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Every employer is different so there are no definitive lists here.  These are meant as a guide and should be considered in addition to fully exploring role requirements outlined in the person specification, job description and advert for each role you consider applying for. 

• Adaptability: willingness to travel, work irregular hours, or operate in remote or challenging environments.
• Communication: conveying ecological findings, educating the public and engaging stakeholders.
• Data collection and analysis: especially ecological, biodiversity or environmental data (often field-based).
• Database management: Excel, Access or SQL for managing monitoring and survey data.
• GIS and mapping: using ArcGIS, QGIS or similar for habitat mapping, species distribution, and conservation planning.
• GIS software: ArcGIS, QGIS for mapping and spatial analysis.
• Grant writing and fundraising: experience preparing funding applications for conservation projects.
• Habitat assessment: evaluating ecosystems, vegetation surveys, soil sampling and habitat restoration planning.
• Navigation and field safety: orienteering, GPS use, risk assessments and first aid in remote or challenging environments.
• Policy and legislation: knowledge of conservation law, protected species regulations, environmental policies and biodiversity targets.
• Problem-solving: particularly in field-based, time-sensitive or resource-limited situations.
• Project management: planning, budgeting, and coordinating fieldwork or conservation projects.
• Public engagement/outreach: experience with volunteer programmes, citizen science, schools or community groups.
• Remote sensing and drones: for habitat monitoring, aerial surveys and ecological mapping.
• Report writing: technical writing for conservation management plans, environmental impact assessments, grant applications or scientific publications.
• Restoration and management: practical experience in habitat creation, species reintroduction, invasive species control and site management.
• Species identification: strong knowledge of flora and fauna across habitats, including taxonomy and population monitoring.
• Statistical packages: R, Python, or MATLAB for ecological modelling and data analysis.
• Statistical software: proficiency in R, Python or SPSS for analysing ecological and environmental datasets.
• Survey techniques: including quadrats, transects, camera traps, point counts or remote sensing.
• Teamwork and collaboration: especially in multidisciplinary or community-based teams.
• Wildlife handling and welfare: safe capture, handling and release of animals when required (with relevant licences). 

To develop skills, remember Career Zone also offers a range of Personal and Professional Development sessions which are available to book on Handshake and run at least once per term.  Please also read through the sections about Gaining Experience and Further ÄÚÉä´óÄÌ and Professional Development to discover how you can develop your skills through experience and by gaining further knowledge or qualifications.

All experiences ranging from volunteering, active involvement in clubs/societies can help you to develop relevant and transferable skills. You may wish to consider involvement in:  

Volunteering 

• – UK-wide organisation focused on the study, protection, and conservation of bats and their habitats.
• - scientific organisation monitoring and researching birds, supporting conservation and citizen science initiatives across the UK.
• – job site focussed on environmental roles.
• - a regeneration charity which recruits volunteers.
• – UK government’s advisor on the natural environment in England.
• - voluntary and paid positions.
• - offer nationwide volunteering opportunities and support organisations to develop walking and cycling policies.
• , practical conservation work and training courses around the world.
• – global environmental non-profit organisations focused on conserving lands and waters.
• - volunteering opportunities for 16-25 year-olds.
• in your local area.
• – the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity.
• On Exeter based campuses, the and in Cornwall, have a wide variety of societies and voluntary opportunities for you to get involved with in your local community 

ÄÚÉä´óÄÌ Employability Schemes 

• Ask an Alum: A fuss-free way to connect with ÄÚÉä´óÄÌ alumni to ask careers questions.
• Career Mentor Scheme: A popular employability scheme which matches a student or graduate with an experienced professional, for sector insight and one-to-one careers advice and guidance, over a 6-month period.
• Career Zone Internship schemes: Internships can be extremely useful, so try and get relevant vacation work or placements.
• Exeter Award: The Exeter Award will help you stand out from the crowd and give you the confidence to shout about the experiences you've had at university.
• Gateway to Careers – Nature Networks is a programme offered by Career Zone in partnership with Ambios. It’s funded for students who meet the Widening Participation criteria.
• Green Consultants: an award-winning programme designed to provide students with additional skills and experience required to work in the highly competitive environmental and sustainability sector.
• Professional Pathways: a suite of sector specific training courses and paid week-long internships that take place in June.
• The Global Leaders Experience is a unique opportunity to develop your intercultural skills as part of a short, outbound mobility experience. 

