Graduate Ecologists

Tetra Tech, Inc.; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in Cardiff is seeking a talented Graduate Ecologist to support habitat and protected species surveys. The ideal candidate will have a minimum 2:1 degree in ecology or related field, with strong communication skills and the willingness to travel. This role offers flexible working hours, career development opportunities, and a supportive environment for early career professionals.

Benefits

Internal and external training and mentoring

Bat handling license incentivization scheme

Financial bonus for achieving Chartered Ecologist status

Qualifications

• Student or qualifying member of CIEEM, or evidence of working toward securing membership.
• Ability to obtain SC clearance and DBS check.
• Valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior ecologists in conducting habitat and protected species surveys.
• Collect, analyse and interpret ecological data.
• Prepare fee proposals and contribute to client reports.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Understanding of ecological survey principles

Willingness to travel

Education

Minimum 2:1 degree in ecology, conservation or related discipline

Job description

Overview

In a graduate role you will work on exciting, ground‑breaking projects from day one, with support to grow in your chosen discipline and training to develop the core skills needed to succeed in a professional organisation. Our early careers programme gives you the chance to connect with others across the region and business who are also starting their career, as well as mentoring, Chartership support and bonuses.

As Tetra Tech builds on its demonstrable track record as one of the leading global environmental consultancies, we are seeking a talented Graduate Ecologist to support and assist our highly skilled ecologists as they undertake a range of habitat and protected species surveys, including bats, reptiles, amphibians, otters and barn owls, desktop studies, data analysis and report writing.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior ecologists in conducting habitat and protected species surveys (bats, reptiles, amphibians, otters, barn owls) and desktop studies.
• Collect, analyse and interpret ecological data to support project deliverables and report writing.
• Prepare fee proposals and contribute to client reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with colleagues from across the wider business on multidisciplinary projects and opportunities.
• Attend offices, events or sites as required and show flexibility to work unsociable hours, including evenings and early mornings.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:1 or equivalent degree (or equivalent) in ecology, conservation or a related discipline.
• Student or qualifying member of CIEEM, or evidence of working toward securing membership.
• Understanding of the principles of ecological survey and mitigation work.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to work flexible, unsociable hours including evenings and early mornings.
• Willingness to travel for work.
• Valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is desirable.
• Ability to obtain SC clearance and DBS check.

Team Benefits

• Over 90 permanent ecologists across 14 offices working as one cohesive team.
• Time away from home minimised.
• IT systems that allow seamless remote and flexible working; proximity to an office is not a barrier.
• Site‑based cars or car allowances for every team member, including personal use.
• Established TOIL system to enable time management that suits personal needs alongside seasonal demands.
• Career frameworks that provide clarity on progress and professional development.
• Internal and external training and mentoring from in‑house experts.
• Bat handling licence incentivisation scheme.
• Financial bonus for achieving Chartered Ecologist status through CIEEM.
• Opportunities to work closely with Planners, Archaeologists, Landscape Architects, Masterplanners and Engineers.

Company Overview

Tetra Tech is a leading technical, engineering and environmental consultancy. We provide data‑driven, market‑leading solutions in water, environment, infrastructure, energy and international development across the UK and Europe. With more than 6,000 employees and 50 offices, our unique organisational structure enables us to be nimble and responsive while backed by global resources.

We are award‑winning in ecology, having received the CIEEM Awards for Large Consultancy of the Year in 2023 and 2025, and for Large Scale Mitigation Project of the Year in 2023.