Assistant/Consultant Ecologist

Your new company

My client is a growing, Midlands-based environmental consultancy providing pragmatic, solution-focused ecological and arboricultural services to a wide range of clients. They are particularly active in supporting residential and education sector developments, helping clients navigate environmental constraints and planning requirements efficiently.

They are known for their hands-on, collaborative approach, offering clear communication, fast turnaround times, and commercially aware advice that keeps projects on track. As a small, close-knit team, they offer a supportive and flexible working environment where early-career staff are given meaningful responsibility and exposure to projects from the outset.

Your new role

As an Assistant Ecologist, you will support the delivery of ecological services across a varied project portfolio. Your role will be split between fieldwork and office-based reporting, contributing to projects from initial survey through to planning submission.

You will:

• Assist with ecological surveys, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), UKHab habitat surveys, and protected species surveys
• Collect, record, and manage ecological data accurately in the field
• Support licensed ecologists during specialist surveys, including dusk/dawn work where required
• Assist in preparing technical reports and ecological assessments to support planning applications
• Produce figures and mapping using GIS software
• Support Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) calculations and assessments
• Work closely with senior staff to help deliver projects efficiently and to a high standard
• Contribute to providing practical, solution-led advice that aligns ecological requirements with client objectives

This is a varied role offering exposure to the full project lifecycle and the opportunity to quickly build experience within a consultancy setting.

What you'll need to succeed

• A degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field
• A sound understanding of UK habitats, species, and wildlife legislation
• Some experience of ecological surveys in a consultancy setting
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to contribute to technical reports
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites

It would also be beneficial if you have:

• Experience with UKHab classification
• Knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
• Familiarity with GIS software (e.g. QGIS or ArcGIS)
• Membership with CIEEM
• Experience assisting with protected species surveys

Just as important as technical skills, my client is looking for someone who is enthusiastic, reliable, and solutions-focused, with a genuine interest in developing a career in ecological consultancy.

What you'll get in return

• A competitive salary, ranging from £28,000 to £35,000, varying with experience, and a performance-based bonus at the end of each year.
• Flexible hybrid working
• Regular pay reviews undertaken annually.
• Clear progression opportunities - support towards protected species licences, CIEEM membership, and progression into more senior roles as your experience develops
• Development and mentoring - working closely with experienced consultants who will support your technical growth and help you gain confidence in both fieldwork and reporting
• A supportive team culture - working within a small, friendly team that values collaboration, communication, and mutual support
• Varied and engaging workload - a healthy mix of site work and office-based tasks
• Membership in industry bodies paid.
• Enhanced Maternity / Paternity pay (currently under review)
• Holiday entitlement and pay - 26 days per year plus 8 bank holidays. Each employee is also given a free additional day of annual leave on their birthday.
• No Timesheets! Manage your own time, with time back where you exceed your contracted hours. An overtime system is available to help you track your time, should you choose.
• We are currently reviewing our benefits. If there is a perk that you feel would be good, let me know, and my client will review it!

What you need to do now
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