Ecologist

An Ecologist studies the relationship between animals and plants and the environment in which they live. Their work typically looks at the impact changes to the environment have on the distribution and abundance of different species and how we can manage those impacts to help nature thrive. A generalist Ecologist will have a broad understanding of lots of different species and habitats, but some Ecologists specialise in specific groups of species and habitats, such as mammals or the marine environment.

Ecologists typically spend their time undertaking ecological surveys, identifying issues or potential issues that could harm the natural world, and then producing and implementing plans and actions to prevent this and help nature to recover.  Increasingly, Ecologists use technologies such as drones, infra-red cameras and satellite imagery to aid their work.

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The information in our job profiles aims to give a general overview of the role and a guideline to what it involves. The content is not intended to be exhaustive and roles will vary depending on the organisation and sector. The salary ranges are a guide only, as these are dependent on the size and location of the organisation.

Salary range

£25k-£40k

depending on experience and sector – it could be higher for more senior roles

How does this role align to the green agenda?

The twin environmental crises we are facing of biodiversity loss and climate change mean that the work of Ecologists is ever more important. Ecologists help us to address these environmental crises and have a positive impact on the environment, not least by creating natural habitats to manage the impacts of a changing climate. Understanding how human activity impacts on nature also helps us to drive change in our behaviours.

The work of Ecologists and Environmental Managers will be critical to delivering the UK’s environmental ambitions as we go forwards and this is an exciting time to be considering a career in this sector.

According to Nesta’s Green Jobs Explorer, this job spends 57.1% of the time doing green tasks. 15.8% of the skills listed on the job adverts for this occupation are green skills.

Ecologist marking something on paper while looking at biodiversity in a field

Skills and capabilities

It is expected that Ecologists have an interest in the natural world and understanding how it works.

Technical knowledge

Fieldwork and survey techniques
Plant and animal identification skills
Knowledge of relevant legislation, policy and regulations
Ability to collect, analyse and interpret data
Report writing skills.

Transferable skills

Adaptability
Analytical thinking
Attention to detail
Customer service
Decision making
Effective communication
Influencing
Listening
Planning
Project management
Resilience
Stakeholder engagement
Time management
Writing skills

Find out more about upskilling What are green skills?

A day in the life

Work in Ecology is varied. You can work independently or as part of a team. Ecologists work with a range of stakeholders, including local authorities, housing developers, landowners, researchers, engineers and members of the public.

Working hours range from part-time and full-time to flexible working, and it’s important to know that working hours in some roles can be unsociable. For example, some surveys can only be undertaken during certain months and in the evening or at night when the animals are active. Plants don’t move around so much and can be surveyed during the day! Travel is also sometimes required as part of your role, potentially to remote locations.

Location: During the survey season (April–September) much of the field Ecologist’s time will be spent out on site conducting surveys in a range of habitats including woodland, marine, coastal, grassland, heathland, rivers, fens, dunes and peatland. Work is undertaken in all weather conditions. Often during the winter months, time is spent writing-up reports.  Some Ecologist roles are much more desk-based.

Typical duties and responsibilities include:

Fieldwork and surveys
Identification of plants species and animals
Surveying and mapping a range of habitats
Using technology to model the effects of changing environments and impacts
Designing mitigation and management plans
Working on habitat creation plans
Undertaking ecological impact assessments and producing technical reports
Working with stakeholders on projects.

The role of an Ecologist varies across sectors depending on the type of employer, but the job always involves working to minimise potential harmful impacts on nature and the environment, to help nature to thrive.

Ecologists working in the public sector typically work for local authorities, statutory nature conservation organisations or national park authorities.
Ecologists working in the private sector will be self-employed or work for companies advising clients on the nature-related aspects of their projects, especially concerning new developments such as house building, roads, offshore pipelines and wind farms. Private sector Ecologists may also work for landowners looking to protect or improve nature on their land.
Ecologists working for charities or other NGOs (non-governmental organisations) survey and monitor plants and animals in different habitats, including nature reserves and marine protected areas.
Ecologists working for industries such as rail companies, water companies and energy providers survey and monitor life in different habitats on land owned by or impacted by their employer.

Entry routes

Most Ecologists have studied a relevant subject to degree level but there are increasingly more vocational routes into the sector.

In addition, whether it is a work placement, internship, graduate scheme or volunteering, gaining valuable and relevant work experience is a key step to securing the job you want. If you’re interested in an outdoor-based job in the sector, try reaching out to local nature reserves or Wildlife Trusts. Other desk-based roles such as policy, data and mapping may require a formal work placement.

Relevant degree-level study

Apprenticeships

Vocational routes

Potential career progression

From starting as a junior Ecologist, your career journey could take different directions depending on the employment sector.

There are opportunities to support career development with continuing professional development activities including training courses and conferences, as well as joining a relevant professional body and even progressing to become a Chartered Ecologist.

You could go from being an Assistant Reserve Officer, for example, to becoming a Nature Reserve Manager and then Head of Conservation for a charity.

Or, you could go from being an Assistant Ecological Consultant to becoming a Senior Ecologist and then a Principal Ecologist for a big private sector consultancy (or even setting up your own consultancy).

Another option could involve becoming a local authority ecologist or working for a government department.

Relevant sectors

Agriculture
Charity
Construction and the built environment
Consultancy
Energy
Engineering
Professional services
Public services
Transport/Logistics
Utilities

Group of ecologists looking at the life in the water

Learn about the green agenda across different sectors

View sector pages

Information kindly supplied by:

Green Jobs for Nature

‘Green Jobs for Nature’ is a campaign led by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), to promote nature-focussed careers to 13-23 year olds across the UK and Ireland. The campaign is centred around our bespoke website, which showcases the breadth of green jobs for nature in the available, the different employment sectors offering such career opportunities and how to find out more information about and get those jobs.

View website

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