Trex Ecology – Field Assistant/Assistant Ecologist

Institute of Fisheries Management; Stirling; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A consultancy in aquatic ecology is seeking a Field Assistant/Assistant Ecologist based in Scotland. The role is full-time, starting in February 2026, and offers training opportunities in the Pearl Mussel, Fish Ecology, or Habitat/Morphology teams. Candidates should have a relevant degree and a clean driving licence. The position includes benefits such as a four-day work week in winter and health insurance. Interested applicants should send their CV and cover letter to the designated email.

Benefits

4-day winter working week

NEST Trex Ecology pension scheme

Vitality Health Insurance

Guaranteed inflationary pay uplift

All required clothing and equipment provided

Qualifications

• Must hold a primary degree in a relevant subject.
• Postgraduate degree or one year of experience in aquatic ecology is preferred.
• A full clean driving licence is required.

Responsibilities

• Work in moving water and remote locations.
• Use digital recording devices for data collection.
• Collaborate with project partners and clients in the field.

Skills

Fieldwork in aquatic environments

Use of digital recording devices

Ability to work in remote locations

Education

Primary degree in a relevant subject

Postgraduate degree or one year experience

Job description

Trex Ecology - Field Assistant/Assistant Ecologist

Paul Coulson | December 17th 2025

Field Assistant/Assistant Ecologist.

Who we are and how we work

Trex Ecology Ltd is a small, well-regarded, aquatic ecology consultancy company based in Crieff, with staff across Scotland and Wales. We are ecologists first and foremost and strive to always ensure rivers improve. Our challenge is to consistently meet this aim while human activities increase the pressures on our catchments.

We have a diverse range of clients, predominantly in Scotland but increasingly with projects in the rest of the UK and in Ireland. We are five full-time, one part-time science staff and one part-time administrator. We welcome everyone and maintain an inclusive work environment where our staff can be themselves.

Requirement

We are looking for a Field Assistant/Assistant Ecologist to join us on a full-time contract, starting in February 2026, ideally based in the Stirling/Perth/A9 corridor area. This is an entry level position with all necessary training provided, and following a six month probationary period you will be assigned to either the Pearl Mussel, Fish Ecology or Habitat/Morphology team depending on aptitude and personal choice. Further training will then follow the CPD pathway for that team.

What we offer

• 4-day winter working week;
• NEST Trex Ecology pension scheme;
• Vitality Health Insurance;
• Guaranteed inflationary pay uplift every year; and
• All required clothing, footwear, PPE, field equipment and office equipment as needed.

Job Description

General responsibilities and requirements

• Working in moving water and remote locations;
• Using digital recording devices and forms;
• Working away from home, sometimes for several nights consecutively;
• Working as part of a wider field team with our project partners and clients.

Applicants should hold:

• A primary degree in a relevant subject;
• A postgraduate degree or one year’s experience in the aquatic ecology sector;
• A full clean driving licence.

Hours

Full-time hours are based on 40 hours per week in summer and a four-day 32-hour week in winter, based on a fixed yearly salary. An additional 1.5 hours a week during the winter can be worked to cover the two-week Christmas closure without using personal holiday entitlement.

Contact

If you wish to apply, please send CV and cover letter to [e-mail]. Interviews will be held in mid-January.