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How to become An Ecologist

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Continuity is at the heart of conservatism: an Ecologist serves that heart with work ranging from balancing the needs of the environment to generating ideas for land management. Continue Reading

Skills a career as an Ecologist requires: Environmental Science Ecology Environmental Management View more skills
Ecologist salary
$78,726
USAUSA
£30,924
UKUK
Explore Career
  • Introduction - Ecologist
  • What does an Ecologist do?
  • Ecologist Work Environment
  • Skills for an Ecologist
  • Work Experience for an Ecologist
  • Recommended Qualifications for an Ecologist
  • Ecologist Career Path
  • Ecologist Professional Development
  • Learn More
  • Conclusion

Introduction - Ecologist

Continuity is at the heart of conservatism: an Ecologist serves that heart with work ranging from balancing the needs of the environment to generating ideas for land management.
Similar Job Titles Job Description
  • Conservationist
  • Environmentalist
  • Natural Scientist

What does an Ecologist do?

What are the typical responsibilities of an Ecologist?

An Ecologist would typically need to:

  • Study the relationship between plants, animals and their environment; carry out taxonomy (the classification of organisms)
  • Conduct field surveys to collect biological information about the numbers and distribution of organisms, for use by an official database
  • Apply sampling strategies; employ a range of habitat survey techniques, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), aerial photography, records and maps
  • Conduct site assessments to certify a habitat or to ascertain environmental damage or restoration needs
  • Develop ecological restoration budgets and plan projects and schedules; use biological databases, environmental strategies, and mapping software; apply for permits to implement weed control or native tree restoration
  • Build relationships with stakeholders, including members of the public; develop and communicate recommendations so landowners can maintain or restore optimal environmental conditions
  • Create diagrams to inform environmental remediation planning using geographic information systems (GIS), computer-aided design (CAD) or other mapping or diagramming software
  • Keep up to date with new environmental policies and legislation, write reports, and issue recommendations; contribute ideas about policy and law changes based on ecological findings
  • Analyze and interpret data, using specialist software programs
  • Liaise with and advise site managers, engineers, planners and others associated with a survey; communicate findings of environmental studies or proposals for environmental remediation to other restoration professionals
  • Supervise and provide technical guidance, training, or assistance to employees working in the field to restore, create, and manage habitats

Ecologist Work Environment

Ecologist job opportunities pop up in both urban and rural areas. Sites include a huge range of different habitats, from woodland to marine and intertidal environments, such as grassland, heath, mire, peat bogs, river wildlife corridors, brownfield sites, salt marshes, cliff tops, fens, and dunes.

Most Ecologists carry out both field-based and office or laboratory-based activities. When working in a laboratory or writing up research, you may focus on one site. You may have to travel to visit other sites or go to meetings. You could be working outdoors for long periods.

Surveys are generally conducted by a small team of usually two people, although you may have to work alone, sometimes. You may also find yourself working as part of a larger multidisciplinary team, including conservation officers, engineers, rangers, and administrative staff.

Many jobs include travel. Some positions, particularly consultancy work, which is often project-based, require extensive travel within a country and occasionally overseas. The dress code for Ecologists depends on the location of work and the area of specialization.

Work Schedule

When working in a laboratory or writing up research, you may work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Research and fieldwork could involve longer and irregular working hours, including evenings and weekends.

An Ecologist’s working hours and conditions may vary according to the type of role and level of seniority. Hours can be dictated by the species you're working with, such as bat surveys that need to be conducted at night. Senior Ecologist positions, as with most jobs, tend to mean more office-based management work. Environmental consultancy working hours vary depending on impending deadlines, which create busier periods.

Employers

A range of organizations employs Ecologists for biological survey work, including consultancies for environmental organizations and commercial concerns. It is useful to build up a network of contacts through work experience - write speculatively to organizations to enquire about both jobs and voluntary work. You can extend your job search and network through professional networking sites such as LinkedIn.

Ecologists are generally employed by:

  • Nature Conservation Agencies
  • Governmental & Statutory Bodies
  • National Park Authorities
  • Water Authorities
  • Scientific Bodies, Conservation & Ecology NGOs
  • Voluntary Organizations
  • Highway Construction & Landfill Companies
  • Renewable Energy Companies Developing Wind Farms
  • Media & Public Relations
  • Educational Institutions
  • Consultancies & Businesses
Unions / Professional Organizations

As an Ecologist, it is helpful to join your local wildlife trust and become a relevant professional body. Membership provides the opportunity to meet and network with potential employers and other ecological and environmental professionals.

Workplace Challenges
  • Physically demanding field-based survey work that must continue in all weather conditions
  • Patience tested by the tasks of obtaining and collecting necessary data
  • Extensive domestic and international travel in consultancy work

Work Experience for an Ecologist

Pre-entry experience is essential and helps aspirant Ecologists develop vital field survey skills. Some degree courses include a period of field-based work experience - if yours does not, try to take as many practical modules as possible. Look out for skills-based courses, which provide an opportunity to get extra skills for an Ecologist valued by employers.

Joining relevant societies will provide you with opportunities to get involved in ecological projects, and you can find volunteering opportunities through job websites and the websites of conservation organizations.

There are also many opportunities to volunteer overseas, and you will usually find advertisements for these on environmental websites and in your careers service and university department. However, since you will need to raise significant funds for these programs, make sure that completing one will give you relevant training and experience for your chosen field.

