Seasonal Assistant Ecologist Job

IES Consulting is a small ecological consultancy based just south of Bristol, so we’re ideally situated for you to gain experience with a wide variety of species and habitats. Established in 2009, our staff have over 40 years’ combined experience in the sector working on a wide range of projects from minor home improvements up to large multi-phase developments and national infrastructure. Our team are experienced in managing complex scenarios including a wide range of UK habitats and fauna. We are a Registered Practice with CIEEM, and ethical employment is one of the key values on which the company is run.

We are looking to recruit a seasonal assistant ecologist to join our friendly, professional team. We don’t expect you to have much experience – if any – what we’re looking for is someone who is enthusiastic about wildlife and nature and eager to learn. If you have done any ecological work (volunteer or paid), please let us know in your covering email.

Ideally your contract would run from Monday 3rd March 2025 to allow for induction time ahead of a busy survey season, and would be for seven months. There is the potential for this to become a permanent role.

About You

• Educated to at least degree level or equivalent in a relevant subject
• Eligible for membership of CIEEM at Qualifying level
• Enthusiastic about the natural environment
• Self-motivated and fast learner, able to work independently
• Excellent written English and good communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to work outside of normal working hours, and excellent time-keeping
• Live within commuting distance of Bristol or willing to relocate to within a reasonable distance of the office & eligible to work in the UK (we cannot sponsor visa applications)
• A team-player who will pitch in where needed to complete tasks, and who notices when things need doing

The Role

Working alongside experienced ecologists, we will train you to undertake survey work and write basic reports for clients. We understand this might be your first professional experience, and we want to make it a good one. Some of the work you’ll be asked to do will involve staying away from home, and we cover the costs of doing this.

We offer the following standard terms of employment:

• Annual salary of £24,000-£26,000 pro rata (37.5hr week) (negotiable depending on experience)
• 30 days of annual leave a year pro rata (including 8 bank holidays)
• A comprehensive TOIL system to ensure a good work life balance and we limit out of hours work to a maximum of 3 nights a week
• Sick pay at your full salary for up to 20 days per year (then statutory sick pay in accordance with the law)
• Employer contribution into your choice of pension, free annual eye test and cover the cost of upgrading your car insurance to business use
• As you’d expect, we provide all the equipment you need to do your job, including PPE and branded clothing, laptop and mobile phone
• A well-appointed dog-friendly office space in the south Bristol countryside ensuring you get plenty of contact time with the senior team to develop your skills and career
• Fully funded company away days and social events

The following skills are highly desirable:

• Knowledge of QGIS
• Experience working under protected species survey licences
• Evidence of ability to undertake simple Preliminary Ecological Appraisals
• Previous ecological survey experience, especially bat surveys
• Bat acoustic analysis experience
• Full driving licence and access to own vehicle

Closing date 12th January 2025, but please note we will be assessing applications on a rolling basis and will close to applications prior to that if we have the right candidate pool.

Please send a covering email highlighting your ecological interests and what you’ve done to develop those with a CV of no more than 2 sides of A4 to jobs@iesconsult.co.uk. If you’d like to have an informal chat about the role, please email to arrange a suitable time. Interviews will be held in person at our office on 20th and 22nd January 2025. We will reimburse costs for those selected for interview.