What to do....

[roxy123]

Hi everyone. I am looking for a bit of advice.
I graduated this year with a BSc in Biology and have always had an interest in conservation/wildlife. I understand that jobs are in short supply at the moment. I am looking into doing a masters next year in biodiversity & conservation but do not know if this will help to secure a career in the environmental sector. Also, I don't know whether to continue down this route as I don't know whether it would be better doing teaching or something else. I know its in my heart to do conservation/ecology but I am finding it really difficult to even find any relevant jobs. Any jobs require 2/3 years post-qualification experience. I am going to do some volunteering this year and was planning on starting the masters next year. Would this be the best way to do it? Any advice would be very helpful!!

[honedan]

Your question is a common one. You say you want to work in conservation now do you mean research e.g Universitys, zoos,BBC, government authorities like CEH for example or charity survey field work e.g wildlife trusts. Or conservation through ecological consultancy. Which involves survey work report writing advising developers.

Once you know what area you want to go into you can focus your time rather than a scatter gun approach. I suggest that a survey license for a EPS European protected species is a must what ever area you decide it is marketable in an interview and shows commitment to conservation GCN, Dormice and bats are the most useful licences to hold, although now they are all beginning hibernation. GCN in the new year might be a good one with the survey season from March to June you can probably get some experience with local wildlife trusts, amphibian groups or a consultancy.

I know competition even for volunteer work is difficult I have been there put yourself in the employers shoes what is the goal of the job and what skills would help achieve that with the least cost. We don't like to think about it although training costs employers so you are doing the right thing in my opinion.

Learning your botany is also a valuable skill which few ecologists have. Being able to identify Phase 1 Habitats is easier once you can identify the common grasses and important indicator species. Check (Rose) wildflower book.

I did zoology and didn't want to learn botany although was forced to get a job now I am employed more for my botanical skills as it allows me to advise landscape architects on planting scemes and allows me to undertake NVC surveys.

I hope this helps

Dan

[eeyore]

what he said

finmding job wise check out Countryside Jobs Service - welcome. and Environmental Jobs and Volunteering in the UK these are the main two for most ecology/countryside jobs that get advertised in the uk

other than that i'd suggest that volunteer work in your chosen field is essential and also if you dont have one you must get a driving licence - feild jobs that dont need you to drive are ridiculously rare.

I'd be inclined to leave the masters for now and focus on building up your marketable experience and skills (ballpark for beginer jobs is 6 -12 months experience) - you can come back to the masters through distance learning later in your career if you want and many employers will help pay for it at that stage

[roxy123]

Thanks very much for your replies. I understand that the environmental sector is highly competitive. It's just difficult to know which way to tackle it.