Speculative applications and where to find opportunities 

Undertaking relevant work experience will also allow you to develop new skills and gain a valuable insight into the sector. As jobs and opportunities are not always advertised, it can be useful to develop your networking skills and make a speculative application. Before visiting the sites below you may find it useful to read our Researching employers page.

Finding part time work  

• Learn about student and graduate employment on campus.

Competition can be strong, especially for entry-level positions and graduate schemes. Use the following resources to find advertised vacancies and research employers.   

Devon and Cornwall-based opportunities: 

• – plant recording and study group supporting conservation across Cornwall.
• – charity working internationally with communities to protect rainforest and prevent deforestation.
• – highlighting a range of environmental organisations and groups you can get involved with.
• – volunteer group protecting badgers and their habitats through monitoring and rescue.
• – bat conservation group studying and protecting bat populations across Cornwall.
• – bird conservation society managing reserves and monitoring populations throughout Cornwall.
• – conservation branch managing butterflies, moths and their habitats in the region.
• – recording group studying mosses, liverworts and hornworts in Cornwall.
• – butterfly conservation group monitoring populations and managing habitats.
• – volunteer programme supporting conservation and management of green spaces and countryside sites.
• – recording group studying and monitoring fungi species across Cornwall.
• – conservation initiative promoting biodiversity in churchyards and sacred spaces.
• – mammal study and conservation group monitoring and protecting species across Cornwall.
• – reptile and amphibian conservation group protecting species and their habitats.
• – wildlife charity protecting species and managing nature reserves throughout Cornwall.
• – managing and protecting the wildlife, habitats, and cultural heritage of Dartmoor National Park.
• – volunteer group dedicated to monitoring and conserving bat species across Devon.
• – records centre collecting and sharing biodiversity data for Devon.
• – ornithological society promoting bird study and conservation across Devon.
• – volunteer group focused on surveying and conserving mammal species in Devon.
• – conservation group protecting and monitoring reptile and amphibian populations across Devon.
• – leading local charity managing reserves, protecting habitats, and delivering conservation projects throughout Devon.
• – Educational charity teaching about plants, sustainability and environmental issues.
• – Government agency protecting the environment and managing rivers, coasts and pollution.
• – environmental records centre collecting and sharing data on wildlife and habitats.
• – partnership protecting the estuary’s wildlife and habitats through sustainable management.
• – organisation conserving the landscapes, wildlife and habitats of Exmoor National Park.
• - habitat restoration and species reintroduction organisation working across Cornwall.
• - environmental campaign group promoting protection and sustainability on the Lizard Peninsula.
• - conservation charity protecting historic sites, landscapes and natural areas in Cornwall.
• - government agency safeguarding wildlife, habitats and natural heritage across England.
• - community initiative reducing single-use plastics and promoting sustainability locally.
• – Volunteer-led group involved in practical conservation work across Plymouth and the wider Devon area.
• - wildlife charity conserving birds and their habitats through science, advocacy and management.
• - community platform connecting people with local environmental and conservation projects.
• - charity promoting sustainable transport and community-led environmental projects in Cornwall.
• - designated area management organisation conserving natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage.
• - volunteer organisation supporting environmental and conservation projects.
• - woodland conservation charity, including protecting and restoring temperate rainforest and planting trees across Devon and Cornwall.
• - habitat restoration organisation increasing biodiversity on local land and green spaces.
• – volunteer initiative across Devon focused on local biodiversity action and conservation projects.
• - community interest organisation promoting sustainable woodland management and conservation projects. 

