What is an ecologist?
Ecologists are concerned with ecosystems as a whole, the abundance and distribution of organisms (people, plants, animals), and the relationships between organisms and their environment. They usually specialise in a particular area, such as freshwater, marine, terrestrial, fauna or flora and carry out a range of related tasks.
When starting out, ecologists often conduct surveys to identify, record, and monitor species and their habitats. Career progression can lead to broader duties with potential to get involved in policy and management work.
What will I do?
The duties of an ecologist can vary, depending on the employer for whom you work, the species on which you focus, the nature of the project(s) for which you are responsible and the requirements of the customer, amongst other factors. However, some typical responsibilities include:
- conducting field surveys to collect biological information about the numbers and distribution of organisms - this may be for a database such as the National Biodiversity Network (NBN)
- carrying out taxonomy - the classification of organisms
- applying sampling strategies and employing a range of habitat survey techniques
- carrying out environmental impact assessments
- analysing and interpreting data, using specialist software programs
- working on habitat management and creation
- writing reports and issue recommendations
- liaising with and advising site managers, engineers, planners and others associated with a survey
- building relationships with stakeholders, including members of the public
- undertaking out research
- teaching in schools or field centres
- keeping up to date with and contributing to new environmental policies and legislation
What do I need to have?
As a minimum, an undergraduate degree in a biological or environmental subject is generally required. Within your degree subject, it can be helpful to have completed relevant modules that will provide you not only with knowledge of the specific subject matter, but relevant fieldwork and laboratory skills.
Further study qualifications are not essential for many roles (although some employers do stipulate that an MSc or PhD is desirable), however research experience gained through further study can be beneficial in some instances, as can specialist knowledge for particular consultancy work or academic research/teaching.
Experience is often crucial. The nature of the experience will vary, depending on the employer and may not be confined to ecology. For example, public bodies such as county councils might seek candidates with an understanding of the planning system, as you may be working on projects that relate to land use and regeneration of public space. Experience of protected species legislation (preferably holding one or more Natural England survey licences) is also a common stipulation.
A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle can be invaluable; often, surveys will take place outside of “normal” office hours and may be in locations that are not served directly by public transport.
Additional skills and experience that you will need to possess and be confident using as an ecologist include:
- enthusiasm about, and fascination for, animals and plants
- an ability to communicate effectively, including giving presentations and writing reports
- ecological knowledge and expertise, including the ability to identify species
- survey and/or mitigation experience
- flexibility, good humour and a preparedness to undertake fieldwork in all conditions
- competence in understanding and using statistics and other ecological data
- the ability to use computer software for recording, analyzing and presenting data and reports
- team working and project-management skills
- self-motivation, energy and drive
It can be helpful to join your local Wildlife Trust and become a member of a relevant professional body, such as the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), which has reduced membership and conference rates for students. Membership provides the opportunity to meet and network with potential employers and other ecological and environmental professionals.
The British Ecological Society (BES) also offers reduced rate membership for students and provides some excellent career development resources, including the (“Rooting for a career in ecology or environmental management” (PDF - 2.7MB) booklet, developed in collaboration with CIEEM.
You may also find it helpful to review some of the other organisations identified in Careers Network’s Professional bodies, societies and organisations for GEES students webpage.
Many opportunities are available for ecological work experience and volunteering through a variety of organisations, including several overseas, which can be appealing when making your plans for the summer. However, when deciding on what will benefit you most, do consider how relevant such an experience will be to your long-term career goals. For example, if you intend to work with UK protected species, might you benefit most from spending time gaining experience and licences to work with these?
Resources
Helpful resources for work experience include:
- Careers Connect (University of Birmingham’s careers database) – look regularly under the “Environment and conservation” business area, as new opportunities are added regularly by employers
- Countryside Jobs Service (CJC) – You can subscribe free for a daily email update with the latest graduate roles, work experience, seasonal opportunities and volunteering positions. Also provides a helpful training resource, with links to courses nationwide, although these can involve charges.
- Many ecology organisations are small, with few employees; however, they can be a source of great experience and you may be able to take on more responsibility and have a greater impact than you might do with a larger organisation. Often, such opportunities aren’t advertised, so you will need to approach the organisations speculatively (sending a CV and a cover letter with a request for experience). Advice on how to approach organisations is provided on Careers Network’s internship web pages. Our CV quick guide and cover letter quick guide may help, as well. When selecting organisations to approach, the ENDS directory of UK environmental consultancies may assist.
The following websites frequently promote ecology internship and volunteering opportunities:
Also see Careers Network’s Finding work experience in the environmental, regeneration and sustainability sector webpage for additional suggestions.
Social media
Social media can be helpful to identify organizations to approach. Look at the Twitter profile for organisations, to see who they follow. If you have a LinkedIn account, search the University of Birmingham alumni to identify graduates who are working as ecologists, their previous experience and current employers.
Additional sources of graduate ecology roles
Many large consultancies have regular annual recruitment programmes and several also offer work experience and internships which can contribute to a successful application - e.g: Aecom, WSP. Often, some of these organisations are represented at the University's annual Greener Prospects event, which takes place in February. When the next event is arranged, you should be able to find out more on the Careers Network events page on the Intranet.