Experience in undertaking fieldwork in sometimes harsh conditions, the experience of report writing will prove advantageous. The intense competition for an Ecologist’s position makes it essential to gain as much experience in ecological surveying as you can.

Recommended Qualifications for an Ecologist

A prospective Ecologist requires a degree in applied life sciences, such as biology (specializing in Ecology), botany, conservation biology, Ecology, environmental biology, environmental management, geography, marine biology, or zoology. Some employers look for candidates with postgraduate qualifications (an MSc or a PhD), particularly for work requiring specialist knowledge, such as consultancy work or academic research/teaching. If you have a PhD, there are research positions in many universities worldwide.

Certifications, Licenses and Registration

Voluntary certification from an objective, credible, and reputed organization is often seen as evidence of an individual’s drive and motivation, giving them a leg up for raises and promotions as an Ecologist. A driving license is required for most jobs to travel to survey sites.

Ecologist Career Path

More structured progression is usually possible in larger organizations where you can work toward senior and principal ecologists. Otherwise, changing locations or employers may help you to progress. Senior positions are usually more office-based, and include handling managerial tasks such as budget planning and people management.

With appropriate experience and qualifications, it is possible to become a Chartered Ecologist (CEcol) and gain admission to the Register of Chartered Ecologists. Alternatively, you can become a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) through one of the professional bodies licensed by the Society for the Environment (SocEnv).

Once you have gained enough experience, you could work on your own as a freelance consultant offering specialist expertise, or team up with other Ecologists to offer a broader-based consultancy service.

Job Prospects

Individuals with expertise, experience, and a passion for the environment would have the best job prospects.

Ecologist Professional Development

Look for external training courses you can access while working. You will be trained on the job, although employers generally expect you to have basic surveying and identification, gained from your degree and previous work experience. Your employer may provide a training budget. Mentoring support from an experienced colleague or Ecologist may be available.

You can access training events, conferences, and support for continuing professional development (CPD) as an Ecologist through membership of professional bodies.

You can pursue postgraduate study in Ecology and environmental management. Specialist courses are also available, such as a Master of Science (MSc) in biological recording.

Learn More

Ecologists help protect and restore the natural environment by providing valuable information about how human activity affects individual species and ecosystems. Their work is essential to conserving global ecosystems and their biodiversity. Ecologists also play a vital role in areas such as urban expansion, irrigation, climate change, and invasive species.

Applied Life Sciences concerning Ecology

It is an interdisciplinary program that focuses on studying living organisms at the bio-molecular or cellular level and the human manipulation of molecular biological processes, with hands-on learning through laboratory courses, research opportunities, and internships. Conservation biology, e.g., is tied closely to ecology in researching the population ecology (migration, sufficient population size, and minimum population viability) of rare or endangered species.

Ecosystems and Areas of Specialization

As an Ecologist, you will be concerned with ecosystems - the abundance and distribution of organisms (people, plants, animals), and the relationships between organisms and their environment. In this role, you will usually specialize in a particular area, such as freshwater, marine, terrestrial, fauna or flora, and carry out a range of tasks relating to that area. How Work Evolves As a fresh recruit, you will conduct surveys to identify, record, and monitor species and their habitats. With career progression, your work will become more wide-ranging, and in a senior role, you may get involved in policy and management work.

Conclusion

A healthy Ecology is the basis for a healthy economy. We need to renegotiate our contract with nature. Ecology is a unifying force that can diminish intolerance and expand our empathy towards others - both human and animal.

Advice from the Wise

Competition is intense! Volunteer or find work experience. Understand and get to grips with environmental policies. Familiarize yourself with GIS technology and cartography. Attend courses to develop your ecological skills.

Did you know?

Every continent except Antarctica has grasslands. These are areas with medium rainfall.

Introduction - Ecologist
What does an Ecologist do?

What do Ecologists do?

An Ecologist would typically need to:

  • Study the relationship between plants, animals and their environment; carry out taxonomy (the classification of organisms)
  • Conduct field surveys to collect biological information about the numbers and distribution of organisms, for use by an official database
  • Apply sampling strategies; employ a range of habitat survey techniques, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), aerial photography, records and maps
  • Conduct site assessments to certify a habitat or to ascertain environmental damage or restoration needs
  • Develop ecological restoration budgets and plan projects and schedules; use biological databases, environmental strategies, and mapping software; apply for permits to implement weed control or native tree restoration
  • Build relationships with stakeholders, including members of the public; develop and communicate recommendations so landowners can maintain or restore optimal environmental conditions
  • Create diagrams to inform environmental remediation planning using geographic information systems (GIS), computer-aided design (CAD) or other mapping or diagramming software
  • Keep up to date with new environmental policies and legislation, write reports, and issue recommendations; contribute ideas about policy and law changes based on ecological findings
  • Analyze and interpret data, using specialist software programs
  • Liaise with and advise site managers, engineers, planners and others associated with a survey; communicate findings of environmental studies or proposals for environmental remediation to other restoration professionals
  • Supervise and provide technical guidance, training, or assistance to employees working in the field to restore, create, and manage habitats
Ecologist Work Environment
Work Experience for an Ecologist
Recommended Qualifications for an Ecologist
Ecologist Career Path
Ecologist Professional Development
Learn More
Did you know?
Conclusion

Holland Codes, people in this career generally possess the following traits
  • R Realistic
  • I Investigative
  • A Artistic
  • S Social
  • E Enterprising
  • C Conventional
United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals that this career profile addresses
Quality Education Responsible Consumption and Production Climate Action