Apprentice Ecologist

Cleshar Contract Services Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Cleshar Contract Services Ltd seeks an Apprentice Ecologist to support ecological surveys, data collection, and environmental projects across sectors in Greater London. You will work within a wider ecology team, assisting fieldwork, data collection, report writing, and project coordination while building technical knowledge in ecology and environmental consultancy.

This is an entry-level role; the successful candidate will enrol on the Environmental Practitioner Level 6 (Degree) and develop

Qualifications

• Experience through internships, placements, volunteering, or seasonal work in ecology or conservation.
• Experience of habitat classification or species survey work.
• Familiarity with UKHab, Phase 1 habitat survey, GIS software, or ecological data management tools.
• Membership of CIEEM or another relevant professional body.
• Protected species licences or progress towards licence experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist with ecological surveys and fieldwork, including habitat assessments and species identification.
• Collect and record environmental data accurately using standardised methods.
• Support GIS mapping activities using software such as QGIS and ArcGIS.
• Contribute to data analysis and report writing under supervision.
• Maintain equipment and ensure safety protocols are followed during field operations.
• Support sample preparation and basic analysis.
• Participate in project planning meetings and contribute ideas for ecological conservation strategies.
• Help with the organisation of project documentation and data management systems.

Skills

Field data collection

GIS software

UKHab/Phase 1 familiarity

CIEEM membership

Protected species licences progress

Education

Degree in Environmental Practitioner Level 6

Tools

QGIS

ArcGIS

Ecology data tools

Job description

An Apprentice Ecologist will support the delivery of ecological surveys, assessments, and environmental projects across a range of sectors, including residential, commercial, infrastructure, and conservation. Working as part of a wider ecology team, the postholder will assist with fieldwork, data collection, report writing, and project coordination, while developing technical knowledge and practical experience in ecology and environmental consultancy.

This is an entry-level role and the sucessful candidate will enrol onto the Environmental practitioner Level 6 (Degree). We are seeking someone with a passion for ecology, biodiversity, and sustainable development, who is looking to build a career in ecological consultancy or environmental management.

Responsibilities

• Assist with ecological surveys and fieldwork, including habitat assessments and species identification
• Collect and record environmental data accurately using standardised methods
• Support GIS mapping activities using software such as QGIS and ArcGIS
• Contribute to data analysis and report writing under supervision
• Maintain equipment and ensure safety protocols are followed during field operations
• Support sample preparation and basic analysis
• Participate in project planning meetings and contribute ideas for ecological conservation strategies
• Help with the organisation of project documentation and data management systems

Skills:

• Previous experience through internships, placements, volunteering, or seasonal work in ecology or conservation.
• Experience of habitat classification or species survey work.
• Familiarity with UKHab, Phase 1 habitat survey, GIS software, or ecological data management tools.
• Membership of CIEEM or another relevant professional body.
• Protected species licences or progress towards licence experience.

This role provides a valuable pathway into ecological careers, offering hands-on experience across various disciplines within environmental science. The successful applicant will be supported in developing their technical skills while contributing meaningfully to important ecological projects.