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.

Next, Eloise shares her experience, what she’s learned and what she’d like to achieve next in her career.

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

Before joining Elton Ecology, I had recently completed my MSc in Endangered Species Recovery and Conservation at Nottingham Trent University, and I was working part time at a stables. I wanted to move into ecological consultancy as a career, and the role seemed like a good opportunity to gain practical experience.

What were you expecting from your first ecology survey season?

I expected it to be busy and thought I would mainly be doing field surveys, particularly bat work, so working quite anti-social hours. 

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

I’ve worked on bat emergence surveys, static bat detector deployment, reptile surveys, Great Crested Newt eDNA surveys, Preliminary Roost Assessments and UKHab habitat surveys. I’ve had quite a varied first season.

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

Definitely seeing over 20 emergences of common pipistrelles from a maternity roost on one bat survey. 

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

Probably my bat identification skills. I had limited practical experience with UK bats before starting, so I’ve learnt a lot from doing emergence surveys, but there’s still a lot to learn. Also, my QGIS mapping skills have improved a lot.

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

I’ve learned a lot from working alongside more experienced members of the team and being able to ask questions. Being able to learn on the job on things like surveys, GIS work, species identification has been really useful and beneficial. 

What has surprised you most about working in ecological consultancy?

Probably how much work happens outside of the actual surveys. There is a lot of data analysis, mapping, desk study work, and report writing behind each project. I’ve also learnt how quickly schedules change due to the weather.

What have you enjoyed most about working at Elton Ecology?

The variety of the work and getting out in the field. Also, everyone at the company is super friendly and are more than happy to answer any questions. 

What has been the most challenging part?

Probably getting used to how long some tasks can take when you’re still learning. And collecting reptile mats, they’re heavy and awkward to carry. 

What would you like to learn or achieve next?

I’d like to keep improving my bat and botany identification skills and gain more experience with report writing.