Graduate Ecologist

Tetra Tech; Bristol; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy is seeking a Graduate Ecologist to assist in habitat and species surveys. This role offers extensive training and development, with clear pathways for career progression. Candidates should have a minimum 2:1 degree in ecology or a related field and be willing to work flexible hours. The position is based in the UK (locations include Bristol). Applications close on 31 October 2025.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Training and mentoring from experts

Financial bonus for Chartered Ecologist status

Qualifications

• Must be a student or qualifying member of CIEEM.
• Valid UK driving licence and ideally access to a vehicle.
• Willingness to travel for work.

Responsibilities

• Support ecologists in undertaking habitat and protected species surveys.
• Assist with data analysis and report writing.
• Develop field craft and consultancy skills.

Skills

Understanding of ecological survey and mitigation principles

Good written and verbal communication skills

Willingness to work flexible, unsocial hours

Ability to obtain SC clearance and DBS check

Education

Minimum 2:1 Degree or equivalent in ecology, conservation or a related discipline

Job description

Overview

Are you looking for an exciting, interesting career role where you can help make a difference for the future. Tetra Tech is a leading technical, engineering, and environmental consultancy. We provide data-driven, market-leading water, environment, infrastructure, energy, and international development solutions to clients in the UK and Europe.

We deliver locally and we’re backed globally. In the UK and Europe, Tetra Tech has more than 6,000 employees and more than 50 offices. Our unique organisational structure enables us to be nimble and respond with the agility of a small business, backed by international resources and capabilities from across the world.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do! They help our clients succeed, our business prosper and the communities we work in thrive. We need the very best people to maintain our position as a market leader and so provide a collaborative environment that supports individual performance, innovation, and creativity.

Role and Location

Role Title: Graduate Ecologist
Start Date: Summer 2026
Location: Southampton, Bristol or Cardiff

Role Description

Are you looking to put your academic learning into practice? Are you hoping to turn your passion for Ecology into a career? Or looking for an opportunity to receive training and mentoring to develop your field craft and consultancy skills from a team of ecology experts? This is your chance to start your career at our award-winning Ecology consultancy, recognised with awards such as Large Consultancy of the Year at the CIEEM Awards in 2023 and 2025, and Large Scale Mitigation Project of the Year in 2023.

The Role / Key Duties

As Tetra Tech builds on its demonstrable track record as a leading global environmental consultancy, we are seeking a Graduate Ecologist to support and assist our ecologists in undertaking a range of habitat and protected species surveys, including bats, reptiles, amphibians, otters, barn owls, desktop studies, data analysis, and report writing. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop field craft and consultancy skills as part of a professional team in the great outdoors. The role includes assisting with habitat surveys, data analysis, and fee proposals alongside extensive training. Career pathways are defined for all grades of ecologist, with clear routes to progression and professional development.

This is an opportunity to develop your career while shaping the world we live in. You will work with colleagues from across the wider business on multi-disciplinary opportunities and projects, so a willingness to understand how other parts of the business work will be required.

About the Ecology Team

• Over 90 permanent ecologists across 14 offices working as one cohesive team.
• Time away from home minimised; IT systems enable remote and flexible working.
• Site-based cars or car allowances for all team members, including for personal use.
• Established TOIL system to allow time management to suit personal needs alongside seasonal demands.
• Career frameworks provide clarity on progression.
• Internal and external training and mentoring, including from in-house experts.
• Bat handling licence incentivisation scheme to recognise effort in achieving licences.
• Financial bonus awarded for Chartered Ecologist status through CIEEM.
• Collaboration with Planners, Archaeologists, Landscape Architects, Masterplanners and Engineers; support is available across the business.

Qualifications/Skills requirements

• Minimum 2:1 Degree or equivalent in ecology, conservation or a related discipline
• Be a student or qualifying member of CIEEM (or evidence of working towards it)
• Understanding of ecological survey and mitigation principles
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to work flexible, unsocial hours including evenings and occasionally early mornings
• Willingness to travel for work
• Valid UK driving licence and ideally access to a vehicle
• Ability to obtain SC clearance and DBS check

Application Closing Date: 31 October 2025
Assessment Centre: February 2026

Flexible Working and Inclusion

We are happy to discuss flexible working for this role, including reduced or compressed hours and flexible start or finish times. We can offer a range of solutions to support work/life balance. Attending offices, events or sites as necessary to deliver the role is required.

We strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves. If you have a disability, learning difficulty, medical condition or any other individual need, we will discuss reasonable adjustments to our application and selection process.

Tetra Tech is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates irrespective of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity/shared parental leave, in line with the Equalities Act 2010.

Find out more at: https://www.tetratecheurope.com/careers/early-careers/