Assistant Ecologist

Penguin Recruitment; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ecological consultancy based in Cambridge is seeking an enthusiastic Assistant Ecologist to support various ecological surveys and assessments. The successful candidate will contribute to fieldwork, data analysis, and report preparation in a friendly and collaborative team. This role provides excellent professional development opportunities, requiring a relevant degree and some fieldwork experience.

Benefits

Company pension scheme

Up to 27 days annual leave

Hybrid working arrangements

Strong training and development support

Cycle-to-work scheme

Qualifications

• Some experience with ecological fieldwork including protected species surveys.
• Keen interest in UK wildlife and conservation.
• Full, clean driving licence and willingness to travel for fieldwork.

Responsibilities

• Support senior staff with field surveys and data collection.
• Assist in the preparation of ecological reports and mapping.
• Maintain accurate field records and adhere to health and safety procedures.

Skills

Ecological fieldwork

Identification of UK wildlife

Written and verbal communication

Data analysis

Education

Relevant degree in ecology or related discipline

Job description

A well-established ecological consultancy, based in Cambridge, is looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Assistant Ecologist to join its friendly and dedicated team. This position offers an excellent opportunity for an early-career ecologist to build practical experience and develop professionally within a supportive and collaborative environment. The successful candidate will assist with a wide range of ecological surveys and assessments, including habitat surveys, protected species work, and ecological monitoring. They will contribute to fieldwork, data analysis, and report preparation, working closely with experienced ecologists on projects across a variety of sectors.

Benefits:

• Company pension scheme.
• Up to 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• Time off in lieu (TOIL) for extra hours/work.
• Hybrid working / flexible working arrangements.
• Access to company vehicles / pool car for fieldwork.
• Strong training and development support
• Support towards protected-species licences for staff.
• Dog-friendly office.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting senior staff with field surveys and data collection
• Assisting in the preparation of ecological reports and mapping
• Helping to ensure projects meet deadlines and quality standards
• Maintaining accurate field records and adhering to health and safety procedures

The ideal candidate will have:

• A relevant degree in ecology or a related discipline
• Some experience of ecological fieldwork (including surveys for bats, great crested newts, or other protected species)
• Good identification skills and a keen interest in UK wildlife and conservation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A full, clean driving licence and willingness to travel for fieldwork

This role offers a supportive environment in which to develop technical skills, gain protected species survey experience, and work towards professional accreditation. The consultancy has a friendly, knowledgeable team with a strong reputation for high-quality ecological advice and practical solutions.

Interested in this role? Please contact Ashleigh Garner at Penguin Recruitment for more information or apply to this advert today