Ecologist
Ecologists are concerned with ecosystems as a whole and, within them, the abundance and distribution of organisms (people, plants, animals) and the relationships between organisms and their environment. Ecologists usually choose a specialist area (e.g. freshwater, marine, terrestrial, fauna, flora) and then carry out a wide range of tasks relating to that area.
When starting out, ecologists often conduct surveys to identify, record and monitor species and their habitats. With career progression, work is likely to become more wide-ranging, with senior ecologists being more involved in policy and management work.
It is important that ecologists are aware of environmental policies as their work commonly has to comply with European and UK environmental legislation.
The exact work of an ecologist depends on the nature of the employer and the purpose of the work. For example, an ecologist may be involved in environmental impact assessments which are required by law for planning permission. Alternatively, they may collect and manage biological information for national databases, e.g. the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) or produce comprehensive lists of species that need to be monitored and protected as part of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan .
Common work activities across roles may include:
A degree in a biological science or environmental subject is generally required. In particular, the following degree subjects are recommended:
Some employers in ecology look for postgraduate qualifications. You should especially consider this if you think you may wish to move into consultancy work or academia in the future.
Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
Regardless of your qualifications, pre-entry experience, either paid or voluntary, is absolutely essential. Volunteering is invaluable and will give you the opportunity to network and make contacts.
There are many ways to gain relevant and quality experience. Some degree courses come with a period of field-based work experience but if not you could try to take as many practical modules as possible. In addition to this, join any relevant societies that may provide opportunities with ecological projects.
Contact environment and conservation organisations to find out what volunteering or work experience opportunities are on offer. Many organisations such as the Botanical Society of the British Isles (BSBI) also recruit volunteers to work on a range of projects in the field.
You could also investigate conservation expeditions organised by companies such as Coral Cay Conservation or Greenforce . These usually require you to raise funds to pay for the trip. When considering any volunteering, make sure it gives you training and experience in your chosen field of ecology so that it is relevant for future employment.
It is also helpful to join your local Wildlife Trust (see The Wildlife Trusts ) and/or become a member of a relevant professional body, e.g. the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) , which has substantially reduced membership and conference rates for students.
Also look out for the skills based courses offered by the British Ecological Society . They are open to BES members as long as the course is not taken as part of a university module. The courses offer training in specific subjects and are developed by the relevant bodies, e.g. the Mammal Society. They are a good opportunity to obtain extra skills which will be appealing to employers.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Training is received on the job and additional courses are available, although new entrants are expected to have basic skills in surveying and identification, which will have been achieved through their degree and previous work experience.
There are many external training courses which can be completed while working. A number of agencies offer practical skills training, e.g. Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland . The Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) has a professional development programme for its members, which includes a large number of courses each year on a range of subjects. It also runs conferences each year on particular topical issues. Members of the British Ecological Society can obtain funding to attend courses and conferences.
The Field Studies Council (FSC) hosts a wide range of accredited courses from bird ringing to crayfish monitoring. It also offers a training programme in biological recording skills in collaboration with the Botanical Society of the British Isles (BSBI) and the University of Birmingham.
Identification qualifications are also offered by the Natural History Museum . With appropriate experience and qualifications it is possible to become a chartered environmentalist (CEnv) with the Society for the Environment (SocEnv) .
There are more structured opportunities for promotion in larger organisations where it is possible to progress to senior and principal ecologists. Otherwise, ecologists should expect to change locations and/or employers to progress. Competition for positions is fierce throughout the sector. More senior positions usually mean more office-based work with managerial tasks including budget planning and people management. Continuing professional development (CPD) will be needed throughout your career as ecology is a rapidly developing field.
There are opportunities for experienced ecologists to set up their own consultancies, working either on their own as freelance consultants offering specialist expertise, or together with other ecologists offering a broader-based consultancy. Good financial and management skills are required if you are to make a success of a business and the courses run by the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) can assist with this.
A range of places employ ecologists including:
Governmental and statutory bodies:
Scientific bodies:
Conservation and ecology NGOs and voluntary organisations:
Other employers include the media and public relations, educational institutions and businesses and industry. Biological survey work is also carried out by consultancies working for any of the organisations above or for commercial concerns, such as construction firms, including highway construction, landfill companies and renewable energy companies developing wind farms. Environmental consultancies are listed in the ENDS Environmental Consultancy Directory .
You can use and build up your contacts to write speculatively to organisations to enquire about both jobs and voluntary work.
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