How to get a job in ecology

The good news is that there are plenty of jobs in the environmental sector. It's a huge growth area with jobs in conservation, regulation, development and pollution control. You will almost certainly need a degree to begin with (though it's not necessarily essential in certain aspects of conservation). It will also be in your favour to get some specialism. That may mean a Masters course or PhD but also short courses are tremendously rewarding. Try short courses from the organisations listed in the, you've guessed it, Organisations page. This could mean learning how to cut down trees to studying the bryophyte assemblage of bogs. Prices vary from minimal (e.g. the Wildlife Trusts) to in-depth week long £300 courses from the FSC.

Now the bad news. Although there's loads of jobs, there's also stiff competition. Getting your degree isn't usually enough. You need to show keeness and expertise above and beyond academic training. The short courses will help enormously. Also, try volunteering. There's many organisations out there. The UK voluntary sector is preferable to the overseas expeditions (and it's free). Try organisations such as the Wildlife Trusts, RSPB, National Trust, John Muir Trust, BTCV and oh so many more. Target the kind of work you are interested in gaining a career in. If you are a bird-watcher and wish to become an ornithological consultant, then go for something that will give you experience in surveying. Conversely, if you wish to work as a ranger, go for an organisation that will give you experience in leading groups.