At a Glance
- Tasks: Support ecological services through fieldwork and office reporting on diverse projects.
- 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 mentorship from experienced consultants.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
Your new company 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 involves supporting the delivery of ecological services across a varied project portfolio, split between fieldwork and office-based reporting, contributing to projects from initial survey through to planning submission.
You will:
- 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!
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 Specialist Recruitment Limited
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, mentoring 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.
Contact Details:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
