Ecologist/Assistant Ecologist in Watford

Abbas Ecology Ltd needs a keen and motivated individual to join our growing business. The post will be permanent, following completion of a successful trial period. Work is across Southern counties but with a bias towards Dorset. Dorset is a wonderful place to live and work and has species and habitats that are almost unknown elsewhere.

The postholder will take part in a varied work programme delivering support for a wide range of clients across the region.

We are looking for applicants who have:

• At least two years’ experience working as an ecologist or similar role.
• A relevant degree or suitable experience.
• Demonstrable report writing skills, can produce examples of Ecological Impact Assessments or similar.
• An understanding of mitigation methods that are required to address the effect of a planning proposal on habitats and species.
• Some knowledge of bat analysis software and systems that can organise data collected in the field.
• Familiarisation with the BNG metric. Experience of completing the metric and producing suitable maps will be an advantage.
• Familiarisation with the UK Habitats Classification Scheme will be an advantage.
• Working towards or have a bat or other protected species license (level 1/CL17/ or level 2/Cl18). FISC level 3 or higher would be an advantage.
• Good terrestrial ecology field work skills.
• An understanding of Wildlife Legislation and planning protocol.
• Excellent communication skills with some experience of client liaison.
• Relevant training in the field which has contributed to your CPD.

The applicant will be expected to be a member/become a member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). Abbas Ecology will fund membership for the duration of the contract and CPD will be supported. There is a training budget associated with this post, as well as links to other experts and conservation groups.

You will be expected to work unsociable hours in the peak season, but weekend work is unusual. The company promotes flexible working hours, and extra hours worked in the peak can be taken as time off in lieu during quieter times. The job offers 5 weeks paid holiday per annum. You will be enrolled in the UK government’s NEST pension scheme. Staff benefit from a company profit sharing scheme.

Abbas Ecology has been growing since 2012 but remains a small, intimate consultancy. We work on a wide range of schemes including monitoring underground mine shafts, introducing biodiverse habitats to solar farms, and supporting clients deliver mitigation for substantial housing developments. You will benefit from flexible hours and home working, but we are a friendly group who maintain daily contact. We have utilised Microsoft TEAMS and other cloud-based systems for several years so are ahead of the curve for supporting working from home. A lot of training is delivered in-house through regular staff meetings, we can also draw on the expertise of local experts and maintain contact with local wildlife charities. Working in our region offers the opportunity to work with a diverse range of habitats and species including national parks, statutory protected areas, coast, brownfield, urban and farmland.

Apply through LinkedIn or contact 07500 781973 for more information and an application form. Applicants will be requested to submit an example of their prepared reports, where available.