Ecologist – (Consultant to Principal)

Waterman Aspen; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in the United Kingdom is looking for an Ecologist to join their Water and Environment team. The role involves conducting protected species surveys, producing ecological reports, and ensuring compliance with UK wildlife regulations. Ideal candidates should have strong skills in ecological surveying, species identification, and GIS mapping. This position offers career development opportunities, a varied client base, and the flexibility to work on diverse projects without changing employers.

Benefits

Career development and training

Paid subscription to a professional body

Regular social events and volunteering opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in conducting and coordinating protected species surveys.
• Strong working knowledge of UK Habitat Classification and Condition surveys.
• Experience with advanced survey methods like camera trapping.
• Ability to produce clear ecological reports adhering to regulations.
• Experience coordinating field surveys and managing multiple teams.
• Strong skills in identifying protected and invasive species.
• Knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning policies.
• Understanding of health and safety protocols for ecological surveys.
• Proficiency in GIS software for habitat mapping.

Skills

Ecology & Field Surveys

UK Habitat Classification

Advanced Survey Techniques

Ecological Reporting

Survey Coordination

Species Identification

Legislative Compliance

Health & Safety

GIS and Mapping Tools

Job description

Overview

You’ll get all the benefits of being employed by us, while working on a variety of projects for our clients. Joining Waterman Aspen as an Ecologist will see you as a key member of the Water and Environment team and you can expect :

Benefits

• A varied client base where you can apply and develop your skills
• Buy-in from clients to assist in your technical progression
• Further exposure to your chosen industry – increasing your awareness, knowledge and sharpening your skills
• The flexibility to broaden your horizons with each new secondment, without changing your employer
• Career development and training to reach your professional or academic qualification goals supported by our own network of mentors and managers
• Paid subscription to a professional body of your choice
• Regular social events and volunteering opportunities

Essential qualifications

• Ecology & Field Surveys: Proven experience in conducting and coordinating protected species surveys (e.g., bats, great crested newts, badgers), invasive species surveys and certified in River Morphology Surveys in the UK.
• UK Habitat Classification: Strong working knowledge and hands-on experience with UK Habitat Classification and Condition surveys, ensuring habitat types are accurately assessed and documented – including strong botany skills.
• Advanced Survey Techniques: Experience with advanced survey methods, such as camera trapping, emergence surveys, or acoustic monitoring for specific species.
• Ecological Reporting: Demonstrated ability to produce clear, precise, and compliant ecological reports, including species-specific survey reports and habitat assessments, adhering to UK and EU regulations.
• Survey Coordination: Experience coordinating field surveys, managing multiple survey teams, and ensuring fieldwork is delivered to a high standard within specified timelines.
• Species Identification: Strong skills in identifying a wide range of protected and invasive species, both flora and fauna, across various habitats.
• Legislative Compliance: Knowledge of relevant UK wildlife legislation (e.g., Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981) and planning policies related to species and habitat protection.
• Health & Safety: Understanding of health and safety protocols associated with ecological surveys, including risk assessments for fieldwork.
• GIS and Mapping Tools: Proficiency in using GIS software for habitat mapping and data analysis.

Desirable qualifications

• Licenses: Holding relevant protected species licenses (e.g., for bats or great crested newts) is highly advantageous.
• Chartered Status: Membership of a relevant professional body, such as CIEEM, or working towards chartership (e.g., Chartered Ecologist, CEcol).
• Invasive Species Management: Experience in developing and implementing invasive species management plans.
• Data Analysis: Experience with data analysis and habitat condition assessments, including familiarity with biodiversity metrics.
• Stakeholder Liaison: Experience liaising with clients, local authorities, and statutory bodies to ensure compliance with ecological standards and project requirements.
• Flexible Working: Willingness to travel and conduct fieldwork in various UK locations, often under challenging environmental conditions.