Assistant/Consultant Ecologist in Leicester

Assistant/Consultant Ecologist in Leicester

Leicester Full-Time 31500 £ / year Home office (partial)
Hays Construction and Property

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support ecological services through surveys, data management, and report preparation.
  • Company: A growing Midlands-based environmental consultancy with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, clear progression opportunities, and supportive team environment.
  • Other info: Enjoy a varied workload and the chance to develop your career in a friendly team.
  • Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in ecological consultancy while making a positive environmental impact.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Ecology or related field, with some survey experience preferred.

Your new company My client is a growing, Midlands-based environmental consultancy providing pragmatic, solution-focused ecological and arboricultural services to a wide range of clients. They are particularly active in supporting residential and education sector developments, helping clients navigate environmental constraints and planning requirements efficiently. They are known for their hands-on, collaborative approach, offering clear communication, fast turnaround times, and commercially aware advice that keeps projects on track. As a small, close-knit team, they offer a supportive and flexible working environment where early-career staff are given meaningful responsibility and exposure to projects from the outset.

Your new role As an Assistant Ecologist, you will support the delivery of ecological services across a varied project portfolio. Your role will be split between fieldwork and office-based reporting, contributing to projects from initial survey through to planning submission.

  • Assist with ecological surveys, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), UKHab habitat surveys, and protected species surveys
  • Collect, record, and manage ecological data accurately in the field
  • Support licensed ecologists during specialist surveys, including dusk/dawn work where required
  • Assist in preparing technical reports and ecological assessments to support planning applications
  • Produce figures and mapping using GIS software
  • Support Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) calculations and assessments
  • Work closely with senior staff to help deliver projects efficiently and to a high standard
  • Contribute to providing practical, solution-led advice that aligns ecological requirements with client objectives

This is a varied role offering exposure to the full project lifecycle and the opportunity to quickly build experience within a consultancy setting.

What you'll need to succeed A degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field A sound understanding of UK habitats, species, and wildlife legislation Some experience of ecological surveys in a consultancy setting Strong written communication skills, with the ability to contribute to technical reports Good organisational skills and attention to detail A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites It would also be beneficial if you have:

  • Experience with UKHab classification
  • Knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
  • Familiarity with GIS software (e.g. QGIS or ArcGIS)
  • Membership with CIEEM
  • Experience assisting with protected species surveys

Just as important as technical skills, my client is looking for someone who is enthusiastic, reliable, and solutions-focused, with a genuine interest in developing a career in ecological consultancy.

What you'll get in return A competitive salary, ranging from £28,000 to £35,000, varying with experience, and a performance-based bonus at the end of each year. Flexible hybrid working Regular pay reviews undertaken annually. Clear progression opportunities - support towards protected species licences, CIEEM membership, and progression into more senior roles as your experience develops Development and mentoring - working closely with experienced consultants who will support your technical growth and help you gain confidence in both fieldwork and reporting A supportive team culture - working within a small, friendly team that values collaboration, communication, and mutual support Varied and engaging workload - a healthy mix of site work and office-based tasks Membership in industry bodies paid. Enhanced Maternity / Paternity pay (currently under review) Holiday entitlement and pay - 26 days per year plus 8 bank holidays. Each employee is also given a free additional day of annual leave on their birthday. No Timesheets! Manage your own time, with time back where you exceed your contracted hours. An overtime system is available to help you track your time, should you choose. We are currently reviewing our benefits. If there is a perk that you feel would be good, let me know, and my client will review it!

What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.

Assistant/Consultant Ecologist in Leicester employer: Hays Construction and Property

Join a dynamic and supportive environmental consultancy in the Midlands, where you will be part of a close-knit team dedicated to delivering high-quality ecological services. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have access to clear progression opportunities, mentorship from experienced consultants, and a flexible working environment that values collaboration and communication. Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the field of ecology.

Hays Construction and Property

Contact Details:

Hays Construction and Property Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant/Consultant Ecologist in Leicester

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 Hays Construction and Property.

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 Hays Construction and Property and can help us land that full-time gig.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant/Consultant Ecologist in Leicester

Ecological Surveys
Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs)
UKHab Habitat Surveys
Protected Species Surveys
Data Management
Technical Report Writing
GIS Software (e.g. QGIS, ArcGIS)

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 Hays Construction and Property.

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. Hays Construction and Property 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 Assistant/Consultant Ecologist at Hays Construction and Property. 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 Hays Construction and Property

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 Hays Construction and Property, 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 Hays Construction and Property 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.