Conservation professional - overview

What does a conservation professional do?

As a conservation professional you’ll be able to get involved in a variety of roles ranging from research positions to funding specialisms, or practical land management work. Your day at work could be mainly office based or outdoors, or a mix of the two. Your work could take you around the world or help you become an expert in your local area.

The responsibilities of a conservation professional can include carrying out surveys and other data collection, doing desk-based research and report writing, setting up conservation projects, and advising private companies or the government. Through your work you’ll help businesses and communities grow in a way that doesn’t damage the environment.

What will your days involve?

Your day-to-day activities might include:

• Looking at the impact of plans for new housing, infrastructure or industry
• Helping organisations and businesses work with environmental laws
• Doing field work including surveys or assessments
• Modelling and researching environmental impact scenarios
• Analysing data using specialist software
• Reporting findings and recommendations to colleagues or businesses
• Developing conservation plans and practical projects

FAQs

How much can you earn as a conservation professional?

The average salary for a conservation professional in the UK is £33,800. Graduates start at around £27,500.

Does a conservation professional role involve travel in the UK or overseas?

Some conservation professional roles may involve occasional overseas travel to conferences.

Can you work from home as a conservation professional?

There is field work involved in this profession, but depending on the role you may have more office based work such as report writing and analysis, which could be potentially done remotely.