Ecologist and Civils Operative

Astute People; Swindon; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A renewable energy firm in the UK is seeking an Ecology and Civils Operative to support utility-scale solar farms. The role involves conducting biodiversity assessments, assisting with site maintenance, and managing ecological tasks. Candidates should have a degree in Ecology or a related field, preferably be a member of CIEEM, and have a full UK driving license. The position offers a salary up to £38,000, company vehicle, private healthcare, and additional benefits, including 25 days of holiday.

Benefits

Access to company vehicle

Private Healthcare

Wellbeing programmes

Pension

Training Provided

Discretionary bonus

Qualifications

• Full, clean UK driving licence required.
• Membership of CIEEM preferred.
• Practical land-based or ecological field experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Conduct biodiversity surveys and implement improvements.
• Assist with maintenance of solar farm sites.
• Support installation tasks, including cable trenching.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Outdoor Work

Proactive Mindset

Education

Degree in Ecology or related discipline

CIEEM Membership

Tools

Tractor Driving

PA Weed Spraying

Job description

Astute’s Renewables team is partnering with an Operations and Maintenance specialist supporting utility‑scale ground‑mounted solar farms across the UK and Europe. We are seeking an Ecology and Civils Operative to join the team, helping maintain, manage, and enhance solar farm sites while delivering key biodiversity and civils responsibilities.

This role offers a salary of up to £38,000 depending on experience, along with a company vehicle and fuel card.

If you are new to the ecology field or a CIEEM‑accredited professional seeking hands‑on experience and exposure to renewable energy projects, this role offers the opportunity to develop your skills within a supportive and experienced team.

Responsibilities and Duties

Biodiversity and Ecology

• Provide expert advice on site biodiversity in collaboration with the Line Manager.
• Conduct biodiversity surveys across sites, including Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and reporting.
• Implement and advise on biodiversity improvements and enhancements.
• Support delivery of Landscape and Ecological Management Plans (LEMPs) and Biodiversity Management Plans (BMPs) for solar farm sites.
• Contribute to the Integrated Management System to uphold quality, safety, and environmental objectives.
• Prepare proposals and reports on biodiversity initiatives for internal and client review.

Civils Operative Support

• Assist with ongoing maintenance of solar farm sites in line with PPM schedules.
• Take responsibility for planting, establishment and care of new plants, grass cutting and strimming on site grounds.
• Carry out targeted weed management and spraying as required.
• Assist with routine maintenance and operation of site machinery.
• Manage, store and safely use all substances in line with COSHH Compliance.
• Support with other installation tasks including cable trenching.
• Repair and replace perimeter fencing, posts and wires as needed.
• Work in accordance with company policies, procedures, and site‑specific Health & Safety requirements.

Professional qualifications

• Full, clean UK driving licence.
• A professional degree (or equivalent qualification) in Ecology, Environmental Science, Agriculture, Land Management, or a related discipline.
• Membership of CIEEM (Student, Qualifying, or Associate level preferred).
• Practical land‑based or ecological field experience, supported by LANTRA or equivalent qualifications (e.g. tractor driving, brush cutting, City & Guilds / PA weed spraying), would be advantageous.

Personal skills

• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• A strong team player with excellent communication skills.
• Flexible to travel to sites, including occasional overnight stays.
• A practical, proactive, and "can‑do" mindset.

Salary and benefits

• Salary up to £38,000 depending on experience.
• Access to company van and tools.
• 25 days Holiday (Plus Bank Holidays).
• Additional holiday with long service.
• Private healthcare, pension, and discretionary bonus.
• Wellbeing programmes.
• Life insurance.
• Critical Illness insurance.
• Death in service.
• Training Provided.

Astute People are acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy. We do not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and comply with all relevant UK legislation. We encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Astute is also committed to the government's Disability Confident Employer initiative. We endeavour to get back to everyone, however, if you have not heard anything after 7 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.