Ecologist
Ecologists study the relationships between living things and their environments. That could mean surveying birds on a nature reserve, helping protect rare plants on a construction site, or analysing how climate change is affecting local species
It’s a role that can involve being out in the field collecting data, working in a lab or office analysing results, and writing up reports that help shape real decisions about how land and wildlife are managed
Shalom Oyenekan is a freshwater ecologist. You can find out more about their job here.
What you might do day-to-day:
- Carry out surveys of plants, animals or habitats (e.g. spotting signs of otters, using bat detectors, recording wildflowers)
- Collect and analyse environmental data, such as soil samples
- Advise on how to protect or restore nature – for example on projects like new housing or road developments
- Write reports, maps or management plans
- Work with landowners, planners or conservation charities to improve biodiversity
Want to know what being an ecologist looks like?
Check out this short video where Natasha Rajpurohit, an Ecologist at Envance, who talks about her move from medicine into the environment sector.
Public Sector Ecologist
Ecologists working in the public sector typically work for local authorities, statutory nature conservation organisations (SNCBs) or national park authorities. Many of the jobs are related to minimising any harmful impacts of new houses, roads or other development on nature or planning how to improve the environment by restoring natural habitats.
Private Sector Ecologist
Ecologists working in the private sector will be self-employed or will work for companies whose business includes advising clients on the nature-related aspects of their plan and projects, especially where these are related to some kind of development such as new houses, roads, offshore pipelines and windfarms. Ecologists will need to assess the likely impact of the changes on nature and design and supervise schemes to reduce those impacts.
Private sector ecologists may also work for landowners looking to protect and improve nature on their land.
NGO Sector Ecologist
Ecologists working for charities or other NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) will be surveying and monitoring the plants and animals in different habitats and identifying different management approaches that can be used to manage land, water and seas to benefit nature. This can include nature reserves and marine protected areas. They may also provide guidance and advice notes for others who are managing these habitats.
Charities and NGOs may employ ecologists to work full-time, part-time or on a freelance basis. Alternatively, they may have ecological surveys carried out under a wider job description such as by a conservation worker or project officer.
Industry Sector Ecologist
Ecologists working for industries such as rail companies, water companies and energy providers will be surveying and monitoring the plants and animals in different habitats on land owned by or impacted by their employer. They will identify different management approaches that can be used to minimize harm and benefit nature.
Resources
- Ecologist job profiles – read profiles here on Green Jobs for Nature, of people working in ecology describing their role, how they got into it, and further advice
- See our resources page for further information including leaflets summarising ecology roles and articles covering the skills needed as an ecologist.
- Lantra’s Land-Based Careers Hub – Ecologist information page (external link)