Graduate Ecologist

Location: Birmingham

Reporting to: Senior Ecologist / Principal Ecologist / Associate Ecologist

Grade: Graduate Consultant

**Key Responsibilities**

**Technical Support**

• Assist with a range of ecological surveys including:

o Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA)

o Protected species surveys

o Habitat surveys

o Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments

o Condition assessments and monitoring surveys

• Collect, record and manage field data accurately.

• Undertake desk studies and ecological data searches.

• Assist in the preparation of ecological reports and technical notes.

• Support the production of maps, figures and appendices.

• Existing knowledge of ecological legislation, planning policy and best practice guidance.

**Field Survey Work**

• Undertake field surveys under supervision.

• Assist with protected species survey programmes including:

o Bats

o Great crested newt

o Badger

o Reptiles

o Breeding birds

o Water vole

o Otter

• Support habitat condition assessments and UKHab surveys.

• Maintain field equipment and survey records.

• Ensure compliance with health and safety requirements during site work.

**Project Support**

• Assist project managers with project delivery activities.

• Help organise surveys, site access arrangements and logistics.

• Maintain project records and data management systems.

• Support the completion of project tasks to agreed deadlines.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues from ecology and other disciplines.

**Professional Development**

• Complete internal and external training.

• Work towards professional membership of CIEEM.

• Develop report-writing and technical review skills.

• Build species identification and survey competency.

• Participate in mentoring and annual development planning.

**Health, Safety and Quality**

• Follow Waterman's Quality, Health & Safety and Environmental procedures.

• Complete risk assessments and fieldwork documentation as required.

• Promote safe working practices and good environmental stewardship.

• Contribute to maintaining high technical standards across the team.

**Person Specification**

**Essential Qualifications**

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Zoology, Biology or related subject.

• Eligibility for Graduate or Associate Membership of CIEEM.

• Full UK driving licence or ability to travel to sites.

**Essential Skills and Experience**

• Understanding of UK ecology and biodiversity principles.

• Basic knowledge of ecological survey techniques.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Good organisational and time-management skills.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Enthusiastic and proactive approach to learning.

**Desirable Skills and Experience**

• Previous ecological consultancy experience through placement, internship or employment.

• Knowledge of UKHab habitat classification.

• Experience undertaking ecological surveys.

• GIS experience.

• Protected species survey experience.

• Knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain principles.

**Key Competencies**

• Attention to detail.

• Strong teamwork skills.

• Willingness to learn and develop.

• Positive and professional attitude.

• Effective communication, including report writing skills.

• Good problem-solving ability.

• Flexibility and adaptability.

• Commitment to health and safety.