Getting an Ecology or Conservation job is so difficult!

martin_25 · #1 (**permalink**) 24-04-2008, 01:18 PM

Hey everyone,

Since graduating from uni last year with an Ecology degree, I have found that despite getting involved with voluntary work and taking courses has left me feeling pretty depressed as I still cannot for the life of me get a foot-hold in this sector due to my lack of 'experience'.....Starting to feel as though the 3 years at uni was wasted now!!

Martin

coasty · #2 (**permalink**) 24-04-2008, 01:55 PM

Hi Martin

Have you tried the construction and civil engineering sectors? . There is an increasing demand for these skills and producing ecological reports within this sector. A speculative enquiry to the HR depts of the bigger civil engineering and construction companies based around York and Leeds may pay dividends... Good Luck

PS welcome to the forum . We are practically neighbours.

Andy

martin_25 · #3 (**permalink**) 24-04-2008, 02:03 PM

Thankyou for your reply!
As of yet i have never really considered civil engineering companies, and its definately something that I am going to look into now!

I have recently applied for two jobs in the local area, so if nothing comes of either of those two then I can send a few speculative e-mails off to the larger companies in Yorkshire.

Many thanks again,

Martin

coasty · #4 (**permalink**) 24-04-2008, 02:13 PM

Martin

If you PM me your email I will email you some documents which will give you an idea of the sort of things that companies now have to produce. It may give you some ideas on how you can structure your CV and maybe do some additional research...

ripplingwave · #5 (**permalink**) 26-04-2008, 01:27 PM

There seems alot more jobs down south so if you are up for relocating might be worth applying down here!

It was my volunteer work that got me my job! I have volunteered the whole 3 years ive been at uni and also did plenty of courses to build up a portfolio, hang in there, im sure something will come along

martin_25 · #6 (**permalink**) 28-04-2008, 10:16 AM

Thanks for your reply. Yeah, i have noticed that there are often many more jobs advertised in the south than up here. I don't think relocating would be a problem for myself, but I thought that if I gained some experience nearer to home first, then if anything was to go wrong with the job then it won't be so much of a risk!

Must say the thought of moving away has often been an arguement in my head!!!

Thanks,

Martin

Noeler · #7 (**permalink**) 29-04-2008, 01:43 PM

Hi Martin, i found myself in exactly the same place as you. I graduated with a degree in zoology in 2006, after some traveling and volunteering abroad, i am now finding it hard to get employment. So i've decided to attend a masters course. While finding out about the courses i also looked at employment opportunities and ecological consultancy seems to appeal to me.
After speaking to some consultants iv'e found some information which i found helpful and may be helpful to you.
If you want to fast track your career do a MSc, ive applied for the conservation biodiversity course at Exeter
You need good ID skills mainly plants, reptiles/amphibians,
Volunteer for local trusts - It will help you network and build up your ID skills, also help take part in surveys especially bats and reptiles as they will go to help getting a protected species licence (if you feel you will need one). NAARS do a good reptile course
Also try and get some voluteer work with companies themselves, ive writeen off to quite a few ecology consultants just askiing them if they need any field assistants (though i won't be paid) so i also need to try and find some kind of income
Some consultancies also run training courses. take a look at Acorn Eology
All in all it seems that experience is the most important thing, many employers only ask for a degree in a biologically related subject.
Hope this helps mate, hang in there, i know i'm trying to

tigger · #8 (**permalink**) 29-04-2008, 03:49 PM

I noticed a lizard/snake survey being done by Mott Macdonalds the other day. They are a massive company that have their foot in construction/transport/management and environment... may be worth looking to see if they are in your area. They are a massive global company. I would write to them direct.

Also, have you subscribed to the Countryside Jobs Service Countryside Jobs Service: CJS Daily Online

They publish environmental/countryside jobs from all over the country. Might be worth a look. (although you probably already know about it....)

Don't give up!

Jane

martin_25 · #9 (**permalink**) 01-05-2008, 10:56 AM

Thanks everybody for your replies.

The past two days have involved ringing up a few different organisations offering my services for voluntary work, so i'm awaiting news on those.

Recently applied for a couple of really interesting jobs that I was pretty confident about...but found out I haven't got one of them and still waiting to hear on the other!

Man, this is getting really stressful...and a bit of a nighmare actually!!!

Where I live its hard to get any reasonably decent job. I was working in sales for the past 6 months, but hated that, hence ended up doing random work on the farm! (This isn'y how i planned it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Martin