Graduate / Assistant Ecologist

ELMAW Consulting, a small Hertfordshire-based ecological consultancy that has been operating for over 25 years and is a CIEEM Registered Practice, is seeking a Graduate Ecologist or Assistant Ecologist (depending on experience and qualifications), to join their small projects ecological and wildlife management Consultancy based in north Hertfordshire. This role is permanent and full-time.

The position offers an exciting opportunity for those with a real desire to start or progress their career in commercial ecology, working and learning with a small team and under the direct mentorship and training of the Principal Ecologist. You will have the opportunity to gain valuable ecological and wildlife management skills by assisting ELMAW's Ecologists with Ecological Appraisals, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, species surveys and wildlife management.

You will be expected to work towards gaining protected species class licences, including bats, great crested newts, badgers, otters, dormice and barn owls, as well as membership of an Institute such as the Royal Society of Biology or the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.

The Graduate Ecologist position is offered for those with a relevant degree but with no experience and the Assistant Ecologist position is offered to those with the appropriate degree and some survey experience.

Essential criteria for the Graduate Ecologist position include:

• A relevant degree in ecology, zoology, wildlife conservation or similar
• A desire to embrace the opportunity for training and learning
• Holding of a full UK driving licence
• A good level of fitness, as the role can be physically demanding
• Ability to swim (the role does include an element of river surveying from boats and canoes)
• The ability to work early mornings, evenings and weekends, with occasional over-night stays
• Be comfortable working as part of a small team

Essential criteria for the Assistant Ecologist position include:

As above, but with an additional element of experience such as assisting with bat, great crested newt, dormice, badger, habitat and or botanical surveys.

Desirable criteria for both positions include:

• Basic QGIS experience
• Knowledge of UKHab & BNG
• Competent in MS Word and Excel

Both the Graduate and Assistant Ecologists positions are offered a starting salary of £25,000. The anticipated start date is April/early May 2026.

This role is full time (core hours are 37.5 hrs per week, Monday to Friday) and works on a TOIL (time off in lieu) basis for worked overtime.