Assistant Ecologist

APEM Ltd; Banbury; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ecological consultancy in Banbury seeks an enthusiastic Assistant Ecologist to conduct field surveys and data analysis. This role offers a blend of hands-on fieldwork and analytical tasks, ideal for individuals passionate about UK wildlife. Candidates should possess a relevant degree and have strong communication and teamwork skills. A full driving license and the ability to manage various work demands are also necessary. The position promises a supportive environment for career advancement with diverse project exposure.

Qualifications

• Degree in ecology or a related discipline required.
• Practical survey experience through university or placements.
• Genuine interest in UK wildlife is essential.
• Full UK driving license required along with willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Conduct ecological surveys and assessments in the field.
• Carry out data analysis and report writing in the office.
• Travel and stay overnight when required during survey hours.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Teamwork skills

Ability to balance fieldwork and data handling

Education

Relevant degree in ecology or related discipline

Job description

About The Role

Are you a budding ecologist ready to build a long-term career in consultancy? Do you want a role that blends hands‑on fieldwork with analytical, desk‑based science? Are you looking for structured development, protected species training, and the chance to learn from an experienced team?

Aspect Ecology (part of the APEM Group) is looking for an Assistant Ecologist to join our Oxfordshire‑based team. This is an excellent early‑career opportunity for someone who wants to grow into a well‑rounded consultant while gaining licences and specialist experience in species such as great crested newts, bats and dormice.

This is a genuinely mixed role. You’ll spend around three days a week in the field during peak survey season, often involving early starts, late finishes and occasional nights away. This is balanced with office time in Banbury carrying out data analysis and report writing. Because of this, we need someone living within 30 minutes of Banbury, with a car, who enjoys varied work and isn’t fazed by an irregular schedule.

You’ll join a friendly, knowledgeable team delivering ecological surveys and assessments across the South of England and beyond. With strong support, clear development pathways and exposure to a wide range of project types, this is a great role for someone who’s ambitious, curious, and ready to start carving out their ecological career.

Requirements

• A relevant degree (or postgraduate qualification) in ecology or a related discipline
• Practical survey experience from university, a placement year or seasonal roles
• A genuine interest in UK wildlife and natural history
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• The ability to balance fieldwork demands with accurate data handling and report writing
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel, stay away and work survey hours

Bonus Qualifications

• Familiarity with UK wildlife legislation
• Desire to develop into a licensed surveyor for protected species

About Aspect Ecology

At Aspect Ecology, you’ll be part of a supportive, high‑quality consultancy that values people, professional growth and meaningful environmental outcomes. We’ll give you the training, mentoring and hands‑on experience to develop quickly and confidently.

If you’re ready to start your ecological consultancy career and want a role that truly mixes field and technical development, we’d love to hear from you.

Next Steps

We are focused on creating a diverse and inclusive team. If you can’t tick every box on our job description, then we are still keen to hear from you and are open to supporting your development. That may be working part time or supporting you to gain experience in a specific area – we are a growing company and are able to adapt roles to reflect individual skills.

If you think you have what it takes to join our fast‑growing business, then please apply immediately on our website. All we need some basic information and your CV, we will review all applications quickly and will respond to all applications.