Relevant degree subjects include environmental, life and urban and land studies. In particular, the following degree subjects may increase your chances:

• Earth Sciences;
• Ecology;
• Botany/Plant science;
• Biology;
• Surveying;
• Geography;
• Marine Sciences/Oceanography;
• Planning;
• Land/Estate Management;
• Sustainable Resources Development.

Relevant HND subjects include life sciences and urban/land studies. An HND in land/estate management may increase your chances. HND entry is possible with substantial experience, but ultimately unlikely as graduates are usually preferred.

For those with non-relevant degrees, a relevant postgraduate qualification could be an advantage, preferably a course that balances the first degree, for example a management course to complement a science degree. Some employers see a Masters as the minimum qualification required and entry may be difficult without one.

Most advertised posts ask for experience and this should be your first priority. The importance of paid or voluntary experience cannot be over emphasised. To gain full-time employment (even on short-term contracts) you have to demonstrate that you have done your groundwork and shown commitment. Many people working in this sector started with voluntary work, building up contacts and getting known.

Potential candidates will need to show evidence of the following skills:

• Administration;
• IT;
• Knowledge of Geographical Information Systems (GIS);
• Ability to communicate effectively through talks, presentations, leading walks and producing leaflets.

Becoming a member of a relevant organisation such as The Wildlife Trusts or a student member of a professional institute is an excellent way to network. Environmental consultancies may be prepared to offer work experience if you have completed your degree. Many Masters courses offer project placements at organisations such as the Environment Agency (EA), and this may be a good way in.

Be prepared to do anything, however menial, and stick at it (the odd day here and there will not be enough). Get out in the field and build up practical skills and experiences such as laying hedges, taking photographs and identifying species. Any experience in conservation, management, education or planning will stand you in good stead.

National and international working holidays are great opportunities to develop valuable experience. The British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV), The National Trust (working holidays) and the National Trust for Scotland (thistle camps) all provide short residential camps, where tuition in a wide range of skills is provided alongside experience in practical conservation. Organisations such as UNA Exchange offer the chance to volunteer on a range of projects in countries around the world, assisting with local conservation projects. BTCV also offers six months' structured training as a volunteer officer, with a job description and responsibility for a specific area of work (depending on the location). The National Grid operates an Environmental Placement Scheme offering 12 students or recent graduates the opportunity to spend an academic year working on environmental projects at its environmental education centres around the country. See Naturegrid UK for further details.

This is a competitive area with few full-time positions, but many voluntary, seasonal and short-term opportunities. Paid casual work is rarely advertised; instead this work is often offered to existing volunteers who have shown commitment.

Career Development

In many organisations there is no established career hierarchy, although in some environmental consultancies there may be a path from ecologist, to senior ecologist and then on to principal ecologist.

There is considerable competition at all levels for jobs in conservation work and applicants have to be able to demonstrate an enthusiasm and passion for the issues. A good way to do this is by participating in other activities, which will add to experience and look good on a CV. To further career development you might consider volunteering to sit on the local biodiversity steering group or undertaking work for a local office of the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV). You could also participate in schemes run through your local Groundwork, or join Friends of the Earth or Greenpeace UK. By getting involved in organisations such as these you will be able to get your face known by key players in the community, which should create more opportunities for future development.

Becoming a specialist in an area of conservation, such as flora/fauna, can only enhance your value to a biodiversity team and long-term career prospects.

Promotion often means moving organisation and/or location and usually taking an increasingly office-based role, often moving from a hands-on job to an advisory/managerial role. Senior posts are likely to mean greater involvement with planning, budgets, people management, and the administrative aspects of environmental management, while less time is spent in the field.

AGCAS

• Environmental, Food Chain and Rural Sector, AGCAS Sector Briefing, Biennial
• Handling Discrimination, AGCAS Information Booklet, Biennial

Other

• The ENDS Report, Environmental Data Services (ENDS), Monthly
• The Environment Post, ADC Environment, Fortnightly
• Green Volunteers, Vacation Work Publications, 2005 buy from Amazon.co.uk
• The Guardian, Guardian Newspapers Ltd, Daily
• Nature, Nature Publishing Group (NPG), Weekly
• New Scientist, Reed Business Information, Weekly