Careers Service

Nature, conservation and land management

People working in this sector share a commitment to environmental issues and the ability to facilitate change, whether working with clients and stakeholders in government or industry, through to the public at large.

Since 2024, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has become mandatory for most developments in England, increasing the demand for ecologists, habitat surveyors and environmental planners, as well as specialists in GIS and biodiversity. Scotland and Wales use policy-based frameworks to deliver net benefits for biodiversity, all expanding the green job market.

• See also Environmental consultancy, planning and regulation

Explore job roles

Job titles in this area also include: biodiversity officer, conservation technician or project officer

Green careers hub Find your green role - Green Careers Hub / Job Profiles archive - Green Careers Hub

Job Profiles - Employment Sectors - Green Jobs for Nature

Use the job profiles below to find out about, skills, entry routes and experience

• Ecologist Prospects profile
• Environmental manager Prospects profile
• Marine scientist Prospects profile
• Nature conservation officer Prospects profile
• Zoologist Prospects profile
• Countryside Ranger Green careers hub
• Environmental education officer Prospects profile
• Field trials officer Prospects profile
• Woodland/forest manager Prospects profile
• Land-based engineer Prospects profile ?
• Soil scientist Prospects profile ?

Tip: Use the information about skills in the profiles to help you build a tailored CV.

Building skills and experience

Gain relevant experience and skills while you study

Use the job profiles above to check which skills are normally needed for the roles you are interested in.

• Use our transferable skills pages to explore ways to gain the top skills employers are looking for

• Look for seasonal ecological surveying jobs if you are interested in conservation or consultancy. Find them on sites like environmentjob, but also consider approaching consultancies speculatively. Entry-level jobs in this sector are not always widely advertised so going direct to relevant organisations is a good tactic.
• Groups like the ones listed below may offer local opportunities to gain practical experience. Some wildlife jobs require the holder to have a licence to work with protected species or require field skills; as an active volunteer you may be able to access training.

• The Conservation Volunteers
• National Trust
• Wildlife Trust
• Groundwork Trust Environmental regeneration organisation with volunteering opportunities across the UK
• Bumblebee Conservation Trust
• People’s Trust for Endangered Species (grants?)

Finding and applying for jobs

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Find vacancies

• CareerConnect
• TargetJobs

Further resources

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Next steps

When planning your next steps you may have additional questions or want to explore certain aspects in more detail:

• Equality, diversity and your future career Explore diversity in the workplace and the support available to you.
• Careers meetings To help with planning your career, making decisions and exploring options.