Assistant Field Ecologist ECOSA

Cieem; Southampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An ecological consultancy in Southampton is seeking an Assistant Field Ecologist for the 2026 survey season. This full-time temporary position offers a chance to enhance field skills while delivering high-quality ecological surveys. Candidates will need a relevant degree, field experience, and excellent organizational skills. Benefits include flexible hours, employee assistance programs, and up to 25 days annual leave. Interested applicants should send their CV to the Managing Principal Ecologist. The position also involves outdoor work in varying weather conditions.

Benefits

Complimentary private GP appointments

Employee assistance program

Increased hourly rate for dusk bat surveys

Flexibility in core working hours

Company laptop and phone

Relaxed office environment

TOIL or paid overtime option

25 days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays

Free car parking at the rural office

Qualifications

• Degree in a related ecological field is required.
• At least one field season of post-qualification experience in ecological consultancy.
• Capability to carry out various ecological surveys, independent and team roles.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality ecological survey work.
• Support team efforts to provide excellent client service.
• Protect and enhance biodiversity across the UK.

Skills

Field survey skills

Communication with project ecologists

Organizational skills

Ability to work outdoors

Team coordination

Education

Degree in a relevant subject

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Overview

Location: Southampton-based with travel across the region

ECOSA is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Assistant Field Ecologist to join our growing team for the 2026 ecological survey season. This role is ideal for those looking to further develop their field skills within a supportive, experienced consultancy.

As an Assistant Field Ecologist, you will play a key role in delivering high‑quality ecological survey work and supporting our team in providing an excellent level of service to our clients and help protect and enhance biodiversity across the UK.

As a CIEEM Registered Practice, we are committed to ensuring best practice and the positive promotion of the profession.

This role is offered as a full‑time position on a temporary contract available from 30 th March to 13 th November 2026. At the end of the season successful candidates may be considered for a longer‑term role.

Responsibilities

As an Assistant Field Ecologist you will be responsible for delivering high‑quality ecological survey work, supporting our team in providing an excellent level of service to our clients and helping protect and enhance biodiversity across the UK.

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant subject.
• Minimum of one field season of post‑qualification experience in an ecologically focused role, preferably in ecological consultancy.
• Ability to undertake a variety of ecological surveys, both independently and as a lead surveyor for small teams.
• Aptitude for collecting accurate field data in line with industry standards and ECOSA procedures.
• Capability to coordinate effectively with fellow field ecologists during site work.
• Ability to maintain clear communication with project ecologists to ensure accurate and efficient survey delivery.
• Willingness to work outdoors in variable weather and at unsocial hours when required.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage time effectively across multiple projects.
• Sound MS Outlook, Word and Excel skills.
• A full driving licence.
• Legal entitlement to work in the UK.

Benefits

• Access to complimentary private GP appointments for all staff and their families.
• R.
• An employee assistance programme to provide access to information on wellness, medical health and general life support and advice.
• An increased hourly rate for undertaking dusk bat surveys (time and a half).
• Fixed weekdays for undertaking evening surveys, with on‑going Company reductions in bat survey requirement through implementation of high quality NVA equipment.
• Core working hours between 10:00‑16:00, with flexibility around these times.
• Company laptop and phone.
• A relaxed office environment and a friendly team.
• Ability to accrue TOIL or be paid overtime.
• 25 days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays, pro‑rata for the period of your contract.
• A rural office location with free car parking, a large garden, wildlife ponds, indoor / outdoor break area.

  How to Apply

  Please email your Curriculum Vitae, ensuring to highlight all relevant knowledge, experience and skills, for the attention of Simon Colenutt, Managing Principal Ecologist at [e-mail]. If you would like to informally discuss this role, please contact Simon in the first instance.

  Please title your email in the subject line ‘Assistant Field Ecologist Vacancy’. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.