Your First Ecology Survey Season: What’s It Really Like?

 

What’s it like to start your career in ecological consultancy? We asked some of our Seasonal Assistant Ecologists to reflect on their first survey season at Elton Ecology, from memorable wildlife encounters to the challenges of learning on the job.

First up, Reece shares his experience, what he’s learned and what he’d like to achieve next in his career.

What were you doing before joining Elton Ecology, and what attracted you to the role?

Before I joined Elton Ecology I had arrived home from solo-travelling and had been looking for a role that would use my degree. I had been interested in ecology since university and so I had been gaining some skills that would be useful for a job in ecology, including getting some practice with GIS software, but what I lacked the most was experience. When I saw the role advertised with Elton I thought it would be a good opportunity to get hands-on experience in the field and handling data and reports, which it has been.

What were you expecting from your first ecology survey season?

I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but I was hoping for the opportunity to work outside and in lots of different ecosystems and environments.

What types of surveys, species, habitats or projects have you worked on?

I’ve worked on projects surveying reptiles, badgers, and great-crested newts, but bats are the main animals I’ve been involved with. So far, I’ve heard at least nine species, emerging from houses, schools, warehouse, and foraging along hedgerows and in woodlands. I’ve even been into a church belfry. 

What has been your most memorable site visit or moment from the season?

Hearing my first Lesser Horseshoe bat, the rarest bat I’ve heard so far. There have also been quite a few friendly horses very interested in what I’ve been up to.

Which skills have you developed most during your first survey season?

My GIS skills have improved lots, as well as my ability to identify bat calls by sight.

How have other members of the team supported your learning and development?

The rest of the team have always been so quick to help with anything that I’m struggling with and teaching me how to do things correctly for next time. Everyone is super friendly and easy to ask for help.

What has surprised you most about working in ecological consultancy?

I’ve been surprised by how in-depth and detailed the work can be, and by how much there is to learn.

What have you enjoyed most about working at Elton Ecology?

I’ve enjoyed being part of a team that works so well together, and gaining more responsibility as I’ve gained more experience in the role.

What has been the most challenging part?

The biggest challenge for me has been learning so much in such a short time, but I have really enjoyed learning so much and I’m looking forward to learning more.

What would you like to learn or achieve next?

I’d really like to gain the skills I need for Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA), Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA), or Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) projects and get out in the field some more to work on these projects more directly.