Compiled by: Careers and Employment Service, Student Services, Griffith University
This degree program thoroughly trains students in the theories and methods of the ecology of populations, communities and ecosystems. It covers the botanical and zoological background to these topics, and the qualitative and quantitative methodologies involved.
Its applied aspects focus on conservation and conservation management, landscape design, reserve ecology, the management of threatened and threatening populations, and local, regional and global biodiversity.
As an Ecology & Conservation Biology student, you should be aware that in addition to discipline-related content and skills, you are acquiring other skills that are highly valued by employers. These skills, known at Griffith as “generic” or “professional” skills are sometimes referred to as “transferable”, as they can be transferred from one environment to another (learning to the workplace, part-time to professional work). To learn more about recognising your skills, go to Skills Explorer.
Ecology & Conservation Biology graduates are employed in a wide range of occupations and industries including:
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It is important to note that employers often do not specify a particular major or specialisation when recruiting. Some are even quite flexible about the degree applicants have studied, for example, some major employers recruit “any degree”. Such employers often indicate an interest in a broad range of graduate skills together with passion, commitment and a strong work ethic rather than specific program content. Your Ecology & Conservation Biology degree may be appropriate to a wide range of positions many of which may not seem obvious at first glance.
Some sample job advertisements
The Australian Canopy Crane Research Facility, located at Cape Tribulation is looking for a graduate biologist, ecologist or environmental scientist.
The research station includes a 50 metres tower crane, laboratory, and accommodation units, situated within the rainforest of the Daintree National Park.
Duties and Accountabilities:
The position exists to ensure the continuation of the canopy crane operations. The appointed person will undergo supervised training with a qualified crane driver/instructor aiming for a level of confidence which will lead to a full accreditation as a tower crane driver.
The Australian Canopy Crane Research Facility is also engaged in eco-tourism activities in partnership with the Cape Tribulation Resort, this involves two hour tours Monday to Friday from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The appointed person will share the duties with other staff members in interpretation services and driving the crane. We endeavour to develop this operation to a higher level, possibly involving some weekend work.
Key Selection Criteria:
- Bachelor's Degree in either Biology/Ecology or Environmental Sciences
- Driver's Licence and own transport
- Ability and willingness to live in remote area
- Ability to enrol into high degree (MSc or PhD)
- Experience in field research
- Ability to learn to drive a tower crane
- Good communication and interpretative skills.
- Desirable Selection Criteria:
- Experience in the field of entomology;
- Senior First Aid Certificate.
Environmental Resources Management (ERM) is one of the world's leading providers of environmental consulting services. Our 2,500 staff in over 100 offices worldwide provide innovative and sustainable solutions to the leading Fortune 500 companies and governments in over 37 countries.
Based within our Sydney office, you become an integral member of our growing Corporate Risk Services team which is made up of specialists across a range of disciplines including environmental health and safety, risk assessment and management, environmental management systems, and environmental due diligence audits. Our work comprises of projects within Australia and overseas. Your time will be spent supporting key project outcomes across our full range of services including undertaking background research, providing audit support and assisting with hazardous materials surveys and assessments.
Ideally you will have gained tertiary qualifications in the area of environmental science, environmental engineering and or an OHS related discipline. Although not essential, your knowledge of relevant legislation and standards will be highly regarded as will your exposure to OHS terminology and practice.
Your drive to excel in your profession and become a specialist in your field will see you thrive in your role. In return for your high level of initiative, your ability to communicate effectively and your desire to play a key part in growing the business, you will be rewarded with a fantastic start to your career all within an environment that encourages both personal and professional development.
The CRC for Australian Weed Management brings together outstanding research and extension groups from universities, government agencies and industry, and is one of 72 Centres funded by the Australian Government's CRC Program.
The CRC has created a position to package and deliver research results from its Landscape Management Program. The appointee will work with project teams and key networks from national to local level, sourcing and delivering weed management information and skills needed by user groups.
In particular the appointee will research and prepare weed management guides based on an existing successful model. They will possess highly developed writing skills, be an excellent information researcher, and a good communicator and network builder. They will have a solid knowledge of environmental issues, including invasive plants. A science degree or equivalent is required.
Listed below are the names of some of the best-known graduate vacancy websites relevant to your degree. For links to these, and other useful sites, check Links in CareerBoard.
Australia
International
There are many other potential employers of Ecology & Conservation Biology graduates. Remember, many positions may never be advertised in newspapers or on the Internet. You will enhance your chances of finding the job you want if you identify potential employers, and approach them in one of the recognised ways, for example, via work experience, a speculative application, networking, or a workplace interview. For information on how to approach employers, see Career Smarter modules, Career connector and How do I Get the Job I Want.
Employment prospects and starting salaries
You can significantly enhance your chances of obtaining graduate employment quickly and of securing your preferred job after graduation by using a number of simple strategies. Start preparing for graduate employment from your first year - see Making Employment Happen in Career Smarter. Make strategic use of course placements - see Career Experience, Making the Most of Your Prac, also in Career Smarter. Take a proactive approach to your job search by “marketing” yourself to prospective employers rather than simply relying on vacancies advertised in the press or on the Internet. Learn about proactive job search with Career Smarter modules Stand Out Job Search and Career Countdown.
While speaking directly with employers might seem daunting, it is a recognised and effective way of developing a career direction and finding graduate employment. One excellent strategy for meeting with employers is to join a professional association. Professional associations may conduct conferences, seminars, presentations and social functions to help members keep abreast of current practices and for networking purposes. For students, these events can be an excellent source of contacts and relevant information. Membership is usually open to students at a reduced rate. The following association websites relevant to Ecology & Conservation Biology students are linked to CareerBoard.