Fixed-Term Seasonal Graduate Ecologist - Dorset

Fixed Term Graduate Ecologist – Dorset

Fixed-Term Contract until October 2026, with potential permanent opportunity.
Full Time – 37.5 hours per week

HCUK Group is recruiting a Fixed-Term Seasonal Graduate Ecologist to work under our Principal Ecologist / Bat specialist within a well-established multi-disciplinary environmental practice. This role would require a mix of project management and fieldwork, with a focus on bat surveys and other protected species surveys as well as BNG and ecological baseline appraisals, to service clients that are navigating the planning and development process.

We offer a varied and interesting portfolio of projects, where there is potential crossover with our heritage work in relation to historic buildings. Furthermore, opportunities arise through our landscape, planning and archaeology teams, working across a range of sectors such as mixed-use residential and commercial developments and renewables. You will be working within a well-regarded consultancy, with an opportunity to develop your career under the support of an experience mentor and within a friendly environment.

We are ideally looking for someone based in Dorset or surrounding counties. The role is fully home working, except for site visits and meetings with colleagues. Projects can be nationwide, although projects outside of the home counties are predominately managed by our network of subcontractors across the UK. Quarterly company meetings and social events are typically held in London.

This is a seasonal role running from June until October to support the peak ecology survey season. There may be the opportunity for the position to become permanent following the fixed-term contract, subject to workload and business requirements.

The Role

• Undertaking field surveys, including UK Habitat Classification surveys and protected species surveys, with a focus on bat surveys between June and September.
• Assisting with survey planning, delivery, and deadlines.
• Assisting with the production of technical reports in line with CIEEM guidelines, such as desk-based assessments, Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), protected species reports, and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.

Essential Requirements

• Confidence and willingness to work remotely with good time management and organisational skills.
• Qualified with a degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or related experience.
• Eligible or working towards accreditation with CIEEM or equivalent professional body.
• Good level of proficiency in ecological surveying techniques, data analysis, and report writing, with a focus on PEA, protected species and BNG.
• A solid understanding of UK wildlife legislation, planning regulations and environmental best practice.
• Attention to detail and committed to delivering a high quality of work.
• A full driver’s licence and access to your own transport.
• Eligibility to work in the UK – the job is UK based.

Desirable skills and experience

• Ecological consultancy experience an advantage.
• Holding or working towards one or more protected species survey licence (e.g. bat, barn owl, dormice, or great crested newt).
• Botanical knowledge (FISC Level 3 desirable).
• QGIS and Coreo capability to assist with producing habitat maps and figures for reports (although support is provided as needed).

Who You Are

• A passion for Ecology focussing on habitat and species conservation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, to build good relationships with colleagues and foster collaboration.
• A highly organised individual with a proactive approach and ability manage varied workload demands.
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively on your own in a home-based role, with support of a wider team and network of subcontractors.
• Wiling to travel and work away from home with occasional overnight stays, and working flexible hours, including early morning and evenings, as required.

What’s on offer?

• A great opportunity to join a new evolving area of the business, within a friendly, small supportive team.
• Development and progression within part of a growing team.
• Opportunities to be provided with training from a team of experienced ecologists, including a licenced bat ecologist.
• An interesting role within an established, collaborative environmental practice.
• Competitive salary commensurate with skills and experience.
• Home working, with meeting attendance as required.
• Travel expenses paid.
• TOIL accrued during extended hours across busy survey period, which can be taken with agreement with line manager.

HCUK Group is an equal opportunities employer.