At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological surveys and enhance habitats for bittern recovery in Somerset.
- Company: Local charity dedicated to improving Somerset's natural environment.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension contributions, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working and a chance to lead a passionate volunteer group.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on wildlife recovery and engage with local communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in ecology and habitat management preferred.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 28000 £ per year.
Contract type: Fixed term, until the end of March 2029
Working hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £28,000 per annum
Salary Banding: Level 3
Location: Based in Shipham Gorge BS27, this role covers the Somerset Levels and will be a hybrid role working from the office, home and out in the field.
This exciting new role is a part of the Natural England Species Recovery Programme. The “Wild Again: Restoring England’s Wildlife” initiative aims to enhance threatened species populations across the UK. Our client is excited to lead the Bolstering the Somerset Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) population project.
About the Employer:
Our client is a local independent charity and the only organisation uniquely focused on improving the natural environment of Somerset for the benefit of wildlife and people. They champion Somerset’s stunning, diverse, and important natural environment, making the case for nature to the public and politicians. They protect wildlife and lead the recovery of the environment by example, including on their nature reserves.
About You and the Role:
The Project Ecologist will be responsible for delivering habitat and bittern species surveys across the Somerset Levels and Moors project area. This will include assessing a range of reedbed and wetland mosaic types to assess suitability for bittern, as well as engaging and advising landowners on habitat enhancement. Supported by the charity, landowner engagement will involve the identification of improvement works funded by the project. The survey work will be completed with the support of a new, dedicated volunteer group led by the Species Recovery Project Ecologist.
Responsibilities:
- Lead Ecological Surveys: Ensure correct data reporting by leading bittern, reedbed, and wetland mosaic habitat surveys across the project area (Somerset Levels and Moors). This work includes surveying on private land, as well as National Nature Reserves owned by our client, RSPB, and Natural England. Keeping up to date with data handling & reporting standards, particularly in close collaboration with Somerset Environmental Records Centre (SERC). Working closely with the Project Manager for the BSB project, sharing specialist species knowledge, reporting project progress, being involved in project meetings, and recording volunteer hours.
- Enhance Habitat Conditions: Improve reedbed and wetland mosaic sites by identifying key sites for restoration and/or enhancement, supported by specialist habitat knowledge and SERC. Collaborating with the Honeygar Land Management and Monitoring Manager to engage local landowners and organisations around the Avalon Marshes area with the aim of habitat restoration and/or enhancement for bittern recovery. Advising landowners across the Somerset Levels project area on habitat enhancement and restoration, identifying and allocating use of project funding to support work on private land. Ensure best communication practices that are in line with the organisation's standards.
- Manage Volunteers: Provide leadership and support by providing leadership and mentoring to volunteers so that they can conduct species and habitat surveys without direct supervision. Working with the Volunteering & Community Support Officer to ensure best practice when engaging and recruiting volunteers, including following safety procedures and capturing issues raised by volunteers. Contributing to the recruitment & promotion of volunteers for the new bittern survey group, which involves working closely with the Project Manager and the Marketing & Communications team.
This employer offers some fantastic benefits including:
- 7% employer pension contribution
- Life assurance
- Annual professional institution subscription, if applicable
- Payment of relevant licenses and tickets
- Flexible and agile working
- Wellbeing support – Employee Assistance Program, wellbeing champions
- Diversity networks – through a network of affiliated charities
- Paid volunteer days
- Continuous Professional Development opportunities
- 33 days of holiday (25 + bank holidays)
- The opportunity to make a real and positive difference to nature, communities and the climate
Closing date: Friday 31 July 2026
Interested? Please click the job board apply button to be taken to the next stage. There you can find out more information and complete your application by following the instructions (you may need to scroll down).
No agencies please.
Locations
Project Ecologist - Species Recovery in Bath, Somerset employer: CHM
As a leading charity dedicated to supporting individuals living with MS, this organisation offers a vibrant and progressive work environment where your contributions truly matter. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will benefit from clear career progression opportunities and a supportive team culture that encourages collaboration and innovation. Located in London N4, the role provides flexibility for remote work, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life while making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Ecologist - Species Recovery in Bath, Somerset
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like CHM.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like CHM and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Ecologist - Species Recovery in Bath, Somerset
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at CHM.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. CHM will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Project Ecologist - Species Recovery at CHM. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at CHM
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at CHM, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show CHM that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
