Field Ecologist (6 month contract)

APEM; Banbury; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental consultancy is seeking seasonal ecologists for a 6-month contract to conduct field surveys for protected species, such as bats and newts, in the UK. Candidates with a passion for ecology and a relevant degree are encouraged to apply. The role offers flexible working options and opportunities for career development, with many employees transitioning into permanent positions. The role involves working up to five days a week, with potential overnight stays required.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Access to mental health first aiders

Comprehensive income protection

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Graduate or post-graduate with a passion for ecology.
• Ability to work ecological hours and travel as needed.
• Full driving licence and insured car for business use.

Responsibilities

• Conduct surveys for protected species, including bats and reptiles.
• Assist with data reporting from survey results.
• Support experienced terrestrial ecologists in ecological consultancy.

Skills

Interest in Natural History

Knowledge of UK wildlife

Flexibility

Confidence with protected species

Job description

About The Role

Are you a graduate or post-graduate with a passion for ecology, looking to gain experience of ecological field survey work? Are you looking to use and hone your natural history and field identification skills, carrying out surveys for Britain's protected species such as bats, badgers and great crested newts?

Aspect Ecology is looking for seasonal ecologists to assist with survey work for at least 6 months over what will be a busy 2026 season. Your focus will be to carry out surveys across, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire with some work taking you further afield to include Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire. You will need to be based close to Banbury to allow for training and equipment pick up and drop off as required.

You will be supporting and supported by an experienced in-house team of terrestrial ecologists who provide ecological consultancy services to a well-established base of high-profile clients. With a focus on integrating ecological habitats and wildlife benefits within new developments. During the role you will undertake a range of terrestrial ecology survey work and site supervisions. Focusing on faunal species, including bats, reptiles, great crested newts, with potential to work with other species including dormouse and badger. You will also gain exposure to assisting with simple reporting of data from survey results.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

• A flexible and enthusiastic approach.
• Confidence to work with protected species surveys (e.g. reptiles, amphibians), training provided.
• Sound knowledge of UK wildlife and a keen interest in Natural History.
• Ability to work ecological hours and travel with some requirement for overnight stays.
• Willingness to work up to five days per week, with opportunities for weekend work.
• A full driving licence and own car, insured for business use.

Please note we have several 6 month contracts and through the Spring and Summer months, starting in March/April. Many of our contracted staff have gone on to permanent employment with ourselves so this could represent an opportunity to start a formal career in ecological consulting.

You will be offered the chance to work on a variety of projects, many of our employees have worked on projects that have been of personal interest to them. We match this with a commitment to continuous development and learning to support your career. We also offer benefits to look after you, from private medical insurance for all employees, access to mental health first aiders and comprehensive income protection if you cannot work. We also offer superb flexible working options, balancing work with your life.

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 some basic information and your CV, we will review all applications quickly and will 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.