Graduate Ecologist in Southampton

We are looking for recent graduates to join our Ecology and Biodiversity team in Southampton.

The job will initially involve assisting with ecological desk studies, field surveys and protected species mitigation for a variety of proposed development projects. In addition, the job will initially involve undertaking basic report writing duties, data entry and assisting in general office tasks including maintaining and monitoring ecological survey equipment.

There will be strong emphasis on learning and development. As skills are developed there will be an opportunity to take on more responsibilities and to progress your career in ecological consultancy.

As a graduate ecologist, duties are likely to include (following training):

• Ecological surveys for a range of fauna, including reptiles, otter, badger, bats, birds etc.
• Habitat surveys, with the ability to differentiate habitat types in the field;
• Developing a good understanding of wildlife legislation and policy, and then being able to communicate this clearly to colleagues, clients, and contractors.
• Keeping accurate field notes in accordance with the principles of scientific data collection, plus handling, recording and storing data effectively.
• Recording time and tasks accurately on SLR’s project management software and understanding the commercial nature of consultancy projects.
• Taking personal responsibility for your health and safety whilst at work, learning SLR’s procedures and conducting your work in a safe and responsible manner.

It is important to understand that the job is likely to involve a significant amount of travel and time away from home, as well as survey work in all weathers and occasionally in remote locations. It is therefore important that you will enjoy this aspect of the role. Long days may occasionally be required for field work. SLR offers paid overtime or Time off in Lieu in accordance with its policies.

About us: SLR are global leaders in Sustainability Solutions, helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals. We are a consultancy with 4000+ employees across 6 regions in over 125 countries. Our ‘one team’ culture is at the heart of our business, providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development.

Along with competitive salaries, our staff enjoy a comprehensive benefits package with a company pension plus excellent healthcare offering, travel and life insurance and a structured career framework with regular reviews offering outstanding opportunities for progression. Alongside 25 day’s annual leave, with additional flexible bank holidays, we offer flexible, agile and hybrid working which enables staff to tailor hours worked around core hours, with family friendly policies help balance the needs of professional and home life.

About you: You will have recently graduated with a degree in ecology or a related subject; training will be given but bat experience in particular will be an advantage. Due to the nature of the role you will require a full UK driving licence and ideally access to a vehicle before joining (work/ travel expenses paid).

You will have good interpersonal and communication skills, a willingness to learn and have a strong commitment to producing high quality work as part of a team.

Culture & Inclusion at SLR: We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer, and our expectations go beyond purely complying with legislation. Through our Regional C&I Committees, Global Council and Employee Networks, we foster an inclusive environment where all people regardless of their background can thrive.

We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background, including those from groups that are currently under-represented at SLR, such as people identifying as 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous peoples, ethnic minority groups, women, and people with visible or invisible disabilities, including those who are neurodivergent.

Should you require any special adjustments throughout the recruitment process with us, please let us know. As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we seek to ensure all applicants have equitable support when applying to SLR.