Ecologist
18AI EXPOSURE TODAY18
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST63%
NOT A FORECAST63%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£22,000 - £27,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES →
Ecologist
Ecologists study how plants, animals and the environment all fit together. They work to protect endangered species and habitats, and to help people understand why nature needs looking after.
THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.
AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.
AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI exposure for this job is below 50 on our index, and the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.
The role
As an Ecologist, you study how living things depend on each other and on their surroundings. You might work to save a species that is dying out, or help restore an area of damaged woodland or wetland. You use what you find to advise the government and other organisations on how to look after nature better.
A lot of your work happens outdoors - you might spend weeks in a forest watching how animals live, or counting birds and insects, or testing water in a stream. You collect samples and take measurements, then back at the office you use computers to work out what the numbers mean. You also work with other scientists, local groups, and government bodies to share what you have learned and make plans to protect the environment.
Daily responsibilities
- Conduct field surveys to collect data on plant and animal species in various habitats.
- Analyze environmental data using statistical software to identify trends and impacts.
- Develop and implement conservation plans to protect endangered species and habitats.
- Collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and local communities on ecological projects.
- Prepare detailed reports and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations.
- Monitor the effects of human activities on ecosystems and propose mitigation strategies.
- Stay updated on the latest ecological research and environmental policies.
Does a degree help here?
A UK degree in Biological Sciences or a related field provides a robust foundation in ecological principles, fieldwork techniques, and environmental policy. UK universities are renowned for their research and practical training, giving graduates a competitive edge in the job market, particularly with employers who value local knowledge and expertise.