Ecologist

What does an ecologist do?As an ecologist you will be responsible for site visits to undertake study and surveys of animal, plants, and the environment to ensure accurate data on the impact of construction projects.The job role of an ecologist involves the following duties:Visiting sites to undertake surveys of animals, plants and their environmentResearching the impact of construction and other human activityBuilding computer models to predict effects of construction workAdvising on legal regulations in relation to protected speciesIdentifying and recording details of habitats and speciesProducing reports detailing the potential environmental impact of any disruption to the environment and making recommendations on how best to manage itAnalysing data collectedAdvising project stakeholdersProviding expert advice on environmental legislationPreparing reports and recommendationsVisiting site during construction to monitor that all works are carried out as agreedAdvising planners, engineers, designers and construction firmsA career as an ecologist will usually involve working standard office hours, Monday to FridayLikely to be occasions when it is necessary to work late or at weekends, particularly in more senior roles.How to become an ecologistThere are several routes to becoming an ecologist. You can gain the qualifications you need by doing a university course or an apprenticeship.If you already have relevant experience you may be able to apply directly to an employer or train on-the-job. Volunteering is also a great way to get experience and may improve your chances of finding work. You should explore these routes to become an ecologist to find out which is the right one for you.You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.UniversityYou can complete an undergraduate degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject such as:EcologyEcology and environmental sustainabilityZoologyMarine biologyConservation biologyEcological scienceEnvironmental science. Equivalent entry requirements explainedFind a university courseFunding adviceApprenticeshipApprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week.Guide to apprenticeshipsWorkIf you have some basic experience, you could apply directly to a firm specialising in surveying or ecology to gain on-site experience as an ecologist. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced ecologist and progress as your abilities improve.Work experienceWork experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as an ecologist. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.Find out more about work experienceSkillsAdditional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as an ecologist include:Analytical thinking and reasoning skillsGood grasp of maths and EnglishExcellent verbal communication skillsAbility to use your own initiative.QualificationsTo become an ecologist you will need:An apprenticeship with a firm specialising in surveying or ecology is a good way into the industry. If you have a degree in a relevant subject, you may be able to do a postgraduate ecologist degree apprenticeship. You’ll need a qualification and experience in an ecological science to apply.You Could Complete A:Undergraduate degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject such as:EcologyEcology and environmental sustainabilityZoologyMarine BiologyConservation BiologyEcological ScienceEnvironmental Science.You Could Complete A:Undergraduate degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject such as:EcologyEcology and environmental sustainabilityZoologyMarine BiologyConservation BiologyEcological ScienceEnvironmental Science.How much could you earn as an ecologist?The expected salary for an ecologist varies as you become more experienced.Newly trained ecologists can earn £25,000Trained ecologists with experience can earn up to £51,000*Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed and industry recognised training route. Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources