What is a reasonable salary for a junior ecologist?

[zzzzzz]

I've been offered a great job as a junior ecologist, but they want me to make them an offer for my salary. I've never had to do this before and I'm a bit nervous. I have a First in an ecology degree, 2 years work experience in related areas, and its in the south-west. What do you think is a reasonable offer?

[Meta menardi]

That is such a horrible question to have to answer, but one I have had asked of me before. I think if you trawl the sites for other similar jobs, that might help, but I am sure you have thought of that. You will have to accept that this is a stepping stone to other things and will not make your fortune, but do not sell yourself short, they have asked you to do the job, so they must value your skills and knowledge.

I sort of did this thinking, closed my eyes and shot at the middle of what was in my mind. I did take careful thought of the fact that I had two small children and only one income, we had some very enjoyable years, with some financial traumas, and it gave me a basis for a long and varied career. Best of luck, and well done for getting the job. Probably not very helpful, but I have always gone with the idea of never taking advice, although I have listened to it with gratitude.

[Gill Catton]

When I first started I was on about £17,000 and that was a good wage for the post really (it was also ten years ago - so I'd extrapolate up if I were you!)

[catwasp]

Hi,

The going rate for a lot of consultancies is about 17k so anywhere around this would be a reasonable request I think.

C

[Cotham Marble]

Originally Posted by zzzzzz

I've been offered a great job as a junior ecologist, but they want me to make them an offer for my salary. I've never had to do this before and I'm a bit nervous. I have a First in an ecology degree, 2 years work experience in related areas, and its in the south-west. What do you think is a reasonable offer?

After two years working in a given field you should have considered membership of both a Professional Association and a Trade Union - these are organisations which provide exactly the kind of information that you are seeking. You might try shopping around to see if you can get any help prior to sending in your first mebership fees.

Following a quick scout through current positions I'd suggest you are looking at the base (spinal point 23) of the AP3 section of the local Authority Salary scale - this is a good guide even if you are working outside of Local Government because many 3rd Sector organisations have Union agreements that tie in notionally to the Local Government Contract scheme. As of 01/04/09 AP3 starts at £20,388 but you'll need to think through your negotiating position if you don't have Association or Union advice to follow.

CM