Ecologist for building design and construction

[edit] Overview

An ecologist studies the relationship between animals, plants and their environment. Ecologists often design and conduct surveys, identifying, recording and monitoring habitats and species. Key tasks often include analysis and interpretation of data and samples, and the use ecological data to help assess and understand the state of the environment. The work of an ecologist is often in support of European and UK environmental legislation.

[edit] Typical activities

The role of an ecologist can be wide ranging and varied and may include:

• Undertaking site surveys e.g. Extended Phase I Habitat surveys, badger, otter, water vole, bat, bird, dormouse, great crested newt, reptiles and so on.
• Communicating with site managers, engineers, planners and others associated with a survey.
• Carrying out ecological impact assessments as part of a wider Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
• Taxonomy - classifying organisms and understanding their relationships.
• Analysing and interpreting data, using specialist software programs.
• Habitat management and creation.
• Writing reports and issuing recommendations.
• Undertaking data analysis.
• Advising engineering firms, road planners, construction firms and other stakeholders.
• Carrying out research and development and applied science.
• Undertaking teaching in schools, field centres, academic institutes etc.
• Keeping abreast of new environmental policies and legislation.
• Developing changes to policy and/or legislation, based on ecological findings.

Ref Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, 2009.

[edit] Typical work areas

Ecologists may be employed by a variety of organisations including:

• Government and statutory bodies e.g. Natural England, Defra, Environment Agency.
• Scientific bodies e.g. Natural Environment Research Council.
• Environmental consultancies (specialist ecology companies or as part of a wider environmental/engineering consultancy).
• Conservation and ecology NGOs and voluntary organisations e.g. Wildlife Trusts, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
• Ecological Clerk of Works.

[edit] Qualifications

Generally, a degree in biological science or an environmental subject (e.g. ecology, environmental management, earth sciences) is required for entry into the profession.

Many employers now require further postgraduate qualification such as a Masters degree or PhD and pre-entry experience (paid or voluntary) is typically essential. There are various options for gaining practical voluntary experience including:

• The Wildlife Trusts.
• Local bat groups.
• Local badger groups.
• Local mammal groups.
• Local amphibian and reptile groups.
• Local botanical groups.
• Local moth groups.
• Local butterfly groups.

Various organisations offer specialist skills-based short courses including:

• Field Studies Council.
• Chartered Institute for Ecology and Environmental Management.
• The Mammal Society.

The Chartered Institute for Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) is the leading professional body that represent ecologists and there are a variety of membership options available. With the appropriate qualifications and experience, it is possible to become a chartered environmentalist (CEnv) with the Society for the Environment (SocEnv) or a chartered ecologist (CEcol) with Chartered Institute for Ecology and Environmental Management.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Biodiversity offsetting.
• Birds and building collisions.
• BREEAM Ecological value of site.
• BREEAM Enhancing site ecology.
• BREEAM Protection of ecological features.
• BREEAM Minimising impact on existing site ecology.
• Ecological impact assessment.
• Ecological survey.
• Ecology.
• Ecology compensation.
• Ecosystem.
• Eco-Management and Audit Scheme.
• Environmental Impact Assessment.
• Environmental plan.
• Environmental policy.
• Parleys Canyon Wildlife Bridge.
• Preliminary ecological appraisal.
• Protected species.
• Society for the Environment SocEnv.
• Spontaneous City at Cow Tower.
• The Wildlife Trusts.

[edit] External references

• Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
• Environment Agency.
• Field Studies Council.
• Find your Local bat group, Bat Conservation Trust.
• Local amphibian and reptile groups, Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the UK.
• Local badger Groups, Badger Trust.
• Local mammal Groups, The Mammal Society.
• Natural England.
• Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
• Society for the Environment.
• The Mammal Society.
• Wildlife Trusts.