Assistant Ecologist

Are you looking for a new opportunity and a chance to advance in your chosen career?

The opportunity

Would you like to be a part of a small yet dynamic and growing consultancy that manages the challenge of reconciling wildlife conservation with the commercial requirements of clients on a daily basis?

We are looking for an Assistant Ecologist to join our wildlife focused ecological consultancy based in the heart of Devon. The role is primarily office based in Okehampton with survey work around the south-west of England.

The role entails

• Working with the team to ensure that a high-quality service is delivered to our clients
• Assisting with ecological surveys including PEA, dormouse, reptile and bat surveys
• Data collation and management – including reviewing video footage and managing bat sound analysis.
• GIS mapping and geographical analysis of data.
• Assisting with report writing, including EcIA and Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Management of bat survey kit, including bat detectors and video equipment.

What are we looking for?

Essential qualities

• A relevant degree in ecology or related subject or experience of working within a consultancy / nature conservation sector or a strong interest in British wildlife
• Confident written and verbal communication
• Excellent time management and organisation skills
• Attention to detail and ability to carry out repetitive tasks to consistently high standards
• Ability to work independently, taking the initiative where appropriate
• Ability to undertake regular field work; Flexible approach to working with others to meet the requirements of the role.

Desirable qualities

• Proven track record of carrying out/ organising field work
• An understanding of the role of ecological consultancy within the planning process and project team
• Good knowledge of the wildlife of Devon and Cornwall
• Graduate/qualifying membership of CIEEM
• Experience undertaking bat emergence surveys
• Good level of botanical identification skill
• Proficient in GIS mapping
• Experience of using UKHab classification

In addition, the successful candidate should hold a full driving licence, or have other means of undertaking surveys in remote locations.

What we offer in return

• Holiday entitlement of 20 days per year (pro-rata) plus bank holidays, a day off for your birthday and minimum of four days between Christmas and New Year when the office is closed (minimum 33 days per annum).
• Flexible working arrangements to allow the demands of work to accommodate personal commitments.
• Excellent opportunities for training and development, both in-house and through external training as appropriate.
• Professional body membership (CIEEM) fees paid, alongside annual fees for protected species licences, and any associated costs (i.e. rabies vaccinations).
• Attendance at one UK conference of your choosing each year.
• TOIL policy to help manage your time alongside seasonal demands of the job, including an expectation that full-time employees undertake no more than three ‘anti-social’ hours survey a week on average.
• An employee pension scheme to which Lakeway contributes 5% (the post-holder must contribute 3%).
• Health benefits scheme membership.