At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological surveys and manage projects to protect wildlife and inspire nature lovers.
- Company: Essex Wildlife Trust, the leading conservation charity in Essex.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, life assurance, and supportive work culture.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to conservation and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity and mentor the next generation of ecologists.
- Qualifications: Degree in Ecology or related field with 7+ years of consultancy experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Essex Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading conservation charity, committed to protecting wildlife and inspiring a lifelong love of nature. By 2030 we aim to protect and connect 30% of land and sea and inspire 1 in 4 people in Essex to take action for wildlife.
We are the Essex Wildlife Trust’s ecological consultancy delivering sustainable solutions for biodiversity, development, and conservation across Essex and the south east. Our dedicated ecology team works on diverse projects ranging from infrastructure, species surveys, to habitat restoration and nature recovery.
We are seeking an experienced Ecologist to join our growing ecology team. You will play a key role in managing ecological surveys, leading projects, mentoring junior staff, and providing expert advice to clients. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to progress their career within a supportive and forward‑thinking consultancy.
Key Responsibilities- Lead ecological surveys (e.g. Phase 1 / UKHab, protected species, habitat assessments)
- Manage projects from inception to delivery, ensuring quality and compliance
- Prepare and review ecological reports, including impact assessments and mitigation strategies
- Provide ecological advice to clients, consultants and planning authorities
- Mentor and support junior ecologists in technical and professional development
- Contribute to business development, including preparing proposals and tenders
- Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline
- Proven experience in consultancy or applied ecology (minimum 7 years preferred)
- Strong knowledge of UK and EU wildlife legislation and planning policy
- Demonstrable experience with protected species surveys (holding licences desirable)
- Excellent report writing and project management skills
- Membership of CIEEM (Associate or Full) or working towards chartership
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel for fieldwork
This is a permanent position working 37.5 hours per week (hours can be delivered flexibly). The salary is £30,000 to £35,000 per annum. Benefits include free life assurance, logo clothing and parking, and company sick pay provisions.
Application ProcessPlease complete an application form via our website as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this advert when a successful candidate has been appointed. If you would like an informal chat about the role, please feel free to contact.
Equal OpportunitiesEssex Wildlife Trust is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is welcome. We support the Armed Forces Covenant and provide guaranteed interviews to qualifying veterans. As a Disability Confident employer, we will make reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to accommodate applicants with disabilities.
LocationAbbotts Hall, Maldon Road, Great Wigborough, Colchester, Essex CO5 7RZ, United Kingdom
Ecologist (Consultancy) employer: Essex Wildlife Trust Ltd
Essex Wildlife Trust is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive in their ecological careers. With a strong commitment to professional development, our team enjoys opportunities for mentorship and growth while contributing to meaningful conservation projects across Essex. Located in the picturesque setting of Great Wigborough, we offer flexible working hours and a range of benefits, including life assurance and company sick pay, making it an ideal place for passionate ecologists to make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ecologist (Consultancy)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow ecologists and conservationists on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous ecological surveys and projects. We want to see your expertise in action, so make sure it’s easy to access and visually appealing.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Before your interview, run through common questions and prepare your answers. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Ecologist (Consultancy)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in ecology and consultancy. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects and achievements!
Show Off Your Report Writing Skills:Since excellent report writing is key for this role, include examples of reports you've prepared in the past. We love seeing clear, concise, and well-structured documents that demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ecological information effectively.
Highlight Your Mentoring Experience:If you’ve mentored junior staff before, make sure to mention it! We value teamwork and development, so sharing your experiences in guiding others will show us you’re a great fit for our supportive environment.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex Wildlife Trust Ltd
✨Know Your Ecology Stuff
Brush up on your knowledge of UK and EU wildlife legislation and planning policy. Be ready to discuss specific ecological surveys you've led, like Phase 1 or protected species assessments, and how they relate to the role.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of projects you've managed from start to finish. Highlight your ability to ensure quality and compliance, and be ready to discuss how you handle challenges during project delivery.
✨Demonstrate Mentorship Experience
Since mentoring junior staff is a key part of the role, think of instances where you've supported others in their professional development. Share how you approach mentoring and the impact it had on your team.
✨Be Ready for Client Conversations
As providing expert advice to clients is crucial, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully communicated complex ecological concepts to non-experts in previous roles.
