Graduate Ecologist

We invite you to bring your strong desire to make meaningful, positive change and your passion for nature conservation into play in our Ecosystems Solutions Service Line. Depending on the role, you would undertake ecological surveys and produce high quality reports including habitat and species surveys, support the delivery of a range of biodiversity project work, alongside our Ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) specialists or support the delivery of a range of project work with a broad environmental and sustainability remit founded in biology and ecosystems knowledge.

To succeed in this role, you must be willing to develop your ecological or conservation skills to assist in more complex work or to develop skills as part of our team delivering environmental net gain, biodiversity and natural capital, and nature-based solutions. You would ideally be a Member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management or be eligible to qualify for membership at the appropriate grade.

We are looking for Graduate Ecologists in our teams based in Leeds, Edinburgh, Bristol, Southampton, Exeter, London. Please ensure you specify your location preferences on your application.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Undertake desk studies for ecological and ornithological data
• Assist with survey planning including preparation of Health and Safety Plans
• Undertake field surveys for flora, habitats and protected species (including working on remote, upland sites across Scotland)
• Undertake ornithological surveys for renewable energy and linear infrastructure developments

Key Deliverables (First 12-24 Months)

• Preliminary Ecological Appraisal / Ecological Impact Assessment
• Species survey reports
• Biodiversity Net Gain assessment

Your Skills and Experience

For this role, we believe your starting point is:

• A Bachelors or Masters degree in one of the following: Biology, Ecology, Environmental Biology, Conservation Biology, Marine Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Ecosystem Services, Natural Capital or Ecological Economics
• Member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management or be eligible to qualify for membership at the appropriate grade
• Experience with IT packages including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Numerically competent
• Excellent English communication skills, both oral and written
• Excellent report writing skills

Benefits

• Hybrid and flexible working
• 27 days holiday per year and 8 days bank holiday
• Professional subscription and support in becoming chartered
• Range of employee benefits, such as cycle-to-work scheme, private medical insurance, discounted Taste card subscription, Gymflex and many more.

Selection Process

• Step 1: Apply online
• Step 2: Shortlisting
• Step 3: Interviews and/or Assessment Centre

How to Apply

Apply online. Attach your CV, cover letter and relevant documents showcasing why you are the right fit for the role in line with the requirements above. In a separate document, please address the following questions: and attach to your application.

What are the main environmental challenges where you live, why they are important to you, and how you would help solve them? (max. 500 words)

PLEASE NOTE: YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE REJECTED IF THE APPLICATION QUESTIONS ARE NOT COMPLETED.

We personally review every application, as our selection process is fully human-led. It’s absolutely fine to use tools to support you—for example, to check spelling and grammar or to gather background research—but we ask that your answers reflect your own original thoughts. That way, we get to know the real you, and your responses will be a true foundation for your interview.

Based on the volume of applications received we reserve the right to close applications early.