Assistant Seasonal Ecologist

Aven Ecology; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent ecological consultancy in London is seeking a Seasonal Ecologist to conduct protected species surveys across various projects. This position is ideal for early-career ecologists looking for field experience, with opportunities for training and professional certification. The role involves travel, report writing, and data analysis, emphasizing flexibility in working hours. Candidates should have a degree in Ecology or a related field and some survey experience. Salary is negotiable and will depend on experience.

Benefits

Experience in ecological consultancy

Support for professional certifications

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecological discipline including Ecology, Zoology, or Environmental Biology.
• Membership of CIEEM or eligibility to apply for it.
• Some demonstrable ecology surveying experience and readiness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Conduct protected species surveys for various projects and clients.
• Travel extensively in the south-east for site-based work.
• Engage in data analysis and report writing.

Skills

Ecological Impact Assessment

Protected Species Survey

QGIS familiarity

Bat sound/video analysis

Education

Degree in Ecology, Zoology or Environmental Biology

Job description

Aven Ecology

Aven Ecology is a small, independent ecological consultancy, with a combined experience of over 30 years. We carry out protected species surveys and mitigation, with bats, reptiles, and amphibians being our particular focus. We primarily service projects based in the south/south-east of England.

The Role

The Seasonal Ecologist role is an excellent opportunity for someone at the beginning of their ecological consultancy career. The role is varied, taking you to different places on a daily basis to carry out a variety of protected species surveys for a range of projects and clients. You will be surveying for species groups including bats, great crested newts, reptiles, hazel dormouse and supporting habitat surveys, data analysis and report writing, with the aim of supporting us in the day-to-day delivery of projects.

The seasonal ecologist position will ideally start in April 2026 and run until October 2026, with options for extension, depending on project requirements.

Skills

You would have a degree in an Ecological discipline (including Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Biology or related) with interest in Consultancy; Ecological Impact Assessment; and Protected Species Survey.

You would also ideally have membership of CIEEM, or eligibility to apply for membership. Protected species licences and CSCS accreditation would also be advantageous, but not essential, as would familiarity with QGIS and bat sound/video analysis.

You will have some demonstrable ecology surveying experience and be ready to travel and work flexible hours, including night work, and be willing to stay overnight at short notice.

The assistant ecologist role involves travelling, primarily in the south-east, therefore you will need to have a valid clean UK driver’s licence and access to your own vehicle throughout the working week, insured for business purposes.

The position involves a mix of site-based work and the discipline and flexibility of working from home on reports and data analysis.

We are offering experience/training/support in the field of Professional Ecological Consultancy; opportunities and support to work towards professional certifications and qualifications, including (where appropriate) Protected Species licences, CIEEM accreditation, CSCS; and, subject to workload, opportunities for further employment beyond the advertised period.

Salary would be negotiable and subject to experience.

Please send an email to [e-mail] to introduce yourself, and provide a copy of your CV.