Assistant Ecologist | Biodiversity & BNG Specialist

Yorkshire Water; West Yorkshire; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus (£1000 max)

Pension up to 12%

Development opportunities

Health benefits

Life assurance 4x pensionable salary

Retail savings scheme

Online GP service

Cycle to work

Gym discounts

Job summary

Yorkshire Water is seeking an Assistant Ecologist to join the Land & Property team in a hybrid 37-hour-per-week role based in Leeds. You will support ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain across capital projects, coordinate surveys, and review findings to guide project teams.

You will work with internal stakeholders and external consultants, developing GIS datasets, managing ecological risks, and helping deliver biodiversity enhancements on site. A relevant degree is required.

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant discipline.
• Experience supporting habitat and protected species surveys.
• Knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and environmental legislation.
• Experience with ecological surveys and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of Yorkshire Water’s ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) advice for capital projects.
• Assist implementation and development of BNG strategy, ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with project teams to manage ecological risks across capital schemes.
• Provide technical ecology support throughout project lifecycles.
• Coordinate ecological surveys with external consultants and manage outputs.
• Review ecological reports and advise on actions, mitigations and risks.
• Develop skills in ecological risk management and stakeholder engagement.
• Support BNG habitat bank data collection, monitoring and reporting.
• Create and maintain GIS mapping and ecological datasets.

Skills

Habitat surveys

Protected species surveys

GIS (QGIS/ArcGIS)

Stakeholder management

Organisational skills

Communication

Travel willingness

BNG knowledge

Ecology reporting

Education

Degree in a relevant discipline

Tools

GIS software (QGIS/ArcGIS)

Job description

Yorkshire Water is seeking an Assistant Ecologist to join the Land & Property team in a hybrid 37-hour-per-week role based in Leeds. You will support ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain across capital projects, coordinate surveys, and review findings to guide project teams.

You will work with internal stakeholders and external consultants, developing GIS datasets, managing ecological risks, and helping deliver biodiversity enhancements on site. A relevant degree is required.