Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management
Established in 1991, IEEM has around 4,000 members drawn from local authorities, government agencies, industry, environmental consultancy, teaching/research, and NGOs.
What does IEEM do?
IEEM is the professional body that represents and supports ecologists and environmental managers in the UK, Ireland and abroad. It provides a variety of services to develop competency and standards in ecology and environmental management.
The Objectives of IEEM
- To advance the science and practice of ecology and environmental management for the public benefit in the United Kingdom and Internationally;
- To further the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity and maintenance of ecological processes and life support systems essential to a fully functional biosphere;
- To further environmentally sustainable management and development;
- To promote and encourage education, training, study and research in the science and practice of ecology, environmental management and sustainable development; and
- To establish, uphold and advance the standards of education, qualification, competence and conduct of those who practise ecology and environmental management as a profession and for the benefit of the public.
What is an ecologist?
There are general qualities, such as self motivation, teamwork, computer literacy and communicating and negotiating skills, which are necessary for most areas of work, but special qualities are needed for success in ecological work.
These extra skills include:
- a fascination with animals and plants;
- a thorough knowledge of the functioning of natural systems;
- good academic qualifications in biological or environmental subjects;
- expertise in one or more groups of living organisms;
- the facility to infect others with enthusiasm about the natural world;
- enjoyment of fieldwork;
- the staying power needed to complete tedious and sometimes uncomfortable tasks in field or laboratory; and
- an objective approach to conservation issues.
Careers advice
So, what makes an ecologist or environmental manager?
There are general qualities, such as self motivation, teamwork, computer literacy and communicating and negotiating skills, which are necessary for most areas of work, but special qualities are needed for success in ecological work.
These extra skills include:
- a fascination for animals and plants;
- a thorough knowledge of the functioning of natural systems;
- good academic qualifications in biological or environmental subjects;
- expertise in one or more groups of living organisms;
- the facility to infect others with enthusiasm about the natural world;
- enjoyment of fieldwork;
- the staying power needed to complete tedious and sometimes uncomfortable tasks in field or laboratory; and
- an objective approach to conservation issues.
Where do you find Ecologists and Environmental Managers?
Local Government and Statutory Agencies - many departments and agencies of central and local government have responsibilities to promote or have regard to the conservation of wildlife, habitats and landscape quality e.g. Natural England, Countryside Council for Wales, Scottish Natural Heritage, DEFRA, Environment Agency, and many more.
Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) - NGOs have an increasing influence on attitudes to the environment. Many NGOs are involved with physical conservation and habitat management e.g. RSPB, Wildlife Trust, BTCV, BTO and many more. Consultancy - Consultancies provide expertise on ecological and environmental issues to industry, government agencies and other organisations. Their services include EIA, Surveys, habitat management and restoration guidance.
Business and Industry - Environmental action by industry is largely driven by legislation on pollution and the requirement for environmental impact assessment in the planning stage of developments.
Media and Public Relations - There has recently been an enormous growth in the environmental media industry, with television, radio, magazines, books, websites, exhibits and interpretation centres contributing to the quality and amount of material available.
Teaching and Research – many schools, colleges and universities cover topics on ecology and environmental management.
Remember there are plenty of other careers out there for ecologists and environmental mangers.
Why join IEEM?
Benefits of Membership
- Recognition as a fully qualified and experienced professional (Full and Fellow Members);
- opportunity to become a Chartered Environmentalist through the Society for the Environment;
- personal entry into the Institute’s Membership Directory;
- business opportunities by getting information, contracts, employment or commercial promotion from other members or potential clients;
- opportunities to influence government and key decision makers on issues of concern to ecologists and environmental managers;
- opportunities to influence the future development of the profession;
- benefiting from networking with fellow members and professionals;
- participation in the activities of the Geographical Sections as they develop;
- reduced fees for the Professional Development Programme training courses;
- reduced fees for IEEM's conferences and similar events offered by our networking partners;
- free copies of the IEEM bulletin In Practice, and the guidance notes on professional issues;
- free copies or reduced prices for other IEEM publications;
- Advantageous rates for the IEEM Professional Indemnity Insurance Scheme (Fellows, Full Members and Associates only);
- advice and support on professional issues, training, education and career development;and
- access to the members section of the IEEM website. This includes:
- professional Issues Series guidance documents;
- digital issues of In Practice;
- digital publications and conference proceedings; and
- many other features.
Benefits for Students and Recent Graduates
- A boost for your CV;
- free quarterly journal In Practice;
- free booklets on careers and professional practice;
- reduced fees for training workshops and conferences; and
- opportunities to meet potential employers and other ecological and environmental professionals.
For further information please contact us
IEEM
43 Southgate Street
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 9EH
T: +44 (0)1962 868626
F: +44 (0)1962 868625
Types of Ecology jobs
Botanist
Head of Vascular Plants
Ecologist
Consultant Ecologist
Biodiversity Programme manager
Plant Ecologist
Lecturer in Biodiversity Conservation
Forest Ecologist
Environmental Manager
Senior Ecologist
Principal Ecologist
Biodiversity Officer
Ecologist – Protected Species
Bat Ecologist
Wildlife Biologist
Principal/Technical Director – Ecology
Horticulture
Ecotourism
Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA)
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Aquatic Ecologist
NGO Campaign Manager
Aquatic Microbiology and Hygiene Ecologist
Conservationist
Microbial Ecologist
Fish Ecologist
Fisheries Technician
NGO Staff Member
Writer
Scientist
Researcher
Teacher
Professor
Public Outreach Officer
Wildlife Officer
Water quality Technician
Forest entomology technician
Agriculture Inspector
Policy Co-ordinator
Nature Reserve Manager
Botanical Advisor
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