National Jobs boards 

• - job site includes a few jobs for new graduates in landscape, ecology, environmental impact, CSR and waste management.
• - recruitment agency for environmental jobs.
• - Provides job listings, research opportunities, and networking resources for students and professionals in conservation biology across the UK.
• - A specialist UK and international job board focused on ecology, wildlife and environmental conservation roles.
• - a large selection of jobs in the UK.
• - website covering  jobs within the earth science and environment-related careers.
• - specialist jobsite for ecology professionals.
• - a good resource if looking to work in the US, but jobs from around the world are also posted here. It also contains information on studying, internships and scholarship availability around the US.
• – environmental jobs board.
• – environmental jobs board.
• - recruitment agency for environmental jobs.
• - recruitment in the conservation, ecology, environmental, renewable energy, solar, waste, water and wind industry sectors:
• – offers employment opportunities, internships and volunteer roles within the UK’s national parks and protected landscapes
• - science recruitment site
• - news, jobs and training
• - sign up for specific posts
• – central portal for UK public sector roles, including local government and environmental positions related to wildlife and conservation
• - for journalism related jobs
• - volunteering opportunities for 16-25 year-olds
• - the British and Irish Association of Zoos & Aquariums (BIAZA) advertises jobs in zoos, aquariums and conservation work. 

Public Sector & Government Organisations 

• – Safeguards the natural environment.
• – public body for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales.
• – supporting forestry and woodland creation in the UK.
• – the statutory nature advisor to all four countries of the UK.
• – government’s adviser for the natural environment in England. 

 NGOs and Conservation Charities 

• - opportunities for bat monitoring, research and public engagement projects
• – opportunities focused on bird monitoring, surveys and ecological research
• - environmental education charity with vacancies advertised on the site
• - campaigns for the protection of the environment and requires volunteers for national and regional offices
• - environmental campaign organisation
• - a regeneration charity which recruits volunteers
• – botanical gardens in southwest London, sometimes offers internships and sandwich placements
• – UK-wide listings for council roles, including environmental, countryside and animal welfare positions
• - opportunities in heritage, conservation, ecology and wildlife management on National Trust properties
• - voluntary and paid positions
• - offer nationwide volunteering opportunities and support organisations to develop walking and cycling policies
• – local charities across the UK, managing nature reserves, engaging with communities to promote conservation and sustainable living
• – working in the UK and internationally to halt species decline, operating at Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo
• – the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity
• – global environmental organisation
• – Global conservation organisation involved in wildlife research, policy, and management. 

Graduate schemes 

Structured graduate schemes in conservation are rare, you are more likely to find graduate/entry-level jobs at the sites listed above.  

If you are interested in a broader range of graduate schemes, then these websites are worth investigating: 

For general information about finding graduate opportunities, please visit our Graduate Jobs page.

Internships and placements 

If you are interested in finding out more about work placements, you can also access  via Single Sign-On. This resource covers all aspects of credit-bearing work experiences as part of your degree, including what a placement is, how to apply for them, and bespoke information for international students or those interested in working abroad.  

General websites for internships and placements 

• Collection for internships on
• Collection for placements on  

Several of the organisations in the sections in previous section offer placement and internship opportunities, make sure to check their websites first to see if they have any advertised opportunities before reaching out to them directly.  

Organisations that have previously offered on taken students on placements include: 

