Career Focus of the Month: Becoming an Ecologist

With our ecosystems under threat, ecologists are at the forefront of protecting and enhancing our natural environment. Using their understanding of various species, and how animals and plants interact with their environment, ecologists ensure habitats benefit both wildlife and our communities. 

In this article we explore the range of opportunities available, the skills required and how to prepare yourself for a career in ecology.

Rachel Barber is a director of a consultancy called Smart Ecology. Rachel was good enough to tell us a little about her role and career journey, and provides some useful advice.

What does being an ecologist involve?

Your role will vary depending on your employer and level of responsibility. You might be involved in, for example:

• Carrying out field surveys to monitor and record species; apart from plant and animal identification (ID), you may collect samples, and use drones, camera traps and other survey techniques

• Conducting environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for planning applications (e.g. to build housing estates, wind farms or highways) to establish how the proposals could affect any protected species and recommend how to limit the impact of development
• Monitoring construction projects to ensure wildlife and habitats are protected as far as possible
• Conducting laboratory experiments, and analysing and interpreting data
• Giving advice on ecological issues
• Mitigation – creating new habitats for wildlife, translocating habitats or improving the management of existing ones
• Conducting research, such as investigating the impact of climate change
• Developing environmental policies and legislation
• Educating people on ecological issues – giving talks at schools or field centres, for instance
• Managing volunteers
• Writing reports and giving presentations

We were interested to find out about Rachel’s job:

“My day-to-day role involves a wide range of tasks primarily undertaking field surveys of habitats and protected species to inform planning applications. I also manage employees, liaise with clients, review reports and undertake other desk-based activities, such as analysing bat calls, writing reports and managing accounts.”

Where could I work as an ecologist?

As an ecologist, you could be employed by a wide range of organisations.

• Government departments/agencies – the main nature conservation agencies (Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and NatureScot) and other government bodies, such as the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (which includes the Environment Agency), the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Forestry Commission, are possible employers. Ecologists may be involved in policymaking, advisory work and conservation management.
• Voluntary/charitable organisations, such as the Wildlife Trusts, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Greenpeace and Plantlife, can offer opportunities for practical conservation work on reserves, ecological surveying, and in areas like campaigning, fundraising and education.
• Ecological consultancies undertake contracts for commercial and public sector bodies. Consultancies vary in size and scope. Many conduct EIAs and are specialists in certain species. Rachel explains, “My work includes bat surveys, vegetation surveys, great crested newt surveys, dormouse surveys and many more!” Some consultancies are listed in the ENDS Environmental Consultancy Directory. 
• Local authority planning departments may need the expertise of ecologists to check planning applications. Ecologists also ensure that council-owned public spaces, parks and reserves are well managed, and promote public awareness of nature. 
• Universities and research institutes employ ecologists. The Natural Environment Research Council has its own research centres including the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. Other organisations that occasionally have openings for research ecologists include museums, botanical gardens, the Marine Biological Society, the Freshwater Biological Association and Forest Research.
• In industry ecologists are employed by large construction and civil engineering firms, water and energy generation companies, and other organisations whose operations have an environmental impact.

TIP: To get an idea about the range of employers, look at vacancies online. Specialist job sites include: Environmentjob.co.uk, EcologyJobs.co.uk, GreenJobs and the Countryside Jobs Service. Certain professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environment Management (CIEEM), also advertise jobs on their websites.

Would I suit a career in ecology?

You obviously need a keen interest in nature and plenty of enthusiasm. In addition, excellent research, problem-solving, numerical, analytical and communication skills are required, as well as confidence using computer software to collect, analyse and present data. The ability to work in a team is important, but you must also be capable of working alone when necessary. Project-management skills are essential for certain roles. 

Fieldwork (and laboratory work) requires patience and a methodical approach. You can be away from home for long periods of time, so you have to be willing to travel. A driving licence is useful and may be necessary for certain projects. You need to be prepared to work in all weather conditions in all sorts of habitats – from grassland to marine environments, and from marshes to woodland. 

The hours can be long. Rachel told us that, “One of the main challenges, certainly during the summer survey months, is time management – we tend to do a lot of evening/night work”.

You can find out if you have the aptitudes, interests and personality traits that are well-matched to working in ecology by taking the Morrisby Profile assessments. 

To find out more, visit buy a Morrisby Pass.

How can I get into ecology?

