Ecologist
Ecologists study the relationship between plants, animals and the environment.
- Potential salary
- £24,000 starter to £50,000 experienced per year
- Typical hours
- 37 to 42 a week. Working pattern: evenings / weekends.
- Career area
- Science and laboratory work
- Where they might work
- You could work in the countryside, at a university, in an office or in a laboratory. Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.
- A typical task
- analyse data on plants, animals and environmental conditions
- Subjects that may help
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- Typical route
- You'll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a subject like:
- Interest area used here
- Asking questions and research, Making, fixing and working outdoors
What you might do
- analyse data on plants, animals and environmental conditions
- research the impact of activities like house building and farming on land and waterways
- create and manage wildlife conservation areas and restoration projects
- advise landowners and local authorities on ecological legal matters
- study the effects of changing insect populations on agriculture
- raise awareness of ecological issues in local communities and promote involvement in schemes
Could this suit me?
Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.
- science skills
- maths knowledge for surveying and reporting
- analytical thinking skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use your initiative
- excellent written communication skills
More skills
- knowledge of wildlife and habitat regulations
- persistence and determination
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Routes into this career
University route
- You'll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a subject like:
- ecology
- ecology and environmental sustainability
- conservation, marine or plant biology
- environmental science
- zoology
- You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements
University courses that could lead to this career
These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.
- Agriculture
Alternative route. Agriculture and ecology overlap in land use. They are not the same job.
- Biological sciences
Alternative route. Possible if you choose ecological modules. A dedicated ecology degree is a closer fit.
- Ecology
Direct qualifying route. A close academic route. Jobs often also expect field experience.
- Environmental science
Alternative route. Possible with the right modules and field experience.
- Geography
Related, but not enough on its own. Human geography is not ecology. Physical geography may help but is not the same degree.
- Landscape Architecture
Alternative route. Ecology content supports some environmental work. It is not an ecology degree.
- Marine biology
Alternative route. Marine ecology can transfer. Terrestrial ecology jobs may expect different field experience.
- Zoology
Common route. Ecology roles may prefer ecology or conservation content. Zoology can be a route if the modules fit.
Apprenticeship or vocational route
- You might be able to start by applying for an Ecologist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.
- This usually takes around 3 years to complete.
- You'll usually need:
- a degree in a relevant subject
- equivalent entry requirements
- apprenticeship levels
- guide to apprenticeships
Career progression
- You can work for:
- local authorities
- conservation organisations
- government or scientific bodies
- universities
- With experience, you can:
- become a senior ecologist, leading a team of researchers
- be employed as a consultant on sustainable development projects
- act as an adviser on biodiversity policy
- work in conservation education or scientific journalism
- specialise in a particular area, for example the study of insects - entomology
- You can find more job specialisms at Green Jobs for Nature.
Subjects that may help
Subject guidance
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
- a degree in a relevant subject