Assistant Ecologist

Who we are

We’re a vibrant and expanding ecological consultancy based in the lovely Waveney Valley in
South Norfolk. Established in 2010 the business has gone from strength to strength, with an
emphasis on building positive relationships with our clients.

We’re a small team but are well connected with other ecology specialists and multidisciplinary
teams and we take a collaborative approach to our work. We have a good variety of projects,
from PEAs and protected species surveys/mitigation to higher level assessments, such as shadow
HRAs. Our work is largely focused in the East of England but with some wider work across rest
of the UK.

We’re a family friendly employer and celebrate individualism and the unique perspectives this
brings to our team. We acknowledge talent and nurture the aspirations of each individual, with
the wellbeing of our team members being of the upmost importance. For us happy staff equates to
a happy workplace.

What we’re looking for

An enthusiastic and committed assistant ecologist looking to advance their career through
joining our friendly and supportive team. You’ll be given a hands-on role and will gain
experience in all aspects of our projects and day to day running of a thriving consultancy.

Foundation or bachelor’s degree in relevant subject is desirable but consideration will be
given to vocational experience in an ecological consultancy setting. A good grounding in Phase
1 survey/UK Habs techniques and good botanical ID skills, as well a competency in report
preparation in particular PEAs is required. The successful candidate will also be familiar with
protected species survey methodologies, most notably the equipment and methods employed in bat
activity surveys. Experience of BNG assessments is also desirable but not essential.

We are looking for a candidate with great interpersonal skills and who is able to manage their
workload with support from senior staff members. Someone who is keen to deepen their
understanding of project management on some of our more straightforward projects.

Job role

Your duties will include:

• Phase 1 habitat/UK Habs & protected species surveys
• Undertaking Preliminary Ecological Appraisals
• Inputting into Biodiversity Net Gain assessments using the Defra Metric
• Producing high quality written reports
• Creating plans using QGIS
• Inputting into protected species mitigation schemes
• Liaising with senior staff and inputting into project management
• Helping to coordinate field assistants

Salary and benefits

Salary: £20-25K Negotiable, competitive salary, commensurate with experience and competency
matrix.

The vacancy is for a full-time position on a permanent contract with a standard 3 month
probationary period. The typical working week being Monday-Friday, some weekend work may very
occasionally be required.

All the perks

Work/Life Balance

• Flexi and remote working options, including working around child/family care
  responsibilities or health conditions
• Toil accrual and rest policy
• No more than 2 ‘anti-social’ hours surveys per week where possible
• 28 days annual leave (inc. bank holidays), +1 day for your birthday and +4 days for
  Christmas
• Holiday accrual scheme for employees of more than 2 years’ service

Financial Wellbeing

• Salary: £20-25K negotiable, commensurate with experience and capability matrix
• Company pension scheme, with enhancement options
• Expenses advances and instant BACs for large expense sums
• Provision of all required PPE and other essential kit and materials

Personal and Workplace Wellbeing

• Private healthcare, with family cover options
• Work wellbeing action plans and monthly wellbeing check-ins
• Employee Assistance Programme
• One paid conservation volunteer day annually
• Two annual paid team building days
• Workplace assessments (risk assessments, occupational health referrals, Display Screen
  Equipment assessments)
• Enforced lunch breaks and fresh air breaks (company of office dog optional)

Professional Development

• Generous annual training budget
• Inhouse and collaborative learning opportunities
• Mentoring
• CIEEM competency framework objectives
• Appraisals
• Management training
• Personalised career path planning

Applying

For further information please contact us on 01379 740098 or to apply directly please send your
CV along with a covering letter to [email protected].

Please ensure that your email is titled with the position you are applying for and your
surname. CVs should be entitled with your full name and contain email and phone contact
details. We aim to acknowledge receipt of all applications within ten working days. Closing
date for applications is the 5th May 2023.