Ecologist - Maternity Cover (14-Month Fixed Term)

Allen & York Ltd; Hertford; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental organization is seeking an experienced Ecologist for a 14-month maternity cover, focused on habitat creation and biodiversity enhancement. This role involves managing habitat projects, conducting ecological assessments, and collaborating with stakeholders to promote sustainability and ecological recovery across multiple regions in the UK. Join us in making a significant positive impact on the environment while enjoying flexible working arrangements and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Flexible remote/hybrid working

Generous annual leave

Pension and bonus schemes

Wellbeing days

Training support

Medical cashback

Qualifications

• Degree in ecology, environmental science, or related field (postgraduate preferred).
• CIEEM Associate membership is required.
• Experience in ecological surveys and project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Manage small-scale habitat projects from scoping to implementation.
• Conduct site walkovers and ecological assessments.
• Liaise with landowners to foster long-term partnerships.

Skills

Botanical ID skills

Communication

GIS proficiency

Education

Degree in ecology or environmental science

CIEEM Associate membership

Job description

Ecologist - Maternity Cover (14-Month Fixed Term)

Location: Hertfordshire / Bedfordshire / Cambridgeshire (Remote with regional travel)
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience

Are you an experienced ecologist ready to make a tangible impact on nature recovery at scale? This is a rare opportunity to join a purpose-led organisation committed to reversing biodiversity loss through innovative, landscape-scale habitat creation.

We're looking for a passionate and skilled Ecologist to support the delivery of large-scale habitat projects across the Home Counties. This 14-month maternity cover role is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative, field-based role and is looking to contribute to meaningful, measurable environmental outcomes.

About The Role:

You'll play a pivotal role in progressing and monitoring habitat creation projects, known as Habitat Banks, across your region. You'll work with a multidisciplinary team to identify new opportunities, carry out ecological assessments, liaise with landowners, and support the development of biodiversity strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage small-scale habitat projects from scoping to implementation
• Conduct site walkovers, UK Habitat Classification surveys, and botanical assessments
• Analyse ecological data and produce Biodiversity Net Gain calculations
• Support habitat design and develop detailed management plans
• Use GIS to present habitat baselines and proposed restoration measures
• Liaise with landowners and stakeholders to foster long-term partnerships
• Assist with ecological monitoring and adaptive management of existing sites

About You:

You'll bring a strong foundation in UK ecology and habitat assessment, along with a genuine commitment to biodiversity enhancement. You're comfortable working independently across multiple sites, with the confidence to build relationships and adapt plans in response to real-world conditions.

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

• Degree in ecology, environmental science, or related field (postgraduate preferred)
• CIEEM Associate membership
• Botanical ID skills (FISC Level 3 or equivalent)
• Experience in ecological surveys and project delivery
• Familiarity with Biodiversity Net Gain and UK environmental policy
• GIS proficiency and strong communication skills
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel

What's on Offer:

Enjoy flexible remote/hybrid working, generous annual leave, pension and bonus schemes, wellbeing days, training support, medical cashback, and more, all while making a real impact on the UK's ecological future.

About us

Allen & York have been matching purposeful people with purpose-led organisations for 30 years. We partner with our clients and candidates on roles that build an understanding of climate change, promote sustainability and create inclusive and responsible organisations, working towards a sustainable world for us all.

Committed to inclusiveness in the workplace, we aim to increase diversity across all areas and therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, or whether or not they have a disability.

Let us help build a better world, together.