Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct botanical surveys and identify trees across diverse habitats.
- Company: Join UKCEH, a leader in environmental data and scientific discovery.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days of annual leave, mental health support, and a pension plan.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while working outdoors and exploring nature.
- Qualifications: Must have outdoor first aid, driving license, and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Full-time roles available from April to October 2025; apply early!
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
Botanical surveying skills across a range of habitats (FISC level 4)
Tree identification and mapping
Recognising broad and priority habitats
For the role of Field Botanist/Field Ecologist, we’re looking for somebody who has:
A good level of physical fitness to work outdoors and carry field survey kit on uneven/rugged and varied terrain, in often remote locations
An excellent sense of direction in remote areas
Good understanding of UK Health & Safety, including lone working in remote locations
Outdoor First Aid valid certificate
Full, valid driving licence – please confirm on your CV
Excellent communication, organisational and time management skills
Able to work independently, show initiative, and manage own time effectively
IT literate, able to learn new software skills for data recording in the field
A flexible approach to travel during the working week
Interviews: week commencing Mon, 27th January 2025. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we find the right candidates. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
UKCEH is looking for experienced Field Botanists or Field Ecologists to join our team of talented individuals, contributing to scientific discovery and generating the data, insights and solutions that researchers, businesses and governments need to solve complex environmental challenges.
Working at UKCEH is rewarding. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.
For those choosing to be employed via Hays, you will get:
27 days annual leave (prorated for part year working)
24 hour, 365-day access to support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues, plus access to our trained Welfare Officers
PAYE Pension provided by NEST (via Hays)
Access to a discount portal
We are looking to recruit 3 Botanists or Field Ecologists to be part of UKCEH’s annual national field survey teams. The roles are full-time between April and October for the survey season in 2025. You may be self-employed, or employed through our recruitment agency, Hays. Please see guidance at the bottom of the advert regarding sole trader recruitment options., Off-road (4×4) driving experience
Welsh speaker
Interview Process:
If shortlisted, the interview will start with a 40-minute plant ID exercise, followed by a 45-minute interview. Interviews can be in person or online (with the plant ID exercise invigilated), for those attending in person, a short tour of our facilities will take place after your interview.
If we’ve just described you, we’d love to meet. Apply now.
Please send us your CV, accompanied by a covering letter which highlights any relevant skills and experience, together with what excites you most about the role and working for UKCEH.
Important
Please clarify your preference for the self-employed contractor route or being employed under a contract of services agreement via Hays PLC, see below for more details.
To be considered for the self-employed route, you’d need to be operating outside of IR35 ( )
If you wish to work for UKCEH under a contract of services agreement via Hays PLC (Company Number 02150950), you will be paid weekly by Hays PLC by submitting a timesheet to your UKCEH Line Manager.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position at this time.
Field Botanist/Ecologist employer: UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Contact Detail:
UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Field Botanist/Ecologist
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to brush up on your botanical surveying skills, especially at FISC level 4. Familiarize yourself with tree identification and mapping techniques, as well as recognizing broad and priority habitats, since these are crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Since the job requires working in remote locations, practice your navigation skills. Being able to demonstrate a good sense of direction will set you apart during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Ensure you have a valid Outdoor First Aid certificate and understand UK Health & Safety regulations. This knowledge is essential for working safely in the field and will be a key topic during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the plant ID exercise by practicing with local flora. The ability to identify plants quickly and accurately will be critical, so consider joining local botany groups or using apps to enhance your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Field Botanist/Ecologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your covering letter, make sure to emphasize your botanical surveying skills and any experience you have with tree identification and mapping. Mention your understanding of broad and priority habitats as well.
Demonstrate Physical Fitness: Since the role requires a good level of physical fitness for outdoor work, include any relevant experiences that showcase your ability to work in rugged terrain and remote locations.
Showcase Communication Skills: Excellent communication is key for this position. In your CV and covering letter, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, especially in team settings or while working independently.
Clarify Employment Preference: Be clear about your preference for either the self-employed contractor route or being employed under a contract of services agreement via Hays PLC. This will help the hiring team understand your expectations from the outset.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
✨Prepare for the Plant ID Exercise
Since the interview starts with a 40-minute plant identification exercise, make sure to brush up on your botanical surveying skills. Familiarize yourself with common UK flora and practice identifying plants in various habitats to boost your confidence.
✨Showcase Your Outdoor Skills
Highlight your physical fitness and experience working in rugged terrains. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've successfully navigated remote locations or managed field survey kits, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Communicate Effectively
Excellent communication skills are essential for this position. Prepare to articulate your thoughts clearly during the interview and provide examples of how you've effectively communicated findings or collaborated with team members in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Initiative and Independence
The role requires someone who can work independently and manage their time effectively. Be prepared to share examples of how you've taken initiative in past projects or surveys, showcasing your ability to work autonomously in challenging environments.
