Field Ecologists and Graduate Ecologist - Peak Ecology Ltd

Scotlink; Bakewell CP; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ecological consultancy in Bakewell is seeking to hire Field Ecologists and a Graduate Ecologist to support diverse projects. The Field Ecologist role is survey-based requiring relevant qualifications and preferably some experience. The Graduate Ecologist position offers a training program for candidates with enthusiasm and no prior consultancy experience. Both roles come with a 7-month fixed term contract starting in March, with competitive salaries and opportunities for growth.

Benefits

22 annual leave days (pro rata)

Company pension scheme

Possibility of permanent position for excelling candidates

Qualifications

• A full, preferably clean, driving license and access to a car.
• A relevant degree or equivalent qualification.
• Preferably one season of experience of protected species surveys.

Responsibilities

• Conduct various ecological surveys including bat and newt surveys.
• Assist survey leaders and project managers.
• Complete data processing tasks in the Bakewell office.

Skills

Survey skills

Data processing

Communication

Motivation

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent qualification

Tools

Driving licence

Job description

Positions Available
Location – Bakewell, Derbyshire

Field Ecologists
Full time – Fixed term 7-month contract
Salary: £25,500 pro rata

Graduate Ecologist
Full time – Fixed term 7-month contract
Salary: £24,800 pro rata

About Peak Ecology

At Peak Ecology we have a relaxed and friendly office, staffed with a dynamic team of highly competent, committed ecologists with a positive work ethic. Based in Bakewell in the heart of the Peak District, we work on a diverse range of projects from small barn conversions up to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, completing Ecological Impact Assessments, protected species surveys, and site supervision.

• We take pride in what we do; Peak Ecology has gained an excellent reputation by delivering high quality professional work
• We take the well-being of our staff very seriously. As an ecologist, working away and working evenings is part of the job, but at Peak Ecology nobody is expected to work more than two evenings per week, on average.
• The majority of our work is local but when travel is required, we provide a hire car and a good budget for food and accommodation.
• We would grant you 22 annual leave days (pro rata) with a TOIL system and a company pension scheme.

We are currently looking one Graduate Ecologist and a number of Field Ecologists to join our growing team in March 2026 and help deliver an ever-increasing workload. For both positions, we expect you to be able to demonstrate that you are enthusiastic, organised and highly motivated.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.

Field Ecologist

We are looking for up to four Field Ecologists to join our team; in the first instance this is a fixed term, seven-month contract but for successful candidates that excel, we will likely offer a permanent position.

As a Field Ecologist, your tasks would be predominantly survey based, in a supporting role to the survey leaders and project managers. Examples of tasks include bat transect and emergence surveys, great crested newt eDNA surveys, habitat assessment surveys, badger surveys, and more. You would also complete data processing in our Bakewell office, including bat sounds analysis and reviewing video footage.

Essential Requirements:

• A full, preferably clean, driving licence and access to a car
• A relevant degree or equivalent qualification
• Preferably one season of experience of protected species surveys, either through consultancy or volunteering.

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter to [e-mail]

Closing date for applications – 9th January 2026

Please note, we intend to interview on the 22nd and 23rd January 2026.

Graduate Ecologist

This role is a seven-month internship beginning in March 2025; a structured training programme covering all aspects of consultancy. The Peak Ecology internship has been running for over ten years and has proved very successful; previous candidates have either been retained or have easily found employment elsewhere in the industry. The role, including preparing fee proposals, fieldwork, reporting and invoicing, is all recorded and signed off by a senior mentor, providing a written record of your achievements. The successful candidate will be someone with no experience in consultancy but with demonstrable enthusiasm who can convince us of their potential to become a great ecologist.

Find out more about our internship here: Internship Article - Peak Ecology

Essential Requirements:

• A full, preferably clean, driving licence and access to a car
• A relevant degree or equivalent qualification
• No experience in ecological consultancy

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter to [e-mail]

Closing date for applications – 9th January 2026

Please note, we intend to interview on the 20th and 21st January 2026.