory. Attendees are invited to bring their own thoughts and engage in active discussion, as feedback from this session will be used to inform ESA's programming, develop more membership benefits and engage with such stakeholder groups as consulting firms, municipal planners, government agencies and training providers.