Assistant Ecologist

WSP; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking an Assistant Ecologist to join our Nature Services Team across its Liverpool, Manchester or Wrexham offices. You will work on engaging projects with a supportive team of technical experts.

The role involves assisting with ecology surveys, tender preparation, and contributing to deliverables such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, management plans, and impact assessments. Training and development are available within a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• An appropriate academic qualification in Ecology or a related discipline.
• Qualifying Member status with CIEEM (or eligibility for this).
• Experience in extended Phase 1 habitat/UKHab surveys.
• Knowledge and experience in protected species surveys; working towards licences.
• Ecological survey experience, ideally in a consultancy environment; voluntary work considered.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with and undertaking ecology surveys including extended Phase 1 habitat/UKHab surveys and protected species surveys.
• Assisting with and preparing tenders for a range of schemes, and suites of habitat, botanical and protected species surveys.
• Input into ecological deliverables including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Management Plans, Protected Species Reports, licence applications, EcIA, Biodiversity chapters of EIAs and HRA.

Skills

Driving licence

Communication skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Ecology survey experience

Report writing

Enthusiastic attitude

Wildlife legislation knowledge

Learning willingness

Ecological consultancy experience

Education

Ecology or related discipline degree

CIEEM membership eligibility

Experience in ecological surveys (Phase 1/UKHab)

Job description

Assistant Ecologist

As an Assistant Ecologist you will join our growing Nature Services Team in either our Liverpool, Manchester or Wrexham office and work on engaging projects within a supportive and varied team of technical experts.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with and undertaking ecology surveys including extended Phase 1 habitat/UKHab surveys and protected species surveys.
• Assisting with and preparing tenders for a range of schemes, and suites of habitat, botanical and protected species surveys.
• Input into a range of ecological deliverables including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Management Plans, Protected Species Reports, European Protected Species licence applications, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), Biodiversity chapters of EIAs and Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA).

Qualifications

• An appropriate academic qualification in Ecology or a related discipline.
• Qualifying Member status with CIEEM (or eligibility for this).
• Experience in extended Phase 1 habitat/UKHab surveys along with knowledge and experience in protected species surveys, working towards protected species licences.
• Some demonstrable experience in ecological survey, ideally in a consultancy environment but other experience will be considered, including voluntary work.
• An enthusiastic, energetic outlook and willingness to learn.
• An appreciation of relevant wildlife legislation and ecological survey methodologies.
• A full UK valid driving licence.
• Self‑confidence and motivation, with good communication skills and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Experience in ecological consultancy having started to develop core field and reporting skills.