Field Ecologist (6 month contract)

APEM Ltd; Banbury; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An ecological consultancy firm is seeking seasonal ecologists in Banbury to conduct surveys for protected species such as bats and badgers. The role involves fieldwork across multiple counties and supporting ecological studies. Candidates should have a passion for natural history, a valid driving license, and the ability to work flexible hours. Opportunities for career development and permanent roles are available. Join a supportive team dedicated to environmental protection.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Mental health support

Comprehensive income protection

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Graduate or post-graduate with a passion for ecology.
• Ability to work with protected species and undergo training.
• Flexible and enthusiastic approach to fieldwork.

Responsibilities

• Conduct surveys for protected species like bats and badgers.
• Support a senior ecology team in terrestrial surveys.
• Assist with data reporting from survey results.

Skills

Knowledge of UK wildlife

Field identification skills

Will to work flexible hours

Driving license and own car

Job description

About the Role

Are you a graduate or post‑graduate with a passion for ecology, looking to gain experience of ecological field survey work? Are you looking to use and hone your natural history and field identification skills, carrying out surveys for Britain’s protected species such as bats, badgers and great crested newts?

Aspect Ecology is looking for seasonal ecologists to assist with survey work for at least 6 months over what will be a busy 2026 season. Your focus will be to carry out surveys across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire with some work taking you further afield to include Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire. You will need to be based close to Banbury to allow for training and equipment pick up and drop off as required.

You will be supporting and supported by an experienced in‑house team of terrestrial ecologists who provide ecological consultancy services to a well‑established base of high‑profile clients. With a focus on integrating ecological habitats and wildlife benefits within new developments. During the role you will undertake a range of terrestrial ecology survey work and site supervisions.

Focusing on faunal species, including bats, reptiles, great crested newts, with potential to work with other species including dormouse and badger. You will also gain exposure to assisting with simple reporting of data from survey results.

Job Responsibilities

• Carry out surveys for Britain’s protected species such as bats, badgers and great crested newts.
• Work across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire and further afield to Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire.
• Support and be supported by a senior in‑house ecology team.
• Engage in terrestrial ecology survey work and site supervisions.
• Assist with simple reporting of data from survey results.

To be Successful

• A flexible and enthusiastic approach.
• Confidence to work with protected species surveys (e.g. reptiles, amphibians), training provided.
• Sound knowledge of UK wildlife and a keen interest in Natural History.
• Ability to work ecological hours and travel with some requirement for overnight stays.
• Willingness to work up to five days per week, with opportunities for weekend work.
• A full driving licence and own car, insured for business use.

Please note we have several 6 month contracts and through the Spring and Summer months, starting in March/April. Many of our contracted staff have gone on to permanent employment with ourselves so this could represent an opportunity to start a formal career in ecological consulting.

You will be offered the chance to work on a variety of projects, many of our employees have worked on projects that have been of personal interest to them. We match this with a commitment to continuous development and learning to support your career. We also offer benefits to look after you, from private medical insurance for all employees, access to mental health first aiders and comprehensive income protection if you cannot work. We also offer superb flexible working options, balancing work with your life.

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.

About Us

The APEM Group is a global environmental consultancy, we work with a range of clients including large corporations and governments to help them understand and solve a wide variety of environmental projects in the UK and globally.

Our successful pioneering work has enabled us to grow and combine forces with other businesses who share our ethos and integrity. At our core, our people are working toward the protection of the environment across the globe.