Ecology Field Surveyor
Also advertised as: Ecological Surveyor, Ecologist, Ecology Consultant (junior), Ecology Field Surveyor, Field Ecologist, Protected Species Surveyor
Surveys sites for protected species and habitats ahead of development or conservation projects.
What the job involves
Ecology field surveyors visit sites to identify plants, animals and habitats, often to check whether protected species such as bats, newts or nesting birds are present before construction work begins. Surveys are frequently seasonal and time sensitive, as many species can only be surveyed at certain times of year. You then write reports that inform planning decisions and mitigation measures.
Typical responsibilities
- Conduct field surveys for protected species and habitats
- Identify plant and animal species accurately
- Record survey data using standard methodologies
- Write ecological survey reports
- Advise on mitigation measures for development sites
Common employers
- Ecological consultancies
- Wildlife trusts
- Local authorities
- Environmental charities
Pay, hours and working environment
Typical pay
£21,000 – £26,000 a year
With experience
£28,000 – £36,000 a year
Typical hours
Variable, often early mornings, dusk surveys or overnight in survey season
Working environment
Outdoors in all weathers, seasonal fieldwork
Remote working
on_site
Demand for this work
steady
Pay ranges are indicative guidance drawn from advertised UK vacancies and published careers information. They are not an offer, and actual pay varies by employer, location and experience.
Skills and qualifications
Core skills
- Species identification
- Fieldwork techniques
- Report writing
- GIS mapping
- Attention to detail
Transferable skills you may already have
- Countryside or conservation volunteering
- Fieldwork experience
- Scientific recording
Requirements employers ask for
- Species identification
- Fieldwork techniques
- Report writing
- GIS mapping
- Attention to detail
- Degree in ecology, biology or environmental science
- Natural England protected species survey licence (species dependent)
Useful but not essential
- Countryside or conservation volunteering
- Fieldwork experience
- Scientific recording
- Protected species survey licences (e.g. bat or great crested newt)
- Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management
Helpful qualifications
- Protected species survey licences (e.g. bat or great crested newt)
- Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management
Licences and checks
- Natural England protected species survey licence (species dependent)
Ways into this career
A degree is only one route. Where an apprenticeship, work-experience or qualification route exists, it is listed here alongside the academic option.
Apprenticeships and work-based routes
- No standard apprenticeship route; usually graduate entry with volunteering
Degree and college routes
- Related subject: Biology
- Related subject: Ecology
- Related subject: Environmental science
Where this career can lead
next
Senior Ecologist
next
Licensed Ecology Consultant
next
Ecological Project Manager
The good parts and the hard parts
What people enjoy
- Hands-on outdoor conservation work
- Contributes to protecting UK wildlife
- Route into specialist licensed ecologist roles
What people find hard
- Highly seasonal workload with quiet winters
- Early, late and unsociable survey hours
Common questions
- Do you need a degree to become a ecology field surveyor?
- No. As well as degree routes, this career can be entered through an apprenticeship or by building experience and qualifications on the job. required
- How much does a ecology field surveyor earn in the UK?
- Typical advertised pay runs from £21,000 to £26,000 a year, rising towards £36,000 with experience. Figures are indicative guidance rather than an offer.
- What skills transfer into this career?
- Skills that transfer well include Countryside or conservation volunteering, Fieldwork experience, Scientific recording.
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Where this information comes from
- National Careers Service
- Institute for Apprenticeships
Last reviewed 14 September 2026.
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