Assistant Ecologist

Practical Ecology Ltd; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

An ecological consultancy based in the UK is seeking an enthusiastic assistant ecologist to join their team. This full-time position offers hands-on experience in a variety of projects including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments. Candidates should have a degree in a relevant subject and strong botanical identification skills. The salary ranges from £24,000 to £27,000, commensurate with experience. Applications are welcomed via email, with a closing date of January 21st.

Qualifications

• Good understanding of Phase 1 survey/UK Habs techniques.
• Competency in report preparation for PEAs.
• Familiarity with methodologies for protected species surveys.

Responsibilities

• Undertake Preliminary Ecological Appraisals.
• Input into Biodiversity Net Gain assessments using the Defra Metric.
• Produce high quality written reports.
• Assist in protected species mitigation schemes.
• Liaise with senior staff on project management.
• Help coordinate field assistants.

Skills

Good botanical ID skills

Interpersonal skills

Project management awareness

Education

Foundation or bachelor's degree in relevant subject

Job description

We’re a vibrant and expanding ecological consultancy based in the lovely Waveney Valley in South Norfolk. Established in 2010 the business has gone from strength to strength, with an emphasis on building positive relationships with our clients.

We’re a small team but are well connected with other ecology specialists and multidisciplinary teams and we take a collaborative approach to our work. We have a good variety of projects, from PEAs and protected species surveys/mitigation to higher level assessments, such as shadow HRAs. Our work is largely focused in the East of England but with some wider work across rest of the UK.

We’re a family friendly employer and celebrate individualism and the unique perspectives this brings to our team. We acknowledge talent and nurture the aspirations of each individual, with the wellbeing of our team members being of the upmost importance. For us happy staff equates to a happy workplace.

What we’re looking for

An enthusiastic and committed assistant ecologist looking to advance their career through joining our friendly and supportive team. You’ll be given a hands‑on role and will gain experience in all aspects of our projects and day‑to‑day running of a thriving consultancy.

Foundation or bachelor’s degree in relevant subject is desirable, but consideration will be given to vocational experience in an ecological consultancy setting. A good grounding in Phase 1 survey/UK Habs techniques and good botanical ID skills, as well a competency in report preparation in particular PEAs is required. The successful candidate will also be familiar with protected species survey methodologies, most notably the equipment and methods employed in bat activity surveys. Experience of BNG assessments is also desirable but not essential.

We are looking for a candidate with great interpersonal skills and who is able to manage their workload with support from senior staff members. Someone who is keen to deepen their understanding of project management on some of our more straightforward projects.

Job role

Your duties will include:

• Undertaking Preliminary Ecological Appraisals
• Inputting into Biodiversity Net Gain assessments using the Defra Metric
• Producing high quality written reports
• Inputting into protected species mitigation schemes
• Liaising with senior staff and inputting into project management
• Helping to coordinate field assistants

Salary and benefits

Salary: £24,000-£27,000 Negotiable, competitive salary, commensurate with experience and competency matrix.

The vacancy is for a full‑time position on a permanent contract with a standard 3‑month probationary period. The typical working week being Monday-Friday, some weekend work may very occasionally be required.

Applying

For further information please contact us on 01379 740098 or to apply directly please send your CV along with a covering letter to jobs@practical‑ecology.co.uk.

Please ensure that your email is titled with the position you are applying for and your surname. CVs should be entitled with your full name and contain email and phone contact details. We aim to acknowledge receipt of all applications within three working days.

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 21st January with interviews taking place w/c 26th January.