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.
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.👇
🦔 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.
🦇 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.
🌲 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.
🌼 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.
Browse job profiles
Check out real stories from people in Ecologist roles, what they do,what they love (and don’t), and how they got started.
See the role through James’s eyes
Watch the video of James Whitby, an Ecologist with the Ecology Co-Op, as they share what a typical day looks like in their role.
Ecologists on Social Media
Get a behind-the-scenes look at what working as an Ecologist is really like – these Instagram and TikTok profiles are full of insight, advice, and daily life outdoors.
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Erin Walker: Graduate Ecologist and Green Jobs for Nature Blogger
Tiktok
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Joshua Styles: Ecologist & Plant Obsessive
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Jessica Stuart-Smith: Ecologist, Birder and C Ringer in Worcestershire
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Chloe: Environmental Consultant
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Madison Bowden-Parry: Behavioural Ecologist
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Keith Daneen: The Ecologist
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Emberizaemma
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Charlotte Hogg: Graduate Ecologist (Arcadis)
Instagram