• – education and nature centre in the Scottish Highlands offering wildlife experiences, field courses and internships.
• - organisation responsible for managing and conserving the Brecon Beacons National Park, promoting biodiversity, sustainable tourism and community engagement.
• – conservation branch managing butterflies, moths and their habitats in the region.
• – leading UK zoo focused on conservation breeding programmes and wildlife education.
• – rescue and rehabilitation centre for injured and orphaned seals in Cornwall.
• – wildlife charity protecting habitats, species and nature reserves across Cornwall.
• – wildlife centre caring for and displaying a range of birds of prey, offering education, conservation awareness and visitor experiences.
• – ecological consultancy providing surveys and environmental advice across the UK.
• – ecology consultancy providing ecological surveys, habitat assessments and advice for planning and conservation projects.
• – Environmental records centre collecting and sharing data on wildlife and habitats.
• – historic gardens in Cornwall promoting biodiversity and horticultural heritage, with opportunities for conservation and garden management.
• – environmental education charity offering field courses and training in ecology and conservation.
• – Sanctuary in Cornwall providing care and shelter for rescued donkeys.
• – Charity managing and protecting the natural environment and biodiversity of the Isles of Scilly through conservation projects and habitat restoration.
• – Safari Park and conservation centre working on endangered species breeding and education.
• – The UK’s national meteorological service providing weather and climate science, supporting environmental research and resilience planning.
• – UK’s largest public aquarium in Plymouth, dedicated to marine conservation, research and education.
• – Wildlife Park in Cornwall focused on conservation breeding programmes and education.
• – agricultural research centre advancing sustainable farming and environmental science.
• – bird observatory in Kent monitoring bird populations and migration patterns.
• – government agency providing hydrographic and marine geospatial data for safe navigation and marine research.
• - volunteer organisation supporting environmental and conservation projects.
• – citizen science and marine education charity.
• – sanctuary providing lifelong care for rescued monkeys and promoting primate welfare.
• conservation charity managing Paignton Zoo and supporting global wildlife conservation.
• - community interest organisation promoting sustainable woodland management and conservation projects.
• – wetland conservation reserve in Gloucestershire managed by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust.
• – Global conservation organisation involved in wildlife research, policy, and management. 

Further sources of support 

If you are an international student, visit our international webpages for help finding opportunities both in the UK and globally. 

To find opportunities outside the UK use  The worldwide country guides cover everything from job search resources and CV guidelines to cultural advice and visa information. Watch a short training video on (4 minutes 20 seconds). 

For help with making speculative applications you may find it useful to read our Researching employers page.

Some individuals decide to undertake further study to develop their skills and knowledge of the sector and related occupations. Not all roles or employers will require this, so it is important to research entry requirements and employer preferences before committing to additional training or qualifications. Use the sites below to research your further study options.  

• You can search through our other postgraduate courses on our Postgraduate study ±è²¹²µ±ð²õ. 
• You can use the following links to search for courses:
  •  

Advice 

If you would like to pursue postgraduate study before entering your chosen sector, please visit our Postgraduate ÄÚÉä´óÄÌ page for more information about choosing further study.  

Information and links from professional bodies 

If you have studied a related degree, check if your course is accredited by one of the professional bodies. Being a member of a professional body is voluntary; however, it can be valuable for developing networks, continuing your professional development, and generally keeping up to date with what's happening in the sector. 

• – UK organisation dedicated to the conservation of bats and their habitats, offering training and professional accreditation.
• - a global, not-for-profit membership organization founded in 1913, dedicated to advancing ecological science and promoting its application for the benefit of people and nature.
• – scientific body supporting bird monitoring and research, providing training and professional engagement.
• - the leading professional body for the waste and resource management sector in the UK and overseas.
• - the leading UK-based professional membership body for ecologists and environmental managers.
• - the professional body for environmental health practitioners and a registered charity in the UK.
• – organisation promoting environmental education and fieldwork skills for conservation careers.
• - the UK-based global professional body for those working in environmental management and corporate sustainability.
• - a UK-based charitable professional membership organization for environmental scientists and professionals.
• - an independent, Brussels-based think tank established in 1976, dedicated to advancing environmental and sustainability policies through evidence-based research and analysis for EU institutions, national governments and other stakeholders.
• - a global professional body that promotes and enforces the highest international standards in the built and natural environments, including land, real estate, construction and infrastructure.
• – leading UK charity focused on bird conservation and habitat protection, with strong professional networks.
• – the professional body representing planners in the UK and Ireland.
• – an umbrella body for environmental organisations in the UK.
• – professional group supporting research and conservation of UK mammal species.
• UK coalition of environmental organisations influencing policy and conservation strategy.
• – Global conservation organisation involved in wildlife research, policy, and management.