Careers in conservation
Working in conservation on bird projects
How do you go about getting a career in conservation?
What experience do I need?
Where can I find help?
These were just some of the questions put to us by keen attendees on one of Operations Wallacea's Careers In Conservation talks. It was fantastic to help answer lots of interesting questions and, along with the other panelists, we discussed how to access conservation and science at all stages of your career and life.
There are many different ways into conservation, and with an endless list of skills that are needed, from data management in a city office to animal surveys way out in the field, there is no one way in. Studies can help, as can networking with those already working on the aspect of conservation that really fascinates you. Experience though is definitely really valuable and this can be in different forms. As someone whose career path has a fine tally of wiggles in it, I find this a positive factor, bringing in skills and connections from other sectors from outdoor adventure to industry, retail, education.
Radio tracking ravens in upland Scotland
As a kid I was fascinated by nature. I went on to study zoology at the University of Bristol which led to adventures in Bolivia. Some years later I am involved in research in the canopy in Central America and also on rare raptors in the south of England as part of Dorset Raptor Study Group. Another part of my day job also involves training the tree climbers of the future, working with university students and camera people with the amazing Canopy Access, a company run by wildlife cameraman extraordinaire James Aldred, one of a very small number of people can say they've taken David Attenborough up into the trees!
One way into conservation is through volunteering and this can be a great experience, it really helps with getting you to where you want to be, as well as being tons of fun and a really worthwhile thing to do. After time away, this was one thing that really helped back into the conservation sector. Back in 2014 I volunteered for the RSPBafter spending several years as a full-time carer. I found that getting back out into surveying and also spending time with other researchers gave me vital extra field experience, and confidence, that led on to professional positions working on amazing birds like hen harriers, curlews, and even bee-eaters!
Carrying out research in Costa Rica
Passionate about nature since I was a kid and happiest outdoors, I've worked with children, students and scientists for 15 years And I still volunteer including as a tree recorder for the Woodland Trust’s Ancient Tree Inventory and helping out other people. With skills and experience in conservation plus industry qualifications in safety, rope access, and advanced canopy access techniques, I reckon I now have my dream job, get to take part in lots of brilliant projects, and work with some very special people across the world.
Thanks for reading and do feel free to reach out. I'd advise you to go talk to conservation organisations, volunteer lots and the best of luck with your adventures!
