Ecologists study the complex and delicate relationships between animals, plants, people and their physical surroundings, commonly referred to as an ecosystem or the environment.
Many ecologists will specialise in an area that interests them, for example freshwater ecology, marine mammals, birds, river and wetland ecology, microbial systems, fauna or flora. The organisms that ecologists study vary in size from microscopic bacteria through to blue whales.
This job role is diverse, and is dependent on the employer and the nature of the work. It can include:
- field survey and assessment work, such as surveys of plants, animals or micro-organisms, monitoring protected areas and assessing the impact of air, land and water pollution on ecology
- practical countryside and site management, which may involve managing nature reserves or country parks
- providing advice on civil engineering projects, such as the likely impact of a new road scheme on ecosystems
- liaising with those associated with a survey, e.g. site managers and engineers
- advising on land restoration and water use
- using specialist computer software programmes to develop computer models of ecosystems and to analyse and interpret data
- research activities, writing reports and issuing recommendations
- teaching in universities, colleges, schools and field study centres.
Hours and environment
Working hours vary, depending on the role.
Some ecologists work indoors, assessing data on computers or working on specimens in a laboratory. For many ecologists office-based work such as data analysis, map production and report writing is a significant part of the job, especially for those in more senior positions. Others spend a lot of their time working outdoors in all weather conditions.
The work is often seasonal and is sometimes undertaken on a contract basis; therefore the summer months may be busier.
Some jobs may involve extensive travel within Ireland and Europe, Therefore a driving licence is useful.
Salary and other benefopeits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
- New ecologists may earn between €22,000 and €25,000 a year.
- With experience, ecologists may earn around €32,000 to €35,000.
- Senior ecologists with postgraduate qualifications or relevant expertise may earn over €50,000.
Skills and personal qualities
An ecologist should:
- have a good working knowledge of flora and fauna
- be able to identify different species
- be competent in applying approved survey techniques
- be able to interpret and explain ecological data
- have good observation and analytical skills
- have excellent communication skills
- be able to work well in a team, with a wide range of people
- have strong presentation and negotiation skills
- be competent in using ICT and have good numeracy skills
- have a knowledge of environmental legislation
- have an awareness of health and safety issues
- understand how human activities interact with and affect ecological systems.
Interests
It is important to:
- be curious about the natural world
- enjoy fieldwork.
Entry routes
The minimum qualification for an ecologist is usually a first degree in a biological or environmental subject, such as ecology, conservation biology, environmental biology, environmental management or marine biology.
Some employers, particularly in the consultancy sector, look for postgraduate qualifications such as a Masters degree.
Experience as a research assistant, either paid or unpaid, and/or volunteering experience, is essential. As well as providing practical experience of ecological survey and management work, volunteering will give opportunities for networking with conservation agencies and their staff. Organisations that run established volunteering programmes include the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV), the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the Botanical Society of the British Isles (BSBI). It may also be beneficial to join your local Wildlife Trust.
Useful links:
The Irish Environmental Network
Botanical Society of the British Isles (BSBI)