Ecologist

What you might do day-to-day as an Ecologist:

• 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 these short videos where Natasha Rajpurohit, an Ecologist at Envance talks about her move from medicine into the environment sector and James Whitby, an Ecologist with the Ecology Co-Op, as he shares what a typical day looks like in his role.

Different Pathways into Ecologist Roles

Many ecologists start out by doing a degree – often in ecology, environmental science, zoology or a related subject, but that’s not the only way in. Some gain extra experience through volunteering, placements or applied degrees with lots of hands-on learning. Everyone’s path is a bit different, and seeing what others have done can help you figure out what might work for you.👇

Check out the below job profiles and even more Ecologist Job Profiles to read more real stories from people in Ecologist roles, what they do, what they love (and don’t), and how they got started.👇

Sarah Gathergood

🦔 Sarah Gathergood is a Seasonal Field Ecologist in East Sussex, surveying dormice, bats, reptiles, and amphibians. With a Geography degree and a Level 3 Diploma in Wildlife Rehab, they bring their love of nature to hands-on fieldwork.

Sarah’s profile

Denbeigh Vaughan

🦇 Denbeigh Vaughan is a self-employed Ecological Consultant in Wales, carrying out protected species surveys and ecological impact assessments. They studied a degree in Applied Ecology and enjoys the freedom that comes with running their own projects.

Denbeigh’s profile

Louise Gannon

🌲 Louise Gannon is an Assistant Ecologist in Ireland, working on surveys of mammals like bats, otters and badgers. They studied a degree Environmental Science and blend their passion for wildlife with both fieldwork and desk- based tasks.

Louise’s profile

Gus Routledge

🌼 Gus Routledge is a freelance ecologist in Scotland, focused on botanical and habitat surveys. After studying a degree in Countryside Management, they chose self-employment to work on projects that match their values and interests.

Gus’s profile