Ergonomist
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Ergonomists ensure that the design of products, tasks and work methods is compatible with human characteristics and maximizes safety, efficiency and well-being. It is a multi-disciplinary field that encompasses: biological and life sciences such as biomechanics, kinesiology and medicine; behavioural and social sciences such as psychology, sociology and anthropology; technical sciences such as systems design, mathematical modelling and operations research. (alis)
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- OCCinfo by alis - Alberta-based occupational information
- O*NET Online - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- What is Ergonomics and Who are Ergonomists? - Association of Canadian Ergonomists
- Definition and Domains of Ergonomics - International Ergonomics Association
- A Career in Ergonomics (pdf) - The Ergonomics Society (U.K.)
- Ergonomics & Human Factors Career Guide - features areas of work and practitioners, from the U.K.'s Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors
- Bioscience Officer profile and video - Canadian Forces
- Interview with an Ergonomic Consultant - JobShadow.com
Education
The University of Manitoba does not offer a specialized degree program in Ergonomics. Students with an interest in this field may wish to consider a specialized program. Or, students may start by studying in a related discipline (Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Engineering, Psychology, etc.). When planning your pathway, it is important to note the education and certification requirements for specific areas within this field. View job postings and/or speak with employers to support this process.
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Exploring Education Options
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis: Job Market Reports (Winnipeg Region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Job outlook for the U.S.
Professional Associations
Professional associations may organize events and provide directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities may also be available: engage, learn and network!
- Association of Canadian Ergonomists (ACE)
- Canadian College for the Certification of Professional Ergonomists
- Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (U.S)
- Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF) - formerly The Ergonomics Society (U.K)
- The International Ergonomics Association
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
Other links
These external resources may provide you with additional information about the occupation and opportunities to build experience.
- Ergonomics Canada magazine - industry news and articles
- Ergonomist Consultant Directory - ACE
- SAFE Work Manitoba
- Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders - information from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.) on practices and interventions used by ergonomists
- The Human Connection II - case studies and publication from CIEHF
- International Society for Occupational Ergonomics and Safety