Mumbai: Like any other field, there is no recipe for a successful career in environment conservation. While some environmentalists believe that a foundation in environmental studies or a specialisation in the area of interest is crucial, others say love for the profession can take you all the way.
Experts say the need for education depends on the kind of work one wants to do. A highly specialised position, like that of Research Fellow for the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) for a project on endangered species, would require qualifications like an MSc in wildlife biology, zoology or ornithology. Candidates who have studied wildlife or ecology would be preferred.
On the other hand, if you want to be a first-aid assistant at Welfare for Stray Dogs (WSD), all you would need is a selfless love for animals and a three-month course in firstaid. Abodh Aras of WSD said, “I’m not a qualified vet myself. I think the basic requirement here is the attitude towards dogs.’’
The salaries for specialised posts, of course, are much higher. For example, the salary for a Research Fellow at BNHS is Rs 1.44 lakh per year annum on a CTS contract basis, with additional expenses being met for project allowance, accommodation, travel and contingency.
The candidate interested in being a Research Fellow is expected to apply with a detailed bio-data along with a two-page write-up about his or her recent wildlife research work and two references.
Meanwhile, at WSD one can volunteer for summer work. Aras added that a fresh graduate was now handling the educational awareness programmes for WSD.
Jaya Simha, the campaigns manager for PETA, said passion was the key. “You could have a specialised degree but no passion for animals,’’ he said.
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