Introduction
It might seem a tall order, but ecologists are responsible for
looking after our past, present and future. We all live in
one world and we must look after it: it is their job to make sure
we do. Ecologists work within a team empowered to manage
environmental and conservation policy in the local area. They
play an important part in formulating policies that pay proper
regard to the principles of biodiversity, conservation and
sustainability - treating our resources (water, land, wildlife and
plant life) with respect and thereby preserving the overall health
of the environment. The post can be found in all types of
authority except for county councils.
Work Environment
There is an office base but a lot of work takes place on outside
sites, in science laboratories and at various meetings of
environmental groups. Work can be dirty and affected by the
weather but appropriate clothing is provided. The standard
working week is 37 hours.
Daily Activities
Ecologists are members of the environmental policy and
conservation group which gives guidance on proposed local plans
which relate to agriculture, archaeology, biodiversity, building
heritage, environmental quality and landscape. They ensure
that any change in land use (new motorway building, factories,
sewage plants, over- intensive farming, landfill sites etc)
enhances the environment and causes as little harm as
possible. Two key concepts lie at the heart of the job:
biodiversity (the rich range of life forms such as plants,
woodland, hedgerows, animals, insects, birds, butterflies) and
nature conservation. They are encompassed in the overriding
principle of sustainability - living, playing and working without
harming the environment. Often, the work causes conflicts
with other parties who are not especially concerned about the
environment - planners, developers, waste disposal operators and
farmers and walkers who may clash over rights of way, for
example. Ecologists have to accommodate different aims and
strike an appropriate balance of interests.
In monitoring the relationship between people and the
environment, ecologists raise awareness of the importance of
managing our natural resources wisely and respecting our natural
habitat- putting back into the earth what we take out by recycling
and effective waste management. On a daily basis they work
against dangerous and ruthless exploitation of land, water, animal
and plant life. They are particularly engaged in matters
relating to the Local Government Act and the Countryside and Rights
of Way (CroW) Act which means daily liaison with conservation
architects, archaeologists, agricultural officers, landscape
architects, trees and woodlands officers, planners, waste
management officers and others. They may also work with the
architectural conservation and archaeology teams that protect our
built heritage. Listed buildings or barns where owls and rare
birds nest become both an ecological interest as well as an
historic one. So, how does philosophy translate into
practice? It is the duty of ecologists to:
- review nature conservation strategy in the context of community
planning and environmental well being;
- prepare and direct the implementation of biodiversity action
programmes and ecological responsibilities associated with the CRoW
Act;
- advise on policies for minerals and waste plans, land
management, land holdings, local nature reserves and sites of
nature conservation and how they are managed;
- monitor specific habitat and species initiatives and in
particular the biodiversity group schemes;
- support the development of storage and retrieval mechanisms to
provide a comprehensive record of ecological data.
They are also responsible for establishing close working
relationships with relevant government organizations,
non-government organizations (NGOs) such as charities and action
groups, the private sector, community groups, farmers, landowners,
history societies, academics, students, researchers, developers,
elected members, MPs and the public to ensure the conservation of
the county's wildlife and natural habitats by promoting good
conservation practice and projects. In addition, they help
train other environmental services staff and are involved with
exhibitions, lectures and publications designed to educate people
about the importance of ecology.
Skills & Interests
You would need to be able to show that you have:
- working knowledge of British flora and fauna;
- presentation skills using a variety of media and forms;
- ability to interact with a wide range and level of people;
- computer literacy;
- project management skills;
- good oral, written and interpersonal skills;
- ability to analyse technological ecological data;
- team working skills as well as individual initiative;
- ability to interpret and impart technical information.
Entry Requirements
Degree in Ecology or related subject and membership of Institute
of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM), Landscape Institute
(MLI) or equivalent is essential. It is also necessary to
have at least 5 years experience at a senior level, management of
staff and business planning. It is expected that you would
have a management qualification, local government experience and
have been a team and/or project leader, though this is not
essential. As an ecologist you would be expected to perform a
similar range of duties except, perhaps, at a less strategic level
than the senior ecologist. You would also need to be working
towards membership of the professional body rather than having it
at the entry stage.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
Environmental protection and environment is a growing industry and
there are many opportunities for advancement - locally, nationally
and internationally. The next step up for the senior
ecologist in local government would be Group Manager, responsible
for conservation architecture, archaeology, sustainability,
agriculture, landscape, trees and landscape and heritage
buildings.
Further Information & Services
Association of Local Government Ecologists www.alge.org.uk
British Ecological Society www.britishecologicalsociety.org
Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management www.ieem.net
Journal of Ecology www.journalofecology.org
Landscape Institute www.landscapeinstitute.org
Lantra www.lantra.co.uk
The International Association for Landscape Ecology www.plantsci.org.uk
Careers Wales have produced a Spotlight article on careers in
food and farming:
www.careerswales.com/en/spotlight-on-food-and-farming/
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.