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Ecologist
Ecologists study the complex and delicate relationships between animals, plants, people and their environment. Some areas of their work include managing conservation areas, advising on environmental protection, taking part in projects to restore contaminated land, and doing fieldwork to monitor wildlife.
Work activities
Some ecologists help the government to identify natural habitats that need protection, for example, as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSi) and nature reserves. Others are involved in practical conservation, working as rangers/wardens and countryside managers. They might be in charge of footpath planning, ensuring that the public can access protected areas. They often have an educational role, through talks, lectures and guided walks. They might also produce and display information in a visitors’ centre. Conservation areas range from ancient woodlands, country parks and recreation areas to gravel pits. Local authorities, central government agencies, national agencies and nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) such as charities can be responsible for conservation work.
Ecologists carry out field survey work for government agencies, research institutes, local authorities, NGOs and ecological consultancies. Ecologists investigate plans to build new roads. They visit the site of proposed roads to identify and note the wildlife and habitats that could be affected, including any rare or endangered species. Ecologists identify direct impact, such as loss of habitat, and indirect impact, such as the possible release of pollutants into surrounding areas. Their findings help civil engineering companies, planning departments, conservation organisations and others, particularly during public inquiries.
In land and water restoration, ecologists advise on and supervise restoration projects for land that has been disturbed or contaminated. Ecologists help industry to follow environmental regulations and to meet standards, including in waste management and energy use. For example, agrochemical companies employ ecologists to test and monitor the effects of pesticides on wildlife. Ecologists give advice to horticultural companies on things like water and wetland gardens, wildflower gardening and the best methods to attract birds and butterflies. Ecologists are increasingly involved in eco-tourism.
Ecological research takes place in settings such as universities and research centres, often involving work for countryside agencies, government departments and industrial companies. Some ecologists are involved in pure research, for example, in museums, zoos, botanical gardens and large companies. Applied research attempts to solve problems in areas such as agriculture, industry and environmental science. Ecologists investigate the impact of agricultural policy, climate change and genetically modified crops.
Personal qualities and skills
To be an ecologist, you’ll need:
- An inquisitive mind.
- A desire to protect the environment.
- To be patient, accurate and methodical in doing experiments.
- Communication skills, for example, to inform the public about wildlife and conservation areas.
- The ability to keep accurate notes and write clear, concise reports.
- Teamwork skills, as well as the ability to manage your own work.
- The ability to use lab equipment and technology.
- Familiarity with computers.
- Willingness to do fieldwork in any weather.
Negotiating skills are an advantage, for example, in protecting a wildlife area from development. Ecologists need to keep up to date with laws and regulations on the environment.
Pay and opportunities
Salaries for ecologists vary with the industry, employer and level of responsibility. Ecologists earn in the range of £22,000 per year, rising to £42,000 with experience. Higher salaries are possible, depending on employer, role and responsibilities.
Ecologists usually work 37-41 hours a week, Monday to Friday. However, they might have early starts, late finishes and weekend work, especially during fieldwork.
Ecologists work in a wide variety of places. These include government and statutory bodies such as the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Forestry Commission. Scientific bodies such as the Natural Environment Research Council also employ ecologists. Other opportunities are with charities such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the National Trust, and in areas such as business, industry, education and the media. Opportunities for ecologists occur in towns, cities and rural areas throughout the UK.
You could become a self-employed consultant, for example, carrying out field survey and impact assessment work for businesses and industry.
Where are vacancies advertised?
Vacancies are advertised in national/local newspapers and in science magazines such as New Scientist (which also has job vacancies on its website). Jobs also appear on the Civil Service Jobs website, and on environmental job boards such as Environment Job.
Entry routes and training
Specialist first degree and postgraduate courses in ecology are available at a number of universities. Some universities offer degree courses with a foundation year. This is an extra year for students who don’t have the specified science A-levels for entry. You might be able to enter with an HND or foundation degree, although these are likely to lead into technical-level posts.
You could alternatively undertake a level 7 degree apprenticeship in the role of ecologist. This way, you will undertake most of your training on the job while studying towards relevant qualifications at university.
For research posts such as in a university, research organisation or government department, a postgraduate qualification is often essential. Competition for entry into ecological jobs is fierce. Before entry, you can develop skills and knowledge by gaining some practical work experience. This can be voluntary, for example, during university holidays or a gap year. It could include field survey work, habitat management and practical conservation.
You might have training on the job, for example, to develop your field study and laboratory skills. Some employers enable ecologists to take postgraduate courses while in employment.
In conservation work, you could progress to a countryside manager/officer post. Ecologists in industry might be promoted to supervisory or management positions. You could become a self-employed consultant, for example, carrying out field survey and impact assessment work for businesses and industry. University lecturers might progress to senior lecturer and principal lecturer positions.
Qualifications
For entry to a degree in ecology, the usual minimum requirement is:
- Two to three A-levels. Biology is usually essential, and you might also need another science subject, preferably chemistry. Geography and environmental studies can also be useful.
- GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
- A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English and maths.
Alternatives to A-levels include:
- Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 Nationals.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.
To undertake a degree apprenticeship as an ecologist, you’ll need two relevant A-levels. A-levels in science subjects may be most helpful.
Adult opportunities
Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.
Some entrants have developed skills during relevant environmental fieldwork.
If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter a degree, foundation degree or HND course, you might be able to start one after completing an Access course, for example, Access to Science. You don’t usually need any qualifications to enter an Access course, although you should check this with the course provider. A foundation year before the start of a science degree is available at some universities and colleges of higher education for students who don’t have the science A-levels (or equivalent) usually needed for entry. A range of colleges and universities offer courses in environmental learning including with part time/flexible and distance learning study options.
