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Ecologists study the relationship between plants, animals and the environment.
You could work: evenings / weekends;
As an ecologist you might:
We've identified this as a green job
As an ecologist, you can restore woodlands and peatlands to help tackle climate change. This can have a positive impact on the environment.
Find out more about green careers
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.
You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.
You'll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a subject like:
You'll usually need:
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:
Volunteering is a great way to get practical experience and skills, meet new people and develop useful contacts. This might improve your chances of finding work.
You can find volunteering opportunities with:
You'll need to:
You can join the British Ecological Society, which offers mentoring from experienced ecologists, research news, and education and job search support.
You can find more details about careers in ecology through the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management and Green Jobs for Nature.
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.