Assistant Ecologist

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Manchester; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking an Assistant Ecologist to join our growing Nature Services Team in one of the Liverpool, Manchester or Wrexham offices. You will work on engaging projects with a supportive team of technical experts and deliver Phase 1 habitat and protected species surveys, contribute to tenders, and support ecological deliverables.

The role requires an ecology qualification, familiarity with wildlife legislation, and a proactive, collaborative approach.

Qualifications

• An appropriate academic qualification in Ecology or a related discipline.
• Qualifying Member status with CIEEM (or eligible).
• Experience in extended Phase 1 habitat/UKHab surveys and protected species surveys, working towards protected species licences.
• Some demonstrable experience in ecological survey, ideally in a consultancy environment or voluntary work.
• An enthusiastic, energetic outlook and willingness to learn.
• Knowledge 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 and as part of a team.
• Experience in ecological consultancy, having begun to develop core field and reporting skills.

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, European Protected Species licence applications, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), Biodiversity chapters of EIAs and Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA).

Skills

Ecology knowledge

Communication skills

Teamwork

Driving licence (UK)

Self-motivation

Willingness to learn

Wildlife legislation knowledge

Field survey experience

Education

Ecology degree or related discipline

Job description

As an Assistant Ecologist you will join our growing Nature Services Team in one of the Liverpool, Manchester or Wrexham offices 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 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 eligible).
• Experience in extended Phase 1 habitat/UKHab surveys and protected species surveys, working towards protected species licences.
• Some demonstrable experience in ecological survey, ideally in a consultancy environment or voluntary work.
• An enthusiastic, energetic outlook and willingness to learn.
• Knowledge 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 and as part of a team.
• Experience in ecological consultancy, having begun to develop core field and reporting skills.