Ecologist jobs in United Kingdom

Do you have what it takes to transform society?

We are looking for a Ornithology Ecologist who is enthusiastic, curious and looking for that next challenge. This role can be worked flexibly with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office/on site and the option of adjusted start and finish times at our Edinburgh office.

We have an amazing opportunity to join our growing team in the UK whilst being a key part of driving our strategies with regards to Nature Recovery, biodiversity net gain and Natural Capital. This is an exciting time to join Sweco and if you want to be part of a company who is small in all the best ways but large enough to provide a diverse and exciting workload, this job is for you.

What does the role involve?

As an ornithology ecologist you'll have the opportunity to conduct site surveys on meaningful environmental projects across the UK, as well as well as leading projects and deliver technical writing.

Role responsibilities may include:

• Undertaking wintering and breeding bird surveys, following standard survey methods, across the UK.
• Managing small projects including liaison with project managers and clients on the delivery of ecological requirements within multi-disciplinary tenders and projects.
• Undertake other ecological surveys including preliminary ecological appraisals and protected species surveys.
• Undertake analysis, evaluation, interpretation and presentation of ecological data.
• Technical report writing including production of preliminary ecological appraisal reports, ecological impact assessments, and protected species licence applications.
• Performing the role of an Ecological Clerk of Works on construction projects.

In return you'll get to work on key projects, and we'll provide the support and development you need as you work towards gaining licences to work with different protected species. We understand work life balance is important and will make sure you get time back in lieu for additional hours spent surveying during the season.

To be successful in this role you'll have:

• Strong experience in ornithological surveying, including breeding and non-breeding bird assemblages.
• Excellent bird ID skills and knowledge of UK species.
• Experience of managing small ecology projects from inception through to construction.
• Thorough understanding of UK survey methodology following relevant legislation, guidelines and best practice.
• Experience conducting preliminary ecological appraisals (PEA), protected species surveys and/or habitat surveys.
• Report writing experience including PEA reports, Ecological Impact Assessments and protected species licences.
• Have a degree in Ecology, Environmental or Earth Sciences or a related discipline.
• CIEEM membership (desirable).
• ECoW experience.
• Current and full driving licence and willing to travel to site.
• An adaptable and flexible approach to work as ecology roles typically involve occasional longer and/or unsociable hours and a degree of working away from home

If you believe you have the skill set required, are keen to join a business with genuine opportunities for career progression, then we'd love to hear from you.

Let's transform society together at Sweco.com/careers

About Us

Transforming society together, we're planning and designing sustainable communities and cities of the future.

Solving the great societal challenges of our time is more relevant, demanding and inspiring than ever before. At Sweco, we bring together experts with different perspectives and skills to develop solutions that address the challenges of urbanisation, harness the positive power of digitalisation and make societies more sustainable.

We offer our clients a combination of global expertise and local presence, adapted to their business and reality. Our ambition is to be our clients' most relevant partner, working together to help them solve their challenges, today and into the future.

Sweco is committed to enabling all its colleagues to achieve a great balance between work and their other priorities, such as caring responsibilities, leisure activities, further learning or other interests. We offer flexible start and finish times, part time and hybrid working options so that you can flex your hours around your day to day needs.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

It's important to us that that all our colleagues thrive at work - we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture which respects the contribution individuals can bring to Sweco. We aim to promote equality, inclusivity and diversity for everyone.

Here at Sweco we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity.

We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant to ensure those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly. To find out more The Armed Forces Covenant - Our Commitments | Sweco UK .

We are also proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer, and will interview applicants covered by the Equality Act 2010 that opt into the guaranteed interview scheme on the application form and meet the minimum criteria for the role.

If I have a disability, can I get help (e.g. "reasonable adjustments") with the application process?

If you're an applicant with a disability that requires a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability or unable to use the online application system and need an alternative method for applying, please contact GB_Function-HR-Resourcing@sweco.co.uk for assistance.

In order to address your request the following information is needed:

• Name

• The best method for contacting you (Phone or email)

• The position title

• Requisition/vacancy number

Upon receipt of this information, we'll respond to you promptly to obtain more information about your request.

Please note: we reserve the right to close vacancies before the advertised closing date.

Sweco UK&I have an internal resourcing team who are responsible for all recruiting activity. We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted agencies who we work with on those "hard to fill" roles.

We have defined processes for recruitment applications and it is company policy not to accept speculative CVs. Any speculative CVs received into the business (whether to a manager or member of the resourcing team) will become the property of Sweco and the agency will not be eligible for an introductory fee.

Our Preferred Supplier List was reviewed in November 2024 and we are not looking to add any additional agencies. We'll be reviewing the PSL again at the end of 2025 and non-compliance with the above statements could be detrimental to you having the opportunity to be included.

Our Talent Community for experienced professionals is a great way to keep up to date with our latest news, insights, future vacancies, as well as gaining access to exclusive events hosted by our experts.

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