How to become an ecologist
So you want to be an ecologist, but not sure how to get there?
I sat down with Abbey, a 23 year old field ecologist, to ask her how she got her job.
So, what do you do?
I’m a Field Ecologist currently working in The Kimberly, but soon to be in the Red Centre. My role involves monitoring ecosystmes through animal trapping, vegetation surveys, camera surveys and the like. This year I’ve been focusing on the eco health of The Kimberly and have previously worked on projects focusing on quoll, cat and rabbit interactions in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.
What did you study at uni?
I studied a Bachelor of Science (Zoology) and a Bachelor of Science with Honours (Zoology). I majored in Conservation Biology.
Do you think you need this degree to get into your ecology?
I think, no, but you need a degree. A degree is the easiest way to get into this line of work - everyone I work with has a degree, but you don’t specifically need a degree in Zoology. Having a degree that is environmental science based is key.
Could you have become an ecologist with just your degree?
No. You need to show your have experience because it’s very competitive. You need to show that you can work and live in remote environments for extended periods of time and do physical hard work.
Okay, so how did you get this experience?
After I finished my Bachelors, I didn’t know what to do, so I spent a year volunteering on various ecology projects around Australia to figure out what direction I wanted to go in and gain experience.
From there, I was offered an Honours project I was interested in, which is a pretty essential stepping stone to getting a field ecologist role. After my Honours, I applied for an internship with the Australian Wildlife Conservation and got it, and I’ve now just accepted a role as a field ecologist.
How do you suggest others find these volunteering opportunities?
You can find volunteering opportunities on various university ecology Facebook pages, and sign up to AWC’s volunteer register. Ask around about local projects and uni projects because they are always looking for volunteers.
What do you think is the most important thing you did you land a role as a field ecologist?
Building up lots of different experiences through volunteering and from this, creating a strong network of connections with other ecologists in the field.
What are the main challenges of your role?
Sometimes working in the office too much (laughs). Sometimes bad weather, Sometimes doing really late night trapsets can be hard. Having to live very flexibly (note: Abbey lives in a tent) and far away from friends and family can be challenging.
Where can you see your career going?
I plan on being a Field Ecologist for a few years, then looking for a PhD position that I am interested and passionate about.
What piece of advice would you give someone looking to become an ecologist?
Take every opportunity you can get and be willing to volunteer, and be willing to live out of the cities.
Abbey has a goodfriendresume! It spotlights all her key volunteering experiences and specialised skills that make her a perfect candidate for field ecologist roles.