I need to find a job helping wildlife and the environment! PLEASE HELP!

attenboroughs_no1fan · #1 (**permalink**) 16-12-2008, 03:52 PM

Hello everyone,
I desperately need peoples help

I graduated from Aberystwyth University in July and gained a BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour.

I have been looking for jobs since I started University and they just don't seem to be available.
They are there but there is never any jobs for people starting out.
I have quite a bit of experience in wildlife conservation and working with animals.

I have lived on dairy farms all of my life and before I went to University I worked on a wildlife reserve in South Africa, which was absolutely amazing. I also did my dissertation on gorillas in Bristol zoo.

But I just don't know which may to turn, I can do loads of things with my degree but don't know what to focus on.
I love saving endangered animals and am extremely into animal welfare. I have applied for some jobs but they are not starting until next year.
I feel like I need a Psychic or someone to help me find my way.

I hope someone can give me some suggestions.
Thanks x

eeyore · #2 (**permalink**) 16-12-2008, 04:47 PM

check out "Countryside jobs service" and "Environmentjob" i cant post links to them because comercial links arent allowed but a quick google will find them. most employers will advertise on one or the other.

there are jobs for those starting out but they tend to be seasonal/ short term and a lot of them are summer only . Note that you will need 6 months to a year voluntary experience to have a realistic chance.

( I really wish universities would give this kind of advice to every new environmental graduate as there are loads in your shoes every year)

Hedgeland · #3 (**permalink**) 19-12-2008, 10:51 PM

No one is really recruting in the ecology consultancy sector until probably March (especially in this climate).

This is the start of the season and is the key time for people getting their first chance.

A couple of pointers are that although you did your disertation on gorillas - you dont get many in the UK so you need to read up on ecology and survey methodologies for typical species in the UK, these are the ones you will be asked about in an interview.

On a plus note - you have lived on a dairy farm so sell your skills about discussions with farmers etc (access permissions for surveys - general countryside knowledge). Its all about selling what you know but if your thinking UK then you have to look at the UK species.

K9photo · #4 (**permalink**) 20-12-2008, 06:05 AM

Firstyl, congratulations on finishing your degree and good luck in your serch for meaningful employment.

If you do find any useful advice it might be nice for yout to post in on here as there have been several threads along these lines over recent months and I am sure you won't be the last person in this situation.

Hedgeland · #5 (**permalink**) 20-12-2008, 07:22 AM

Also check Ends its the environmental directory.
You can search it for companies with ecological areas and get a nice long list.

Admittedly this is for ecological consultancies and there are some that are not on there too (so if you dont want consultancy work stick to countryside job service etc).

Once you have a list send iin the CV and ask for it to be considered for the appraching season. Also - dont just send in the CV to HR. Phone them up, speak to someone and address it to the right person. If you speak to someone they are more likely to remember your name and its all about first impressions when you are competing with other graduates.

Good luck with your job search and hope it all works out for you.