At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct habitat and protected species surveys while gaining hands-on field experience.
- Company: Join Southern Ecological Solutions, a leading ecological consultancy with a supportive team.
- Benefits: Competitive seasonal salary, PPE provided, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Kickstart your ecology career and make a real impact on wildlife conservation.
- Qualifications: Degree in ecology or related field; passion for nature is essential.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
Are you looking for a kickstart in your ecology career and valuable field experience?
Southern Ecological Solutions (SES), part of the wider RSK Group, is recruiting Seasonal Ecologists to support our busy field season from March to October 2026. These roles are ideal for aspiring professional ecologists seeking hands-on field experience across a wide range of habitats and protected species. You will be part of an experienced, supportive team undertaking a high volume of fieldwork, which provides a strong foundation for a long-term career in ecological consultancy. Strong candidates may be considered for full-time positions beyond the field season.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertaking habitat surveys (including UKHab) across a variety of sites.
- Assisting with and undertaking protected species surveys, such as bats, nesting birds, reptiles and GCN (experience dependent).
- Supporting senior ecologists with field data collection and site assessments.
- Accurately recording field data and contributing to survey outputs.
- Working across multiple sites, often independently, while maintaining high standards of health and safety.
- Representing SES professionally on site and working collaboratively with the wider ecology team.
You will be required to have a full UK driving licence and use of your own vehicle for this role.
Experience & Qualifications
- A Degree (or working towards a degree) or relevant qualification in ecology, environmental science or a related subject.
- A willingness and ability to undertake frequent fieldwork, including early starts, late finishes and travel.
- Strong interest in developing a career in ecological consultancy.
- If you have previous ecological field survey experience, whether in full-time employment or volunteering, this would be desirable but not essential as this is an entry-level role.
- A current membership (or student membership) of CIEEM would also be welcome.
Personal Attributes
- Excellent communication and listening skills.
- Good attention to detail.
- Willingness to learn and develop.
- Ability to be a team player and work well independently at times.
- A passion for nature and wildlife.
Why Join Us
- A competitive seasonal salary.
- High volume of practical field experience across habitats and species.
- Supportive mentoring from experienced ecologists.
- Opportunities to progress into permanent full-time roles.
- PPE, equipment and mileage provided.
- Introduction to consultancy standards, health and safety, and professional site work.
- Targeted CPD plan: Support and rapid progression for ambitious candidates.
We are a multi-disciplinary consultancy specialising in ecology, habitat management, arboriculture, and landscape design, based in Essex, UK. Since our founding, we have grown to become a leading UK provider of specialist ecological, arboricultural and landscape design consulting services. We are known for sustainable, pragmatic, and client-focused solutions. Our diverse portfolio includes infrastructure, development, conservation charities, and bespoke projects. We are expanding into new markets and forming new teams to meet future challenges.
SES has a team of 52 qualified ecologists, landscape architects, arboriculturists, and coordination/support staff. We work with clients such as Barratt Homes and the RSPB on projects like Kingsbrook, applying biodiversity net gain principles. Our ecological work includes due diligence reporting, land appraisals, habitat design and creation, protected species surveys, and ecological impact assessments. Our landscape design and planning services teams specialise in strategic projects with an innovative, context-led approach.
RSK Group is an inclusive employer. If you’re passionate about making a difference, apply today or contact the team for more information about the role.
Seasonal Ecologist employer: Southern Ecological Solutions (SES)
Contact Detail:
Southern Ecological Solutions (SES) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Seasonal Ecologist
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Connect with professionals in the ecology field through LinkedIn or local events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be when it comes to landing that Seasonal Ecologist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for nature! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for wildlife and ecology shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK habitats and protected species. We recommend doing some mock interviews with friends or mentors to practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to reach out directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Seasonal Ecologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Ecology: When writing your application, let your love for nature and wildlife shine through! Share any relevant experiences or projects that sparked your interest in ecology. We want to see your enthusiasm for the field!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Seasonal Ecologist role. Highlight your relevant skills, education, and any fieldwork experience you have. This helps us see how you fit into our team and the role.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your qualifications.
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 to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Ecological Solutions (SES)
✨Know Your Ecology Basics
Brush up on your ecology knowledge, especially regarding UK habitats and protected species. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of habitat surveys and any relevant coursework or projects you've completed.
✨Show Your Passion for Nature
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for wildlife and conservation shine through. Share personal experiences that highlight your commitment to ecology, whether it's volunteering, fieldwork, or simply spending time in nature.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be ready to talk about your experiences collaborating with others. Highlight instances where you contributed to a group project or supported colleagues in achieving a common goal.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the company. Inquire about the types of projects you might work on, the mentoring process, or opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the position and the organisation.