Ornithologists study the behaviour, ecology, classification and conservation of birds and their habitats.
£18,000 Starter
to£35,000 Experienced
38 to 40 variable
evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home
You can get into this job through:
Most ornithologists have a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a relevant subject like:
You may need a postgraduate qualification for some jobs.
You'll usually need:
Relevant experience is increasingly important, and you may be able to get this by becoming a volunteer or seasonal warden with organisations like the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the British Trust for Ornithology.
You'll need a British Trust for Ornithology ringing permit and experience as a birdwatcher to become a bird warden.
You can find job vacancies related to ornithology and other branches of ecology at environmentjob.
You can register with the British Ornithologists' Union, which has study resources for students and professionals, and information about help with course funding.
You can find out more about becoming an ornithologist from the British Ornithologists' Union.
You'll need:
You may spend time on tasks in the field or laboratory. You could work on monitoring bird populations, rehabilitation or conservation projects.
In your day-to-day duties you could:
You could work in the countryside.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.
We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an ornithologist 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.
The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.
Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.
Thank you for your feedback.
Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.