Assistant Ecologist

ABOUT CSA

CSA is a multi-disciplinary consultancy with a team over over 45 ecologists. We are recruiting for Assistant Ecologists to join our Ashwell (Hertfordshire), Basingstoke (Hampshire) and Tewkesbury (Gloucestershire) teams.

We work with a range of clients, including some of the largest housebuilders in the UK, conservation bodies, councils, infrastructure providers and private landowners. Our ecologists complete a huge range of work from developing habitat banks to Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, biodiversity net gain assessments and detailed species surveys.

As an enthusiastic and passionate member of the team, you will maintain our high standards and help to deliver quality work on behalf of our valued clients. You will help promote our company culture and values and we will help you to develop your skills and career. When you join CSA, you’ll join a network of friendly professionals, helping to shape a more sustainable future.

Our experienced team have exceptional technical expertise and you will work with, and learn from, a friendly and inspiring group of ecologists. Reflecting the high-quality ecological services that CSA deliver, we are a Registered Practice with CIEEM and have twice been commended in their medium-sized Consultancy of the Year Award. Also, as a multi-disciplinary consultancy, you will have the opportunity to work with landscape, masterplanning and heritage colleagues to develop a broader understanding of planning and development.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Joining our busy and expanding team, you will have a fantastic opportunity to learn and to develop your skills.

Alongside assisting more senior members of the team, your key roles and day-to-day tasks are likely to include:

• Assisting with UK Habitat Classification surveys and protected species surveys for a range of species, including badgers, bats, dormice, otter, water vole, birds, reptiles and great crested newts, amongst others.
• Assisting and coordinating survey work, including preparation and maintenance of latest survey equipment and technology (e.g. infra-red and thermal cameras, bat detectors).
• Completing desktop studies, obtaining and interpreting biological records and reviewing online mapping/data sources.
• Use of QGIS and other graphics packages to prepare high quality technical drawings such as Habitats Plans and Biodiversity Enhancement Plans and to measure habitat areas for use with the Biodiversity Net Gain metric.
• Assist with the preparation of technical reports including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments, protected species survey reports, mitigation strategies, Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans and more.

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for friendly, highly motivated, conscientious individuals, who demonstrate a passion and enthusiasm for ecology and consultancy. You must also be able to demonstrate the following skills and experience:

Essential

• Interest in UK based ecology and knowledge of wildlife legislation
• Evidence of developing ecological field skills
• Excellent written English and verbal communication skills
• Relevant ecology / biology degree (preferably 2:1 or above)
• Proficient in MS Office software
• Hard-working and willing to take on new challenges
• Physical fitness and a willingness to work outside in all weather, when required
• Highly organised, able to multi-task and a strong team player
• Forward thinking, with a keen interest in staying up to date with the latest survey techniques, guidance and innovations
• Willingness to undertake up to 3 night-time surveys per week during the peak survey season, including overnight stays (accommodation and subsistence paid), where required
• Full UK driving licence and use of own car, which must be available and insured for business use

Desirable

• Protected species / habitat survey experience, possibly with an area of specialism
• Interested in and/or working towards protected species survey licences and botanical qualifications
• Experience of using QGIS or other GIS packages and other programs (e.g. bat sound analysis software)
• Membership of CIEEM and/or other relevant professional bodies

WHAT WE OFFER

We are offering a nine month full-time contract.

At CSA, a healthy work-life balance is very important to us. As well as a competitive salary, we offer the following benefits package:

• Hybrid working, with the option to work from home up to 2 days a week (following completion of probationary period)
• Flexible working around core hours (10am - 4pm)
• Overtime pay arrangement for out-of-hours survey work
• 25 days annual leave per annum (pro rata for any fixed-term contract)
• Company pension contribution which increases with length of service
• Annual staff event and regular funded team social events
• Annual ‘CSA Ecology Team Day’
• Laptop for hybrid working and mobile phone allowance
• Extensive internal training program for assistant ecologists, and direct mentoring by a senior member of the team
• Commitment to continued professional development
• Paid subscription to CIEEM and protected species class licence registration charges
• A strong commitment to employee wellbeing, including access to an extensive Employee Assistance Programme and in-house mental health first-aiders
• Access to additional benefits (e.g. reduced gym membership, shopping discounts etc) through our nominated provider

CSA is committed to encouraging equality and diversity amongst its staff and we welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds. We aim to create an environment in which individual differences and their contributions are recognised and valued.

First interviews will be held via Teams in mid-November, with an opportunity to then visit the office at the second interview stage. Contracts will commence in early 2027 (likely Monday 1st February).