Membership

Our membership is composed of a broad spectrum of scientists, researchers, teachers, students, consultants, and government and NGO employees. ESA welcomes all individuals interested in the field of ecology to join the Society and take advantage of the many membership benefits:

  • Access to 6 leading ecology journals
  • Discounted publication fees
  • Discounted meeting registration fees
  • Access to the ESA member directory
  • Monthly newsletter Member Connect
  • Regular updates on policy news and federal policy in Washington, D.C.
  • Multiple networking opportunities

In 2017 ESA had nearly 9,000 members – and our membership roster is growing month-over-month!

First place winner from the 2017 Portland Annual Meeting’s “Exchanging Ecological Ideas” photo contest. Credit: Michelle Talal

Chapters and Sections

All members of the ESA  join one chapter or section at no cost. Many of our 37 chapters and sections have active online boards, hold meetings, and host networking functions. ESA gladly supports all chapter activities. It’s a great way for members to become actively involved in their ecology community.

ESA’s Communication Section is one of its newest and very active. During the Society’s annual meeting, members of the section invited ecologists to stop by its exhibit hall table and “Sketch Your Science.” The activity proved popular and a creative means to represent research.

A sampling of many contributed sketches at #sketchyourscience. Credit: Bethann Garramon Merkle 

Chairperson, Kika Tuff, discusses science communication opportunities with section members. Credit: Bethann Garramon Merkle

Chairperson, Kika Tuff, facilitates the
#sketchyourscience activity. Credit: Bethann Garramon Merkle

Professional Ecologist Certification

Established in 1981,  ESA’s Professional Ecologist Certification is growing in popularity. An ESA certification is valuable for ecologists who seek to enhance their professional credentials and expand their influence within private environmental companies; federal, state, and local environmental and natural resource agencies; applied research laboratories; and non-governmental organizations, including private foundations.

In 2017 alone, more than 150 individuals received new certifications. To date,  ESA has certified more than 600 professional ecologists. An ESA certification is valid for 5 years.

ESA certification program includes 5 levels of certification, depending upon an individual’s education and professional experience:

  • In Training Ecologist
  • Associate Ecologist
  • Ecologist
  • Senior Ecologist
  • Emeritus Senior Ecologist

For more information about this valuable, career-boosting program and application requirements, see the Certification Home Page.

 

 

Membership Office Staff

Director of Publishing and Member Services: Steve Sayre
Manager of Member Services: Alyson Freitas
Membership Assistant: Edwin Hernandez