Ecologist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.

University

You'll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a subject like:

• ecology
• ecology and environmental sustainability
• conservation, marine or plant biology
• environmental science
• zoology

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You might be able to start by applying for an Ecologist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.

This usually takes around 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• a degree in a relevant subject

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to get practical experience and skills, meet new people and develop useful contacts. This might improve your chances of finding work.

You can find volunteering opportunities with:

• The Conservation Volunteers
• National Trust
• The Wildlife Trusts
• The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• science skills
• maths knowledge for surveying and reporting
• analytical thinking skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• excellent written communication skills
• knowledge of wildlife and habitat regulations
• persistence and determination
• thinking and reasoning skills
• concentration skills
• knowledge of English language
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to read English
• administration skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to work well with others
• customer service skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• knowledge of biology
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Ecologists study the relationship between plants, animals and the environment.

As an ecologist you might:

• analyse data on plants, animals and environmental conditions
• research the impact of activities like house building and farming on land and waterways
• create and manage wildlife conservation areas and restoration projects
• advise landowners and local authorities on ecological legal matters
• study the effects of changing insect populations on agriculture
• raise awareness of ecological issues in local communities and promote involvement in schemes

Green job

As an ecologist, you can restore woodlands and peatlands to help tackle climate change. This can have a positive impact on the environment.

Find out more about green careers

Location : You could work in the countryside, at a university, in an office or in a laboratory.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.

Salary:

Starter : £22,000
Experienced : £42,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 41 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends

Career Path:

You can work for:

• local authorities
• conservation organisations
• government or scientific bodies
• universities

With experience, you can:

• become a senior ecologist, leading a team of researchers
• be employed as a consultant on sustainable development projects
• act as an adviser on biodiversity policy
• work in conservation education or scientific journalism
• specialise in a particular area, for example the study of insects - entomology

You can find more job specialisms at Green Jobs for Nature.