Ecological roles can be found in all habitat types, from open moorland or ancient woodland to coastal and marine settings looking at everything from natterjack toads to lichens to the impact of a potential windfarm development.
Provision of ecological consultancy is a growing area and one in which you can be a generalist covering whole ecosystems to specialists looking specifically at one, usually protected, species e.g. Great Crested Newts or bats. Developments, both large e.g. HS2 and the York Potash Woodsmith mine, and small e.g. house extensions / barn conversions, are being created every day many of which require site surveys for planning applications meaning this is a field with plenty of opportunities.
Occasionally there are also pure research opportunities which sometimes can be combined with further study such as gaining your PhD.
Typical jobs include Ecologist and Ecological Clerk of Works, Field Worker, Researcher, Environmental Management Consultant, the National Careers Service has role profiles of these and many more.
See current vacancies advertised with CJS here.
To gain the experience required volunteering is frequently a good start.
See current volunteering opportunities advertised with CJS here.
There are many different skills and qualifications required to work in the ecology field however a degree in ecology or closely related subject is usually required.
If you're thinking of a career in ecology there are details of longer courses, from foundation certifications to more specialised Masters Degrees on the Training Directory here.
There is a range of Distance Learning courses in a range of subjects such as statistics for ecologists, field techniques for surveying and habitat restoration see these here.
Kickstart your career in ecology, Peak Ecology
Win-win for people and nature, Ecosystems Knowledge Network
Arbtech MD Robert Oates highlights how ecologists can boost their employability
Early Career Ecologists and Exploitation, The Ecology Co-op
So you want to become an ecologist?, Ecology Academy
Day in the Life of an Ecologist, Total Ecology
Life on the Edge - Working for Nature and Well-being in Outer London, Harrow Council
Careers in Ecology & Biodiversity: What can you do to progress your career?, British Ecological Society
The Increase in Road Verge Wilding and the Role of Native Flora, Joshua Styles
Fourth article: The inside view on our environment team, Canal & River Trust
Making the leap into self-employment, Ecology on Demand
Interview Skills, Contract Ecology Ltd
The Bass Rock, Scottish Seabird Centre
More on: