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A Career in Ecology- Part 2

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If you enjoyed the first part of this paper, A Career in Ecology, back in April, you’ll be eager to read this next part, to aid your quest for that perfect job.

Actively looking for a career in ecology

Which ever route you have taken to begin your search for a career in ecology, then you now need to work on your marketing and sales skills. What? But I want a job within the natural environment, not selling stuff! Well, you need to get over yourself and into the mindset that you are so worth employing and it would be to the employer’s benefit to offer you that job, right now! That’s a big leap for someone who has little or no experience of actually working in the environmental sector. So, let’s back up a little before you start applying for any old job.

Skills gap

If you’ve clicked on some of the links already provided within this blog or, hopefully, done a huge amount of your own research into potential employers, jobs and career progression, then you will need to address the skills gap. What is it your potential employer is looking for? Can you honestly meet or exceed their expectations? If not, then you will need a plan of action.

Plan of action

Your plan should include either a short-term goal (e.g. secure an assistant ecologist role) or a long-term goal (e.g. help advocate for the restoration of biodiversity). To achieve your goal, you will need a road map to get you there. For a short-term goal this is going to be relatively straight forward. Using our example, your plan would be to identify the essential and desirable skills and traits required to secure that job and work towards obtaining or further developing those areas.

If it’s essential that you have your own car but you can’t drive, then you know what to do! If it’s desirable for you to have a year’s experience of working with an ecological consultancy (I know, a catch 22 situation), then could you gain that experience by volunteering your time for 1 day per week?

Your mind will put in barriers – usually “I don’t have the time or money to do those things.” I’m afraid that simply is not true. What you really mean is that you can’t be bothered to work to acquire those skills and that maybe you’re not as ‘passionate’ about the natural environment as you first thought! Harsh, but likely to be true if you are honest with yourself.

Aptitude for ecology

So, do you have the right aptitude? Depending on your answers to the questions and comments above, then you will need to not only acquire technical skills and knowledge, but gain an understanding of what other traits make a great ecologist. We use a simple, yet effective, analysis on behavioural characteristics on eight known personality types using the Insights Discovery questions. It’s a great way to recognise your dominant behavioural trait and find out how you typically react to people, and conversely how you should treat others! So, which of the following describes you on a good day:

  • Sets standards – Product knowledge – Analysis
  • Planning – Organisation – Time management
  • Listens – Loyal – Team approach
  • Helps others – Flexible – Shares Ideas
  • Persuasive – Creative – People skills
  • Drive – Enthusiasm – Positive thinking
  • Results focused – Decisive – Assertive
  • Determination – Monitoring performance – Discipline

Chances are you may relate to two. Also, you may also identify two or more that are not you! I’ll save the analysis for another time.

Of course, that’s all well and good, but what’s that got to do with getting a job? Well, if you are a very detailed orientated and analytical person (e.g. it has to be perfect) then you probably would not fit into a highly creative team (e.g. spend ages talking about something, change your mind and then get it out there as perfect is for later). Equally, if you work for a result-orientated company with deadlines that must be met, then you are not going to thrive in a company if you’re more of a team player, listens to everyone’s viewpoint before deciding. That’s not to say these polar opposites could not work together, but everyone should recognise their strengths and weaknesses.

In summary, find a company that either mirrors or respects your values and not one that is going to be antagonistic (unless, that is, you have been brought in to make serious change to their culture).

Richard Dodd, Principal Ecologist

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Ecology Training Academy launched

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Ecology Training Academy launched by Wildwood Ecology

Our first on-line training course: Bat Roost Survey Fundamentals. During this course we will cover all the basic principals and introduce a deeper understanding of a preliminary bat roost survey within the following chapters:

1. Why bats are legally protected – at the end of this chapter students will be able to understand why bats are legally protected and how to obtain a survey licence.

2. Understanding the needs for a bat roost survey – at the end of this chapter students will be able to identify the needs of a project and confidently establish the aims and objectives of a bat roost survey.

3. Preparing to undertake a bat roost survey – at the end of this chapter students will be able to safely prepare for a bat roost assessment, create a training plan to improve skills and knowledge and identify what equipment and resources are required.

4. Buildings, trees and other structures – at the end of this chapter students will be able to understand why and how bats use natural and artificial structures and be able to identify a range of potential roost features.

5. Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) walk-through – at the end of this chapter students will be able to confidently categorise the roost suitability of a structure and tree.

6. End of course message and additional resources – at the end of the final chapter students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of undertaking a bat roost assessment and create a career action plan.

__________

Unsure if it’s for you? 

Here are couple of FAQ’s that will help you decide if one of our Wildwood Training Academy courses is right for you.

Who are these courses suitable for?

Although elements will suit most ecologists, our courses have been specifically created for university students who are finishing their degree and are thinking about a career as an ecological consultant, or have secured their first role as an ecological consultant. The course is for those working or seeking to work in the UK, although the principals may be used elsewhere around the world too.

What will I learn after taking this course?

After taking our Ecology Training Academy course on bat roost survey fundamentals, participants will be able to successfully assist and participate in a roost assessment, so they can confidently apply for a career in the ecology sector within the UK.

Richard Dodd, Principal Ecologist

girl outdoors

A Career in Ecology – Part 1

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Part 1

A career in ecology has seen a resurgence over the past twelve months. It may be down to what some publishers are calling the ‘Greta (Thunberg) effect’. A massive demand by young people seeking to make a positive change to our environment.

So how do you stand out when seeking your first role in ecology? Well, it all depends on where you’re coming from.

Early stage

If you’re just about to choose between A levels or T levels,[1] then you need to see where these qualifications can take you. The A level route is more academically based and may provide an opportunity to obtain a placement at a University. The T level route will be ‘industry’ based and more hands on, putting you in sight of a ‘potential’ employer. They both have their advantages and disadvantages, but either route will provide you with knowledge and an understanding of what sort of a career in ecology you may (or may not) be seeking.

University

If you further your academic career, then securing a placement on the right course at University is going to be your next step. There are a plethora of courses out there, and so some research into what courses are better suited in helping you secure that first paid role is required. Many Universities have league tables, but I would treat them as a guide only. They are mainly used for the business of securing places and hence funding. Seek out an ‘independent’ review site before making your final decision!

Apprenticeships

For some people, University is simply not an option and it’s also not suitable for everyone. Unfortunately, there is a heavy bias towards academic qualifications within the recruitment of ecologists. It’s mainly seen as ‘traditional’ to recruit a graduate who has demonstrable knowledge and an understanding of the role of science within the natural environment, but less so on the essential and desirable skills that so many of employers seek.

The good news is that recruitment is changing. Slowly! There are now Modern Apprenticeships available in different parts of the UK as well as higher level apprenticeships approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

CIEEM

If you are at this early stage, then you will need to find out what sort of a career in ecology you want. Are you passionate about plants, an advocate for animals, or do you relish research?

There are many career opportunities as an ecologist available to you, so spending a little of your time researching what’s on offer may help you decide what qualifications or skills you need to develop.

Find out more by visiting the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) career guidance pages.

Part 2 to follow…..

Richard Dodd, Chartered Ecologist & Managing Director Wildwood Ecology

[1] T Levels are new courses coming in September 2020, which will follow GCSEs and will be equivalent to 3 A Levels and will offer students a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience during an industry placement. Students will be able to take a T level in a variety of subjects, including agriculture, land management and production, and animal care and management or science. Find out more by clicking here.