Ecologist (Consultant)

APEM; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental consultancy based in Cardiff is seeking a Consultant Ecologist to join their growing team. This role is perfect for someone early in their ecological career, looking to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic environment. Responsibilities include conducting ecological surveys and reporting, with opportunities to specialise in specific species. Applicants should have a relevant ecology degree and practical ecological field experience, along with strong organisational skills and a driving licence. This position involves travel across the region.

Qualifications

• Hands-on ecological experience from seasonal surveys or voluntary work.
• Ability to conduct ecological reporting and surveys.
• Willingness to travel across South Wales and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fieldwork and ecological surveys throughout the year.
• Support the preparation of ecological reports.
• Work collaboratively with the terrestrial ecology team.

Skills

Practical ecological field experience

Experience with Phase 1 / UKHab surveys

Exposure to protected species surveys

Strong organisational skills

Full driving licence

Education

Relevant degree in ecology or similar discipline

Tools

QGIS

ArcGIS

Job description

About The Role

Are you early in your ecological career but keen to build real, practical experience? Do you want a role where you can work across a broad range of species and habitats while developing your technical skills with the support of experienced ecologists? APEM is expanding, and we’re looking for a Consultant Ecologist to join our growing terrestrial ecology team covering South Wales, Herefordshire and Bristol. This is an ideal opportunity for someone in the early stages of their career who already has some hands‑on experience either from time in industry, placement year, seasonal survey work, or voluntary fieldwork. You’ll be part of a friendly, supportive team of Ecologists, with scope to specialise in species you’re passionate about as your career develops. The role is varied, with a mix of fieldwork and desk‑based reporting over the year (with peak survey seasons in summer). Travel across the region is expected, with occasional work further afield.

Essential skills & experience

• Practical ecological field experience (e.g. seasonal surveys, placement year, volunteer work).
• Experience with Phase 1 / UKHab surveys.
• Some exposure to protected species surveys and/or ecological reporting.
• Relevant degree in ecology or similar discipline.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Full driving licence and willingness to travel.

Desirable

• Botanical ID or NVC skills.
• Experience using GIS (QGIS/ArcGIS).
• Protected species survey or licence experience.
• Experience providing ECoW support.

This is a great opportunity for someone looking to grow their ecological career within a supportive team, develop broad consultancy skills, and take on varied, meaningful fieldwork across the region – with the freedom to specialise over time.

Next steps

We are focused on creating a diverse and inclusive team. If you can’t tick every box on our job description, then we are still keen to hear from you and are open to supporting your development. That may be working part time or supporting you to gain experience in a specific area – we are a growing company and are able to adapt roles to reflect individual skills.

If you think you have what it takes to join our fast‑growing business, then please apply immediately on our website. All we need is some basic information and your CV; we will review all applications quickly and respond to all applications.

About Us

The APEM Group is a global environmental consultancy. We work with a range of clients including large corporations and governments to help them understand and solve a wide variety of environmental projects in the UK and globally. Our successful pioneering work has enabled us to grow and combine forces with other businesses who share our ethos and integrity. At our core, our people are working towards the protection of the environment across the globe.