bumblebee on scabious (image: Sandy Millar on Unsplash)

Biodiversity

Biodiversity work can cover research, project work focusing on one ecosystem or species and practical management such as habitat restoration.

A career in biodiversity. There is some duplication between Ecology and Biodiversity and these two areas are often put together, however in simple terms biodiversity is the variety of plants &/or animals in a particular habitat and usually a greater diversity is preferable.

If you're looking for Ecology click here.

If you're looking specifically for working with wildlife click here.

Jobs and employment

Typical jobs include Ecologist the National Careers Service has role profiles of this and many more. You'll also see jobs such as Botanist, Biodiversity and Conservation Officer, Field Worker, Environmental Specialist and highly specialised roles such as Marine Project Manager advertised with CJS.

See current vacancies advertised with CJS here.

Practical management roles such as River Restoration, including biodiversity can be seen here.

To gain the experience required volunteering is frequently a good start.

See current biodiversity volunteering opportunities advertised with CJS here.

See current practical management volunteering opportunities advertised with CJS here.

Skills, training and CPD.

There are many different skills and qualifications required to work in the biodiversity field

For practical work skills such as

If you're thinking of a career in the biodiversity field there are details of longer courses, from foundation certifications to more specialised Masters Degrees on the Training Directory here.

There is a range of Distance Learning courses in a range of subjects such as statistics for ecologists, field techniques for surveying and habitat restoration see these here.

Information and in depth articles

Operation Turtle Dove - how turning around the fortunes of an iconic farmland bird brings farmers and conservationists together, Nature Friendly Farming Network

Farmer and Entrepreneur – How to Achieve Biodiversity in the Commercial Sector?,  Farmer Gow's Ltd

Signs of Spring 2024 – Citizen Science Survey Results, Field Studies Council

Nature-Friendly Farming: How producing food and protecting biodiversity must work together, Nature Friendly Farming Network 

Iford is a Biodiversity Net Gain pioneer, CLM Ltd 

Biodiversity Net Gain: Aftercare is not an afterthought, Ecus

Bugs Matter - the National citizen science survey of flying insect abundance,  Kent Wildlife Trust

Citizen science, conservation and a changing world, PTES

Making data work for nature, National Biodiversity Network Trust (NBN Trust)

The National Biodiversity Network Trust – sharing wildlife data for 20 years, National Biodiversity Network

Digital wildlife recording - reaching a new scale of mass participation, National Biodiversity Network

The National Biodiversity Network Trust – sharing wildlife data for 20 years

The Orchard Habitat, People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES)

The Bass Rock, Scottish Seabird Centre

Marine life passion, Marine Photo

River Restoration and Habitat Enhancement, River Restoration Centre

 

Useful organisations

British Ecological Society

Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management 

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