At a Glance
- Tasks: Support ecological surveys and monitor species while gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: Join a leading ecology team tackling sustainability challenges.
- Benefits: Flexible contracts, competitive pay, and accrued holiday time.
- Other info: Opportunity for career development and mentorship in a vibrant ecology community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity and learn from industry experts.
- Qualifications: Passion for ecology, strong organisation skills, and a collaborative mindset.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
About the Opportunity
We’re looking for enthusiastic Ecology Survey Assistants to support our busy summer survey season. Whether you’re a recent graduate ready to kickstart your career, a passionate naturalist eager to gain field experience, or an experienced consultant looking for flexible work, we want to hear from you. You’ll work closely with our national ecology team across a variety of projects, gaining exposure to real consultancy environments while developing your technical and field skills. Our Water & Environment business is at the forefront of tackling sustainability challenges — from renewable energy and low‑carbon solutions to climate resilience and biodiversity management — giving your work real purpose.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Support ecological surveys and species monitoring programmes
- Collect and record high‑quality biological data that informs major infrastructure and environmental decisions
- Assist with survey logistics and planning across diverse sites
- Contribute to technical reports and deliverables that shape sustainable outcomes
- Play a hands‑on role protecting habitats, species and ecosystems
Essential Qualifications
- A proactive, motivated attitude with a genuine passion for ecology
- Strong organisation and time management skills
- Willingness to travel and stay away for fieldwork (up to 4 nights per week)
- A collaborative mindset – you thrive in a team environment
- Eligibility for CIEEM membership
- Full UK driving licence (please include on your CV)
Desirable Qualifications
- A degree in ecology or a related discipline
- Experience with ecological surveys or fieldwork
Benefits
- Flexible zero‑hour contracts to fit your summer and beyond
- Work alongside a 200+ strong ecology community – learn from the best
- Exposure to specialists in bats, water voles, botany, ornithology and more
- Real career development with mentoring and technical guidance
- Opportunity to build hands‑on experience that sets you apart in the ecology field
- Competitive hourly rate
- Accrued holiday at a rate of 1.2 hours per 10 hours worked
Equal Opportunities
As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.
Ecology Survey Assistant - Peterborough employer: Jacobs
Join our dynamic team as an Ecology Survey Assistant in Peterborough, where you'll be part of a passionate community dedicated to tackling sustainability challenges. With flexible contracts, hands-on experience, and opportunities for mentorship, we empower you to grow your career while making a meaningful impact on biodiversity and environmental management. Our collaborative work culture ensures that you will learn from experts in the field, all while enjoying the benefits of accrued holiday and competitive pay.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ecology Survey Assistant - Peterborough
✨Get Involved in Local Projects
Dive into community projects or volunteer opportunities related to environmental engineering. Not only will this boost your experience, but it can also put you in touch with local professionals who might know of temporary roles. Plus, it's a great way to show your passion for the field!
✨Use Industry-Specific Platforms
Check out platforms like EnvironmentJobs or Ecotricity for temporary positions. These sites focus specifically on environmental roles and can give you a leg up in finding short-term gigs that match your skills.
✨Network at Environmental Events
Keep an eye out for local environmental tech meetups, conferences, or seminars. Engaging in these spaces can help you meet potential employers face-to-face and tap into the hidden job market, especially for temporary roles!
✨Leverage Our Website for Quick Applications
Don’t forget to check out temporary positions at Jacobs through our website. Applying directly there can often fast-track your application and get you noticed quicker by hiring managers. It’s a smart move to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Ecology Survey Assistant - Peterborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In the world of environmental engineering tech, it’s all about those technical skills! Make sure your CV highlights relevant software knowledge, such as CAD programs or environmental modelling software. Mention any specific projects where you applied these skills – it's a brilliant way to demonstrate your hands-on experience!
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV. Take a little time to tailor it for the temporary role with Jacobs. Focus on highlighting any experience that relates directly to the specific environmental challenges they might tackle. Relevant coursework or certifications, even if they're from a short course, can give you an edge.
Keep it Short and Sweet:Since this is a temporary position, we recommend keeping your application concise. Highlight the most relevant experience and how quickly you can adapt to the role. Brief statements about your adaptability and eagerness to contribute can make a solid impression!
Brief Motivation in Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should express not just your qualifications but also your enthusiasm for the role at Jacobs. Explain why you’re drawn to the temporary nature of the job and what you hope to learn. This helps show that you’re not just looking for any position, but that you genuinely care about this opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Jacobs
✨Get Familiar with Key Engineering Tools
In environmental engineering tech, you’ll likely be quizzed on software tools like AutoCAD or GIS systems. Brush up on how you’ve used these tools in your studies or previous projects, as you might be asked technical questions that require you to explain specific applications in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Temporary positions often require quick thinking and adaptability. Be ready to discuss a project or case where you identified an environmental issue and proposed a solution. This not only highlights your analytical skills but shows you can hit the ground running—exactly what a temporary role needs!
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
Since we’re in the environmental sector, your enthusiasm for sustainable practices can be a game changer. Share any relevant coursework or volunteer activities you've engaged in that reflect your commitment. Employers love to see passion combined with practical experience.
✨Prepare for Short-Term Commitment Questions
For a temporary role, expect questions about your availability and how you manage time effectively on short-term projects. Be candid about your specific time commitment and illustrate how you've successfully completed previous assignments or internships within tight deadlines.
