Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information Estimating sises, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

The Work

Ecologists study how organisms relate to one another and to their environment. Human activity can damage the complex and delicate relationships between organisms and their habitats. Ecologists protect the environment, for example, from pollution, intensive farming, road building schemes and city sprawl into the countryside.  
 
Some ecologists suggest what organisations can do to avoid harming the environment. A local council planning to build a new road might ask an ecologist to find the route least likely to cause environmental damage.  
 
The ecologist would visit each proposed site and consider types of wildlife living in or near the area, noting any rare or endangered species. They would advise if trees would have to be cut down or marshland drained, and how these actions could affect plants and animals. The ecologist's findings would be presented to the council in a report.  
 
Ecologists also work as advisers to landowners, industries and water companies. They may advise farmers on the conservation of hedgerows or which trees to plant.  
 
Ecologists may have long-term responsibility for a conservation area. They protect against pollution and vandalism, and may provide information to visitors. Conservation bodies employ ecologists to manage nature reserves, ranging from ancient woodlands to gravel pits. Ecologists also identify new areas in need of protection.  
 
In the laboratory, ecologists may analyse river pollution caused by industry and agriculture. They test water samples to find the type, concentration and source of the pollution.  
 
Occasionally ecologists are called out to assess and advise on pollution incidents. Travelling to remote areas to gather information is also a part of the job. Fieldwork makes up a large part of an ecologist's job, so they have to work outdoors in any weather.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Identify environmental impacts caused by products, systems, or projects.
• Identify or develop strategies or methods to minimise the environmental impact of industrial production processes.
• Analyse changes designed to improve the environmental performance of complex systems and avoid unintended negative consequences.
• Conduct environmental sustainability assessments, using material flow analysis (MFA) or substance flow analysis (SFA) techniques.
• Identify sustainable alternatives to industrial or waste-management practices.
• Review research literature to maintain knowledge on topics related to industrial ecology, such as physical science, technology, economy, and public policy.
• Redesign linear, or open-loop, systems into cyclical, or closed-loop, systems so that waste products become inputs for new processes, modeling natural ecosystems.
• Prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.
• Examine local, regional, or global use and flow of materials or energy in industrial production processes.
• Monitor the environmental impact of development activities, pollution, or land degradation.

Further Information

• Ecologist - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Ecologist - from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

An ecologist is typically required to have a degree and the most relevant course subjects include: ecology, environmental science, conservation biology, geography, applied life sciences and zoology.

To work as a consultant, you may also need a postgraduate degree or diploma in ecology and conservation.

Work experience as a research assistant or volunteering experiences on a conservation projects can also give you an advantage.

Training & Development

FET Centre Traineeship: Laboratory Assistant at NFQ Level 5 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Applied science, Applied Laboratory Science, Applied Science/Laboratory Techniques, Environmental Science Pre-University, Science with Environmental Studies at NFQ Level 5 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Lab Technician & Lab Analyst Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-7 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Environmental Science, Biological and Chemical Sciences, Science - (Chemistry & Chemical Sciences), Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Animal Bioscience, Applied Biology, Agri-Environmental Sciences - Agricultural Science, Environmental Science with Ecology, Science (Biological and Environmental Studies) NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development

Postgraduate Study Options Analytical Chemistry - Environmental Forensic & Pharmaceutical, Chemistry - Environmental Analytical Chemistry, Bioeconomy with Business, Environmental Science, World Heritage Conservation NFQ level 9 

Our knowledge of the world around us is constantly growing and as an ecologist it is important to keep yourself informed about any developments in the field. 

Ecologists have great career development opportunities. Some ecologists specialise in a specific area, some progress to senior/management roles, some develop their career as consultants and others may move into research and/or teaching in an academic setting.

Irish Ecological Association membership can be helpful for developing contacts and keeping knowledge up to date.

Science foundation Ireland Smartfutures

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €28k - €70k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role. 

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Salary expert/ Greenjobs.ie/ WEI

Last Updated: February, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The annual employment growth rate over the five-year period was above average for this occupation, with employment increasing by almost 2,000 persons between 2021 and 2022. Almost a third of employment was in industry with the remainder spread across many sectors. The number of new employment permits issued grew from 164 to 506 between 2021 and 2022, with two fifths of permits issued for roles in the manufacturing of chemicals/pharma sub-sector for scientists and analysts (e.g. quality control, chemists); other roles include medical scientists/technologists, microbiologists, process development and R&D scientists.

In June 2022, medical scientists were moved to the Critical Skills Employment Permit List due to issues with sourcing suitable candidates; in Summer 2023, the Government announced plans to expand the number of training places for medical scientists by 20 places. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified difficult-to-fill vacancy mentions for analytical and process scientists. Online job adverts for this occupation grew slightly in 2022, almost all related to posts for R&D managers.

This was the most frequently occurring occupation in online job adverts in 2022. With employment levels increasing and demand still evident, shortages are expected to persist for this occupation, particularly in the chemical/pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, for those with experience and/or in niche areas. The recent decline in the value of pharmaceutical exports in Ireland is unlikely to have a significant impact on the demand for skills as, in addition to being in strong demand in the pharma & biopharma processing industry, they are much sought after elsewhere in both the life sciences sector (e.g. medical devices) and other manufacturing (e.g. food & beverage); in addition, Government focus (and investment) on research and innovation will also sustain the already strong demand for these skills. Shortages of analytical, process and medical scientists are likely to continue.

• Wind Energy Ireland

  • Sycamore House Millennium Park Osberstown Naas Co Kildare W91 D627
  • 045 899341
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Ecological Association

  • Click Here

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

  • PO Box 3000 Johnstown Castle Estate Wexford
  • 053-916 0600
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Environmental Network

  • Click Here