Graduate Ecologist

Tetra Tech Europe; Cockermouth; Hybrid; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Early Careers Programme

Job summary

Tetra Tech Europe is seeking a Graduate Ecologist to join our award-winning Ecology team in Cumbria. You’ll benefit from hands-on project exposure, mentoring, and access to our Early Careers Programme as you begin your long-term career with us.

The role supports habitat and protected species surveys, desktop studies, data analysis and report writing, with flexible/hybrid working and opportunities to work on diverse projects across the UK.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:1 degree in ecology, conservation or related discipline.
• Student or qualifying member of CIEEM (or working towards this).
• Good written and verbal communication skills; understanding of ecological survey and mitigation; willingness to work flexible/unsociable hours and travel; valid UK driving licence (ideally with vehicle access).
• SC clearance and DBS check required.

Responsibilities

• Support highly skilled ecologists with habitat and protected species surveys (bats, reptiles, amphibians, otters, barn owls).
• Handle desktop studies, data analysis, report writing and fee proposals.
• Collaborate on multidisciplinary projects across the wider business to deliver practical ecological solutions.

Skills

Written & verbal communication

Ecological survey understanding

Mitigation knowledge

Willingness to travel

UK driving licence

Education

2:1 degree in ecology or related discipline

Job description

Start Date: September 2027

Joining Tetra Tech as a graduate is more than starting a new job – you’ll become part of our Next Gen Talent development programme, designed to support you as you build your career with us. Alongside hands‑on experience and exposure to real projects, you’ll benefit from a structured programme of regular learning, training and development opportunities, helping you grow your technical and professional skills as you progress.

Location: Cockermouth

Start Date: September 2027

Joining Tetra Tech as a graduate is more than starting a new job – you’ll become part of our Next Gen Talent development programme, designed to support you as you build your career with us. Alongside hands‑on experience and exposure to real projects, you’ll benefit from a structured programme of regular learning, training and development opportunities, helping you grow your technical and professional skills as you progress. You’ll be supported throughout your development by experienced colleagues, giving you the opportunity to learn, build your network and develop the skills and experience needed for a successful long‑term career with Tetra Tech. Looking to turn your passion for ecology into a career where you can help shape places, projects and biodiversity outcomes? Join an award‑winning ecology team and build your technical and consultancy skills from day one.

Purpose & Scope of the Role

Tetra Tech is a leading technical, engineering and environmental consultancy delivering data‑driven solutions across water, environment, infrastructure, energy and international development. Our UK and Europe business includes over 6,000 people and 50+ offices, combining local delivery with global capability. This Graduate Ecologist role sits within our award‑winning Ecology team, supporting a national team of 90+ ecologists working across a wide range of projects and sectors. You’ll gain training, mentoring, Chartership support and access to our Early Careers Programme.

Your Impact in this position

You’ll support highly skilled ecologists with habitat and protected species surveys, including bats, reptiles, amphibians, otters and barn owls, alongside desktop studies, data analysis, report writing and fee proposals. You’ll also work with colleagues across the wider business on multidisciplinary projects, helping deliver practical, high‑quality ecological solutions.

5 Core Capabilities

• Survey Delivery – Support habitat and protected species surveys in the field, building confidence and fieldcraft.
• Desktop Studies & Data Analysis – Review site information, analyse findings and contribute to robust ecological assessment.
• Report Writing – Help prepare clear, accurate reports and supporting project documentation.
• Consultancy Skills – Develop your client‑facing and professional consultancy approach with expert mentoring.
• Teamworking & Collaboration – Work closely with planners, archaeologists, landscape architects, masterplanners and engineers.

Training, Qualifications & Experience

You’ll need a minimum 2:1 degree in ecology, conservation or a related discipline, and be a student or qualifying member of CIEEM (or working towards this). Good written and verbal communication, an understanding of ecological survey and mitigation, willingness to work flexible/unsociable hours, travel, and a valid UK driving licence (ideally with vehicle access) are essential. SC clearance and DBS check required.

Working Environment

Based in Cumbria, with flexible and hybrid working supported in line with project needs. As a graduate role, you’ll be expected to spend more time in the office initially to support learning and development. You’ll be expected to attend offices, sites and events as required, and some time in the office will be needed initially to support learning, collaboration and development.

Application Closing Date: 31st October 2026

Assessment Centre to be held: February 2027

About Tetra Tech

Tetra Tech is a leading provider of consulting and engineering services working across the full project lifecycle worldwide. We have a wide range of expertise across our teams, providing a global support network with a personalised approach to client relationships to better understand where we can add value. We provide a collaborative environment that supports individual performance, innovation, and creativity. We support public and private sector clients on local, national, and international projects to deliver sustainable and resilient solutions. Our operations in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands include more than 6,000 employees who are Leading with Science® to solve our clients’ most complex problems.

In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day‑to‑day role.