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Ecologist

Alternative titles for this job include

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

Average salary (a year)

£22,000 Starter

to

£42,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become an ecologist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship

University

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

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

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do a postgraduate ecologist degree apprenticeship.

This typically takes around 3 years to complete.

You'll need a qualification and experience in an ecological science to apply.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • a degree in a relevant subject for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to get experience and may improve your chances of finding work. You can also build up contacts within conservation, which will be useful when looking for jobs.

You can find volunteering opportunities with:

More Information

Career tips

You can search for jobs in ecology and related fields at environmentjob.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the British Ecological Society, which offers mentoring from experienced ecologists, research news, and education and job search support.

Further information

You can find more details about careers in ecology through the:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • maths knowledge for surveying and reporting
  • analytical thinking skills
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • persistence and determination
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • excellent written communication skills
  • concentration skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day tasks will depend on the sector in which you work. For example, as an ecological scientist you could:

  • carry out fieldwork
  • survey and record information on plants, animals, environmental conditions and biodiversity
  • deliver lessons or lectures

As a consultant ecologist you could:

  • research the impact of human activity, like housing and intensive agriculture, on the environment
  • build computer models to predict the effects of development or climate change
  • research and contribute to legislation and policy

As a landscape ecologist, you could:

  • manage and create wildlife conservation areas, woodland and meadows
  • monitor species and habitats
  • manage a team of volunteers

Working environment

You could work in the countryside, at a university, in an office or in a laboratory.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could work in a range of organisations like local authorities, conservation organisations, government or scientific bodies.

With experience, you could become a senior ecologist, leading a team of researchers, developing biodiversity plans or acting as a consultant on sustainable development projects.

You may also be able to apply for chartered environmentalist status. You can find out more about being a chartered environmentalist from the Society for the Environment.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an ecologist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Introduction to UK Ecology – Virtual

  • Provider: DCG
  • Start date: 21 October 2023
  • Location: Ilkeston

Level 3 Advanced Diploma In Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

  • Provider: KINGSTON MAURWARD COLLEGE
  • Start date: 07 September 2023
  • Location: Dorchester
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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