The wildlife sector may not be the first place you think of when considering finance careers, but it plays a crucial role in conservation and biodiversity preservation. From calculating the economic value of ecosystems to managing budgets for wildlife organisations, finance professionals in this field help ensure sustainable funding for critical wildlife initiatives and may have a higher earning potential than some of the more 'traditional' roles in this sector. These roles combine financial expertise with a passion for protecting the planet.
If you're a finance professional thinking of a mid-career switch to the wildlife sector, see our Wildlife Career Accelerator for more guidance.
[Credit Chuttersnap]
The Financial Value of Nature and Ecosystem Services
One key area where finance professionals make a difference is in the valuation of ecosystem services—the benefits humans derive from nature, such as clean water, air, pollination, and carbon sequestration. These services are critical for human well-being and global economies but often go undervalued in traditional financial models. Finance experts use methods like cost-benefit analysis, contingent valuation, and ecosystem accounting to assign monetary value to these services, helping policymakers and businesses understand the true economic impact of environmental conservation.
For instance, organisations like The Nature Conservancy (TNC) hire financial analysts and environmental economists to assess how preserving ecosystems can save money in disaster mitigation or public health. These valuations can influence major decisions, such as where to invest in green infrastructure or how to prioritize conservation projects.
Jobs and Employers in Wildlife Finance
Several types of organisations hire finance professionals in the wildlife sector - see a full list of relevant employers in our Wildlife Work Directory.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs):
Roles like financial analysts, budget managers, accountants and impact investment specialists are common, particularly for large international NGOs.
Government Agencies:
Public sector roles often focus on managing conservation funds or developing financial strategies for national parks and wildlife reserves, either on a national level of at a global level (such as the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
Impact Investment Firms and Green Banks:
These firms direct capital toward sustainable projects that provide measurable environmental benefits. Jobs include sustainability investment analysts and environmental finance advisors.
Consulting Firms:
Companies like ERM or PwC’s Sustainability and Climate Change division employ financial professionals to guide corporations on biodiversity offsets and sustainable investment.
Finance jobs in the wildlife sector are essential for translating ecological value into actionable economic insights. They provide opportunities to apply financial skills toward conserving the planet, proving that protecting nature and managing money go hand in hand.
