Welcome, nature enthusiasts and aspiring eco-warriors!
Today we will dive into the realm of entry-level job opportunities in ecology and natural sciences.
We’re also going to debunk the myth that you need to already have job experience to get further job experience. This misconception often leads to entry-level students overselling the experience in their resume which can easily backfire as employers will see through it. So, how do you snag that entry-level gig? It’s all about laying the groundwork.
In This Article…
- Gaining Experience When You Don’t Have Any
- Embrace Volunteering, Internships, and Part-Time Jobs
- 6 Examples that Can Serve as Gateways to an Entry-Level Position
- Finding Entry-Level Jobs: The Numbers Game
- Is a University Degree Necessary?
- Conclusion
Gaining Experience When You Don’t Have Any
Before we delve into the intricacies of finding an entry-level job, let’s get one thing across:
Experience is not an all-or-nothing deal.
Because many entry-level jobs ask for 1-2 years experience, many students believe they are in a catch-22 when it comes to securing an entry-level position. They need experience to get experience but they have no experience to get that experience in the first place.
So, what’s the key to landing an entry-level job in ecology, environmental science, or related fields? The answer lies in being creative in how you approach gaining experience.
Embrace Volunteering, Internships, and Part-Time Jobs
Experience is actually a lot more on a spectrum. Technically, anything that you did that is relevant for the job for which you’re applying counts as experience. You just have to convince your future employer of this.
The courses you took, certificates you’ve obtained, hobbies you’ve had, part-time jobs you’ve held, volunteering positions, and internships all count as experience as well.
The trick is to find a volunteering position or internship that actually gets you the same or similar experience to actually having a full-time job and getting your future employer to see this during the interview process.
What you need to do is find an ecological or environmental organization that will take you on as an intern, apprentice, or volunteer and offer you full-time or at least part-time hours to do so. That is when you can list this as professional or work experience on your resume and apply to jobs that require those 1-2 years experience even though they are marked as entry-level.
6 Examples that Can Serve as Gateways to an Entry-Level Position
If you’re starting from scratch, you may wonder where to begin. Here are six examples of volunteer positions, part-time jobs or seasonal work, and internships that can kickstart your career and act as a gateway to secure that entry-level position:
- Landscaping or Seasonal Jobs: Engaging in seasonal work or landscaping roles is an excellent way to build your work ethic and acquire skills that can be valuable in ecological careers. Your responsibilities will typically include operating machinery, which can be an asset when pursuing jobs in restoration ecology, forestry, or logging. This is a great example of a job you can get with no experience at all but that itself counts as experience once you’ve been doing it for a certain amount of time.
- Tour Guide or Environmental Educator: Becoming a tour guide or environmental educator at institutions like zoos, museums, or nature centers offers valuable skills and experience for launching an environmental career. In these roles, you develop strong communication and presentation skills while sharing your passion for wildlife and the environment with diverse audiences. You also deepen your understanding of ecological concepts through continuous learning and research. Additionally, hands-on experience in animal care, habitat management, and interpretive programming provides practical skills directly applicable to ecology. By inspiring others to appreciate and protect the natural world, you contribute to conservation efforts and promote sustainability, laying a foundation for a career in ecology or related fields.
- Field or Lab Technician: Some positions, such as field or lab technician roles, require minimal experience and focus on providing training on the job. A valid driver’s license might be the primary requirement for certain field technician roles, allowing you to gain experience in data collection and analysis. Have a look at some local, smaller labs in the area and see if there are any positions listed which do not require a university degree.
- Volunteer at Animal Shelter or Botanical Garden: Volunteering at an animal shelter or botanical garden can be a game-changer in securing an entry-level ecology position. These experiences offer hands-on opportunities to engage with wildlife or plant life, honing essential skills like observation, care, and conservation awareness. Working directly with animals or plants demonstrates your commitment to environmental stewardship and can provide practical knowledge applicable to various ecological roles. Moreover, it showcases your passion and dedication to potential employers, making you a standout candidate in a competitive field. So, whether you’re scooping litter boxes or tending to rare blooms, every moment spent volunteering brings you one step closer to your dream job in ecology.
- Work or Volunteer at a Farm: Volunteering on a farm offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, learn about sustainable agriculture practices, and gain hands-on experience in ecological principles. Working on a farm allows volunteers to engage directly with the land, cultivating crops, tending to animals, and participating in conservation efforts such as soil regeneration and habitat restoration. This hands-on experience fosters a deeper understanding of ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity conservation, and the importance of sustainable land management practices. Moreover, volunteering on a farm provides valuable networking opportunities and exposes individuals to various aspects of the agricultural and ecological sectors, potentially serving as a gateway to future employment or further education in ecology-related fields. By immersing oneself in the rhythms of farm life and contributing to sustainable food production, volunteers not only gain practical skills but also develop a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of human activities and the natural world, laying a solid foundation for a career in ecology.
- Citizen Science Projects: Citizen science projects engage volunteers in scientific research across disciplines such as ecology, astronomy, and environmental science. From bird watching to water quality monitoring, participants contribute observations and data that help scientists track biodiversity, study climate change impacts, and monitor environmental health. Projects like the Great Backyard Bird Count, iNaturalist, and NASA’s Globe Observer empower individuals to make meaningful contributions to research, whether by reporting bird sightings, documenting wildlife observations, or measuring air and water quality. By engaging in citizen science, volunteers not only contribute to scientific understanding but also foster environmental stewardship and promote public engagement with science.
Finding Entry-Level Jobs: The Numbers Game
When searching for entry-level positions, keep in mind that it’s often a numbers game. You might face numerous rejections, but persistence is key to landing your first job in ecology. Here are some essential tips:
- Develop a Strong Resume and Cover Letter: Your resume and cover letter should be concise, well-structured, and tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. Use keywords from the job description to ensure your application gets noticed.
- Broaden Your Horizons: Be open to various locations and employers. Entry-level jobs may not always be exactly where you want them, but they can provide valuable experience and serve as stepping stones.
- Attend Job Fairs and Conferences: Explore opportunities at job fairs and conferences, where you can connect with potential employers and gain insights into the job market’s demands.
- Persistence is Key: Don’t be discouraged by rejections or the initial lack of responses. Keep applying, keep networking, and stay motivated. Entry-level jobs can take time to secure, but your dedication will pay off.
Is a University Degree Necessary?
While some positions can be pursued without a university degree, having a degree significantly expands your prospects. A degree can open doors to more opportunities, especially in management and specialized roles. Consider obtaining a degree, whether through community college or online programs, to enhance your long-term career potential.
Getting a degree also gives you access to a network of people who can help you in getting that first entry-level job. As mentioned previously, in many cases the professors in your university will give you direct experience by allowing you to work in their lab either paid or as a volunteer.
Conclusion
Starting your career in ecology, environmental science, or related fields might seem daunting, especially if you lack extensive experience. However, with the right mindset, networking, and a strategic approach to entry-level positions, you can kickstart your journey. Remember that experience is built over time, and even though entry-level jobs are the first stepping stones towards a rewarding and fulfilling career in the natural sciences, you can use many volunteering and internship positions as a gateway to get that first entry-level job that kickstarts your environmental career.
