Assistant Field Ecologist

ECOSA are pleased to be seeking an Assistant Field Ecologist to support our developing business.

You will play a key role in assisting our ecology team to deliver pragmatic and cost-effective survey, mitigation and ecological contracting 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.

This role is initially a 7-month contract position beginning in spring 2021 with a view to becoming permanent, subject to review at the end of the contract period.

About You

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

The main focus of the role will be to support our in-house contracting staff who deliver a wide range of ecological mitigation solutions, including, but not limited to:

• Installation of temporary and permanent reptile fencing;
• Artificial badger sett design and construction;
• Badger sett exclusion;
• Vegetation clearance;
• Creation of reptile / great crested newt hibernacula

You will also assist in carrying out a range of protected species surveys, and lead surveyor teams undertaking bat emergence / re-entry 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.

This is a physically demanding role which involves working outdoors in all weather conditions.

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;
• Experience of a range of species surveys, preferably including bat surveys and reptile surveys;
• Be a team player with excellent verbal and written communications skills;
• Sound MS Outlook and Word 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);
• Skills and certifications in; brushcutting, chainsawing, tree climbing and / or use of pesticides
• Operating and maintaining hand tools / machinery
• CSCS card holder
• First aid trained
• 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 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;
• Flexible working hours (during the summer), paid overtime/TOIL.
• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

The role is currently home based due to COVID restrictions, however you would normally be based at our head office in North Baddesley, Hampshire.

ECOSA are committed to providing a safe and supportive working environment where all of our staff can thrive. 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 Simon Boswell, Principal Ecologist at sboswell@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 email Simon Boswell at sboswell@ecosa.co.uk in the first instance.

Please note this role is only open to direct applicants; applications from recruitment agencies will not be considered.

itment agencies will not be considered.