Ecologist

An Ecologist can work right alongside builders to make sure construction projects help, not harm, nature.

They check the land before digging starts to see what plants and animals live there. They look for nests, burrows, streams, or special plants. If they find something important—like a family of hedgehogs or a protected wildflower—they help the builders change plans so those animals and plants stay safe.

What tools do they use on site?

• Plant and animal guides: To spot and name the species living in the area.
• Survey flags and tape measures: To mark the edges of a pond or a bird’s nest that mustn’t be disturbed.
• Camera and GPS: To record exactly where important habitats are, with pictures and map coordinates.
• Soil testers and water-testing kits: To check earth and water quality before work begins.

What makes a good Ecologist?

They must be observant, noticing even tiny footprints or unusual plants. They need to be good at talking with builders—explaining why a little swamp or a patch of grass matters. They also have to be creative, figuring out ways to move animals safely or add new bird boxes once the building is done.

What do they do each day on a construction project?

1. Morning check: Walk the site to see if anything has changed overnight—new puddles, dug-up holes, or nesting birds moving in.
2. Meet with the crew: Show builders where to dig and where to leave “no-go” zones for wildlife.
3. Collect samples: Take small soil or water samples to make sure construction won’t pollute nearby streams.
4. Monitor wildlife: Set up simple traps or cameras (that don’t hurt animals) to count insects or small mammals.
5. Report findings: Write easy-to-understand notes and maps so everyone knows how to protect nature while they build.
6. Suggest solutions: Propose things like planting native trees along the road or creating a new pond for frogs.

By having an ecologist on a construction site, builders learn to respect the animals and plants around them—and kids can see science in action as nature and construction work together!