University studies

Ecologists are graduates. It’s possible to study ecology as a single degree subject or combine it with a discipline like biology, environmental science or conservation. Some courses focus on particular areas of study, such as woodland or marine ecology. A broader based biological or environmental science subject would also be suitable, especially if you take relevant modules. 

For entry to a degree course you need A levels/Highers including at least one science subject (biology may be specified). A relevant T level, BTEC National or another equivalent qualification may be acceptable instead of A levels/Highers. Entry requirements vary, so check with individual universities and through UCAS. 

If you don’t have the necessary entry requirements, some degree courses are offered with a foundation year. It may also be possible to take a relevant foundation degree and then top this up to an honours degree with further study. 

Employers often expect entrants to have a master’s degree, especially if they have taken a more general degree course. Some undergraduate courses integrate a master’s degree over an additional year. For research roles you may need a PhD. Search for postgraduate courses through Prospects.

TIP: Research courses carefully so that you choose one that covers the topics that interest you. Find out how successful previous students have been in finding employment. Some degree and postgraduate programmes are accredited by professional bodies such as the CIEEM, the Royal Society of Biology and The Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES).

Gaining experience

There’s much competition for jobs and many entry-level positions are temporary. To stand a chance of finding paid work gain plenty of experience, especially in field techniques and species ID, but any relevant experience will show your commitment to ecology. For advice, refer to the CIEEM’s Guidance on Undertaking Work Experience.

TIP: Get involved in ecological projects in the UK or abroad. Organisations, such as the Wildlife Trusts, RSPB and the National Trust, rely on volunteers and you can also find opportunities through Nature Volunteers or The Conservation Volunteers (TVC). Rachel says, “Get outside and practise your ID skills in botany, mammals, herptiles or whatever interests you. Joining organisations, such as your local bat group, can really help with this”.

Other ways to gain experience include taking a sandwich degree, doing a placement or internship or participating in a summer programme, such as The British Ecological Society (BES) undergraduate summer school. Professional bodies offer field trips, lectures, conferences etc and there’s usually free or discounted membership for students. You could also take a course in practical survey skills; these are available through organisations including the Freshwater Biological Association and the Mammal Society.

TIP: Rachel told us, “Many consultancies take on assistants to help with survey work over the summer. Email companies – there will usually be one willing to offer you some training and survey experience”. 

Training in employment

Your employer will ensure that you are trained for your role. If you don’t already hold a postgraduate qualification, you could gain one part-time.

In England, it may be possible to train as an ecologist through a degree apprenticeship at level 7. You would train in employment and study part-time for a master’s qualification, so for entry you would normally need a relevant degree. Alternatively, the degree apprenticeship for environmental practitioners (level 6) may be appropriate.

We asked Rachel about her career route. “After completed a BSc in geography I took an MSc in environmental monitoring, modelling and management. I worked as a GIS (geographical information systems) analyst and then an air quality consultant. I decided I wanted a more outdoor-based career so I did a part-time MSc in ecological consultancy. I found seasonal work as an ecological consultant and worked my way up from there. I set up my own company a few years ago.”

What opportunities are there to progress in an ecological career?

With experience, you could become a senior/principal ecologist. Such roles are usually more office based and may include staff supervision, policy development or project management. Alternatively, you could become a freelancer or set up your own consultancy. 

It’s possible to spend time working overseas or to move into research, lecturing, or science communication, journalism or publishing. 

If you meet the criteria you can apply for Chartered Ecologist (CEcol) status through the CIEEM. Another option would be to work towards Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) status through a body licensed by the Society for the Environment. 

TIP: Rachel advises, “Become a member of a professional body – employers often expect this and you’ll have access to development and networking opportunities. I belong to CIEEM, which is one of the main ones for ecologists.” Other relevant bodies include BES, the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment and IES. 

How can I find out more about careers in ecology?

Professional bodies, including CIEEM and BES, provide careers advice on their websites. You can also read ecologist career profiles on national careers sites – Prospects, the National Careers Service, Careers Wales and My World of Work.

Finally…

Rachel says, “The most satisfying part of my job is finding protected species and then helping to design a project to ensure their protection”. 

Many people are keen to do their bit for nature, so take the advice given in this article to make yourself as employable as possible.

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Debbie Steel, April 2024

With a background working with apprentices and teaching in further education, Debbie was employed as an in-house careers author before establishing herself as a freelancer. As well as co-authoring numerous careers books, Debbie has produced resources and web content for a range of high-profile clients. She is an enthusiastic proponent of impartial and reliable careers information, and a member of the Careers Writers Association and Career Development Institute.