Seasonal Ecological Assistants – Hemel Hempstead – March to September

RSK’s internationally recognised ecology team are currently recruiting seasonal ecologists to join the team for the Ecological season.  Working between March and September, you will support the existing team on ecology projects, assisting with animal and plant surveys.

Whilst the position will be based in our Hemel Hempstead office, we have project work stretching across all of the south-east region. Ultimately, you will need to be prepared for large amounts of travelling, be happy to work away from home and completely flexible on working hours, as there will be a significant amount of evening, weekend and night work.

Our ecologists work as a close-knit team with a strong focus on sharing expertise through training and professional development.  Successful candidates will join a supportive team that includes NE bat trainers, BSBI county-recorders, university lecturers and directors/trustees of nature conservation charities.  Though we are well known for working on large infrastructure projects, we also work on a wide variety of smaller developments as well as more unusual projects for nature conservation charities and government bodies.

To find out more about the Ecology team and projects follow us on Twitter @RSKEcology or take a look at our terrestrial and aquatic ecology web pages - https://www.rsk.co.uk/itemlist/category/68-ecological-and-laboratory-services.html

Desired experience

We would ideally be looking for candidates with a BSc in Ecology or related subject, but knowledge of ecology would override the specific need for a higher qualification.   Candidates must be able to read and write to a high standard as recording data is a key factor of the role.  Overall, enthusiasm, energy and a willingness to work outdoors whatever the weather are really the most important attributes.

Person specification

• Enthusiasm, energy and happy to work outdoors essential
• Confident and happy to work out on sites alone
• Physically fit
• Previous experience beneficial
• Protected species licences an advantage
• Full UK driving licence required
• Happy to work evenings, nights and weekends
• Must be able to commit to the full term. 

Salary and benefits

• £17,000 - £19,000 depending on experience
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• A flexible benefits programme including the option to buy additional holidays and private health care
• Regular training and career development  

We operate an open and relaxed management culture that nurtures continuous improvement and innovation. This also enables us to achieve a staff turnover rate that's consistently below the industry average. Adopting a proactive growth strategy helps us to run a sustainable and profitable business while providing new and exciting career opportunities for all.

As an entrepreneurial organisation, we encourage and foster the growth of our employees. When joining RSK, a mentor works with you to ensure you set and achieve your goals. We want to accelerate your professional development, including opportunities for a promotional fast track.

Further, retaining staff is the building block of a successful organisation. As a company, RSK wants to ensure you maintain a healthy work life balance, with many opportunities for flexible working hours, locality flexibility, social activities, and community involvement projects.

The company prides itself on providing its staff with a rewarding and challenging career, encouraging Continuous Professional Development, allowing employees to reach their full potential.  Having been recently placed within the top10 UK environmental consultancies (Environmental Analyst, December 2017) and number 42 in the Sunday Times Fast Track 200 which rates the success of private companies in the UK, there has never been a more exciting time to join.

All candidates applying for positions with RSK Group must be eligible to work in the UK/European Economic Area. Candidates should confirm this when applying with their CV and covering letter.

For more information please call Harriet Baker, HR Advisor on 07725 790908 or email hbaker@rsk.co.uk

RSK is committed to our Corporate Responsibility strategy. We seek to minimise our impact on the environment; to engage positively with the community and education groups; to provide a safe and supportive atmosphere in which to work; and to promote Corporate Responsibility throughout our supply chain.