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 objectivesThis 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 sitesIt 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 surveysJust 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
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
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Salary description
£28000.00 - £35000.00 per year