Assistant Ecologist - Hampshire

ECOSA are pleased to be seeking an Assistant Ecologist to join us at our head office in rural Hampshire.

You will play a key role in assisting our ecology team to deliver pragmatic and cost-effective survey and mitigation solutions, ensuring our clients’ development and conservation goals are successful in respect of ecology.

With the support of our consultants, you will assist to undertake works for a range of ecology projects and develop your skills and knowledge.

Your enthusiasm for ecology, as well as your pro-active and flexible approach, will be invaluable in supporting our expanding business. 

About You

You will have relevant work experience gained in an ecological consultancy environment.

You will assist in carrying out a range of field surveys, including extended Phase 1 habitat surveys and protected species surveys, and leading surveyor teams undertaking bat emergence / re-entry and great crested newt surveys during the survey season.

Field work will be carried out alongside day-to-day office-based work, assisting project managers to deliver projects on time and on budget.

You will carry out desk-based assessments and assist with field data analysis, as well as drafting reports and protected species licence applications for senior members of the ecology team.

You will also liaise with clients and assist with project management tasks as required.

To be successful in this role, you will have the following: 

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Qualifying CIEEM membership, or be working towards this;
• Degree in a relevant subject;
• Ecological consultancy experience;
• Experience of assisting with Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and producing high quality reports;
• Proven experience of a range of species surveys, including bat surveys (roost and activity) and reptile surveys;
• Experience of using bat call sound analysis software;
• Knowledge of relevant UK and European legislation, policy and guidance;
• Be a team player with excellent verbal and written communications skills;
• Sound MS Outlook, Word and Excel skills;
• A full driving licence; and
• Legal entitlement to work in the UK.

Desirable Skills

• Working towards holding a Natural England / Natural Resources Wales class licence (bat, great crested newt or hazel dormouse);
• Phase 1 habitat survey experience; and / or
• Botanical survey skills.

What ECOSA can offer you

ECOSA has a dedicated team of ecologists who are committed to the success of the business. We are therefore committed to the development of our staff and as part of the team you will have access to:

• A competitive salary in the range of £19,000 – £21,500 depending on experience;
• Flexible hours over the summer months with the opportunity to accrue either TOIL or paid overtime;
• Flexibility to work from home with prior agreement;
• A mentoring system to promote your development and encourage your progression with reference to the CIEEM Competency Framework;
• A generous structured training budget and regular in-house training;
• An extensive support network within the company to provide guidance and specialist advice;
• A relaxed office environment; 
• Regular social events and yearly charity days; and
• A rural office location with free car parking, a large garden, wildlife ponds and lunch area.

ECOSA are committed to providing a safe and supportive working environment where all of our staff can thrive and actively encourage input from staff and contributions from the team on the direction of the company.  We provide all of our staff with a contributory pension and access to a childcare voucher scheme (subject to eligibility). 

How to Apply

Please email your Curriculum Vitae, ensuring to highlight all relevant knowledge, experience and skills, and a covering letter providing evidence of how you meet the above requirements, for the attention of Anita Mackley, Office Manager at admin@ecosa.co.uk.

Please let us know how you found out about this opportunity and title your email in the subject line ‘Assistant Ecologist Vacancy’.

If you would like to informally discuss this role, please contact Georgina Timmis, Principal Ecologist (georgina@ecosa.co.uk) in the first instance. 

Please note ecologist roles are only open to direct applicants; applications from recruitment agencies will not be considered.