Assistant Ecologists

Clarkson and Woods has opportunities for several seasonal Assistant Ecologists to help support our team during the busy field season. This is an excellent opportunity to learn some practical survey and mitigation techniques for a range of species and habitats alongside gaining experience of technical report writing and data presentation in our busy yet friendly and fun office. We operate a mix of office based and home working, with office attendance currently being at least 2 days per week, although the new assistants would be expected to attend the office initially 4 days per week to ensure adequate training and guidance can be provided by colleagues.  Much of the assistant ecologist role will entail field work but we aim to provide a diversity of opportunity with the expectation that candidates will assist in managing projects, preparing reports and processing data.

Clarkson and Woods is a well-established and highly regarded ecological consultancy operating mainly in southern England. We offer a friendly, supportive, and well-equipped work environment. Job satisfaction and continuing professional development are core elements of our ethos. We take pride in providing a comprehensive training programme each year which includes guest lectures, workshops and practical field based training sessions which all staff are encouraged to attend.

You will be working on a range of projects, generally within Somerset and surrounding counties, but often further afield. You will expand your knowledge base and receive training in the field, surveying for protected species, including great crested newts, dormice and bats, as well as Phase 1 survey skills. At the office, you will be involved in report writing and have opportunities to attend specialist training including grassland species. Mentoring will be provided by Senior and Principal Ecologists within our 20+ strong team.

Successful applicants will need to be enthusiastic, independent, reliable and trustworthy. The nature of our work will require you to work outside of normal office hours, including field surveys for bats and newts during the evenings and early mornings. Travel throughout the UK (mainly Southern England and Wales) will be required, as will occasional overnight stays. All Ecologists are expected to work overtime during our busiest periods. Overtime is paid at standard hourly rates, and all business expenses are reimbursed.

Specification:

• A degree in an appropriate science discipline, ideally ecology or biology
• A passion for wildlife
• An ability to communicate effectively
• Ideally candidates should have a basic understanding of surveying for protected species. Experience of such surveys would be an advantage although full training will be given
• Candidates should be familiar with wildlife legislation within the UK and ideally have a basic understanding of the planning system and planning policy guidance
• Candidates must be well organised and bring a ‘can-do’ attitude with them
• Professional experience and membership to CIEEM is desirable although it is not essential
• Candidates must hold a full UK driving licence. Given our rural office location, your own transport is a necessity
• Minimum 6 month contract.

We offer:

• A varied and interesting role with extensive training and a supportive team
• A competitive salary based on experience
• Flexi-time and Time-Off In Lieu working arrangements
• A 4-day working week at full pay
• Enrolment in to our Pension Scheme
• Access to our training schedule throughout the year
• Access to our small fleet of company vehicles for field surveys
• Company perks including tickets to music festivals, theatre trips, staff parties etc.
• We are an ethically conscious employer committed to the promotion of positive environmental and social change

If you are an experienced or aspiring Ecological Consultant and feel your skill set is beyond that outlined above we are always interested to hear from you.

Applications should be made by sending a covering letter and your CV to [email protected].  Both the CV and Covering Letter should have your name included within the file name for our ease of reference. Please title your email: Job Application: Assistant Ecologist.  

If you require further information or would like to discuss the role please call our office on 01934 712500 and ask to speak to Tom.