Home

Ecologist

Do you want to become a Ecologist? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Ecologists study living plants and animals in their natural environment. The work may vary considerably, but can include:

• field survey and assessment work
• managing nature reserves, country parks or recreation areas
• advising government, land owners or the general public
• planning during the preparation for civil engineering projects
• conducting ecological assessments
• advising on restoring land and water use
• writing about the environment for newspapers and magazines
• making films, radio and television programmes
• making computer-based models that can be used to predict future events
• undertaking research
• teaching in universities, colleges, schools and field study centres.

Hours vary according to the type of work. Some ecologists work indoors. Others spend most of their time working outdoors in all types of weather conditions. They may spend time travelling within the UK or to sites abroad.

Salaries range from around £16,000 a year to £45,000 or more for a senior ecologist.
An ecologist should:

• have a working knowledge of British plants and animals
• have good observation and analytical skills
• be able to work with a wide range of people
• have good communication skills
• work well in a team
• have strong presentation skills
• have a love of nature and be curious about the natural world
• enjoy fieldwork.

The number of ecologists is growing, although there is a lot of competition for jobs. Employers include government and statutory bodies, industrial and business companies, environmental consultants, non-governmental organisations, book, magazine and newspaper publishers, radio, television and film companies, universities, colleges, schools and research organisations.

Entry is with a first degree in a biological or environmental subject. Many employers look for a postgraduate qualification. It helps to have relevant experience. There is no upper age limit for entry to work as an ecologist.

Employers train new entrants on the job. Ecologists may become members of the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) and work towards gaining chartered status. 

Ecologists may progress to senior and principal levels in most organisations. There are good opportunities to work abroad.

More Useful Resources - Ecologist:

Do you know of a useful and relevant website that would be helpful to our users? Tell us about it by emailing