The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) is the professional membership body for ecologists and environmental managers. They have their own guidance on breaking into the ecology sector.
To become a member of CIEEM you can apply through their website, using their Competency Framework and Competency Framework Self-assessment Tool to decide which level of membership is best for you.
As someone just starting out in ecology, it is likely that Qualifying Membership will be most appropriate. However, if you have worked within an environmental or conservation-based role previously, you may have the competency level necessary to obtain Associate membership.
Once you are a member, you have access to discounted training courses (and some free courses), articles and a quarterly magazine called In Practice as well as a tool to record any training you undertake (MyCareerPath). While working as an ecologist it is important to always follow the Best Practice Guidelines and Code of Professional Conduct set-out by CIEEM. No employer should ever request you to undertake any work that deviates from the CIEEM code of professional conduct.
If you are already a member of CIEEM, you may consider joining the CIEEM Mentoring Platform where you will be paired with a mentor who is established within the ecology profession. They will be able to provide guidance on careers in ecology and your continuing professional development.