Ecologist
What is the work like?
As an ecologist, you would study the plants and animals in a particular location, and how they relate to one another and their surroundings (known as the biodiversity). The principle of sustainability would lie at the heart of your work – balancing the needs of the environment against the pressure to develop land.
You would normally specialise in a particular type of habitat, for example marine or coastal areas, or study a specific animal or plant species. Your work could include:
- carrying out fieldwork, gathering and recording data on plants and animals
- researching the impact of human activity on habitats, such as housing, road building and intensive agriculture
- building computer models to predict the effects of development or changes in climate on ecological systems
- testing plant samples in the laboratory, for instance, to investigate the effects of air pollution on growth
- preparing and presenting research findings at conferences
- raising awareness of environmental issues by organising school and community education programmes
- restoring land at the end of its industrial life, like open-cast mines or quarries
- monitoring pollution incidents, such as chemical spillages in waterways
- advising and enforcing legal regulations, for example the laws on protected species
- acting as an expert witness during public enquiries
- managing wildlife conservation areas, woodland and meadows.
Your work could also include carrying out assessments of planning proposals and making recommendations for local authorities, government departments and companies on sustainable land use, for example nature reserves or waste management schemes.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would normally need a degree or postgraduate award in a relevant subject, such as ecology, botany, zoology, biology, environmental science and geography.
To search for colleges and universities offering degrees see the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), and the British Ecological Society (BES) has information on postgraduate training courses. You should check entry requirements with individual colleges or universities.
Ecology courses include fieldwork and work experience options. However, it may improve your employment prospects if you do some further work in your own time, for example volunteering for a conservation charity. You can find volunteering opportunities through the Environment Council, Naturenet and the BTCV.
Many jobs include some travel, so you are likely to need a full driving licence.
You can find more details about careers in ecology on the websites for the BES and the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.
What further training and development can I do?
It is very important that you continue to develop your skills and knowledge throughout your career by joining a professional organisation and taking further training.
The Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) offers a range of membership grades for both professionals and students.
The Field Studies Council and the Botanical Society of the British Isles also offer a variety of training courses, in conjunction with several universities and conservation societies. You may find these useful as part of your continuing professional development.
With the right experience, you could apply for Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) status with the Society for the Environment. You can find full details about registration and chartered status on the Society's website.
You could take up postgraduate opportunities with many universities, and the Natural History Museum also offers training, ranging from Masters level up to PhD. You can find more details on the Research and curation section of the Museum's website.
Where can I go for more information?
Preston
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
SY4 1HW
Tel: 0845 345 4071
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 9EH
Tel: 01962 868626
Long Street
Atherstone
Warwickshire
CV9 1AH
Tel: 0845 337 2951
Putney
London
SWI5 2NU
Tel: 020 8871 9797
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries are between £20,000 and £24,000 a year.
- With experience, this can rise to between £25,000 and £35,000 a year.
- Consultant ecologists can earn up to £40,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
For computer modelling and lab work, you would be based at one site and work between 37 and 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. You may have to travel to sites or attend meetings, particularly if you are involved with planning proposals.
Research and fieldwork could mean longer, irregular working patterns and you could be posted anywhere in the country, and possibly overseas, for weeks at a time.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a thorough understanding of how ecosystems work
- a methodical approach to work
- the ability to gather and interpret data
- an understanding of plant and animal classification systems (taxonomy)
- a knowledge of environmental policies and legislation
- the ability to maintain and develop client relationships
- an objective outlook and good negotiating skills
- good presentation and report writing skills
- project management skills
- a willingness to work flexibly and travel
- good IT skills.
What opportunities are there?
You could work for a wide range of organisations as an ecologist, and opportunities are increasing because of the growing national and international recognition of the importance of sustainable development.
Employers include DEFRA, the Environment Agency, National Parks, local authorities, research institutes, universities and conservation bodies, such as the Wildlife and Woodland Trusts. You could also find work with campaigning organisations like Greenpeace and the WWF.
Some larger civil engineering, waste management, mining and utility companies employ ecologists directly, although you are more likely to find work in the private sector after building up your experience, then working as an ecological consultant. Other expanding areas include ecotourism, where you would advise tour operators about running trips to regions containing sensitive habitats.
As an experienced ecologist with membership of a professional association, you could progress to senior ecologist with an organisation, leading a team of researchers, developing biodiversity plans or acting as a consultant on sustainable development projects.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in a new window)
Natural England
UK Biodiversity Action Plan
Ecological Recruitment
environmentjob.co.uk
LGjobs
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