Assistant Ecologist

WSP; Wrexham; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking an Assistant Ecologist to join our growing Nature Services Team. You will work from our offices in Liverpool, Manchester or Wrexham and contribute to engaging projects alongside a technical team of ecology specialists.

You will assist with site surveys, tender preparation, and the production of ecological reports and licence applications, gaining experience across a range of deliverables and methodologies in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• An academic qualification in Ecology or a related discipline.
• Qualifying CIEEM member status or eligibility.
• Experience in extended Phase 1 habitat/UKHab surveys and protected species surveys, working towards licenses.
• Demonstrable ecological survey experience; consultancy experience preferred but not required.
• Enthusiastic, energetic outlook and willingness to learn.
• Appreciation of wildlife legislation and ecological survey methodologies.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Good communication skills and ability to work independently or in a team.
• Experience in ecological consultancy and developing field and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with ecology surveys including Phase 1 habitat/UKHab surveys and protected species surveys.
• Assist with tenders and surveys for habitats, botanical and protected species.
• Input into ecological deliverables such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Management Plans, Protected Species Reports, licence applications, EcIAs, EIAs and HRA.

Skills

Phase 1 surveys

Protected species surveys

Ecology consultancy

Reporting skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Driving licence

Wildlife legislation

Enthusiastic attitude

Education

Ecology degree or related qualification

CIEEM membership/eligibility

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.