Ecologist

FIRST ECOLOGY

First Ecology is the consultancy arm of the Somerset Wildlife Trust dedicated to excellence in
upholding best practices while delivering pragmatic project outcomes. We recruit and train
talented individuals to provide top-tier technical advice and support for diverse development
and conservation projects across the south-west, UK. Specializing in ecology with developing
expertise in arboriculture, land advice and management services, we collaborate within
multidisciplinary teams and have built a broad customer base across public, private, and
commercial sectors. Our positive approach and strong work ethic have established a varied
project portfolio, from minor habitat management to national development projects.

Your work with us not only promises a rewarding career but will also contribute to the First
Ecology’s and Somerset Wildlife Trust’s collective mission of creating a Wilder Somerset.

THE ROLE

The role involves conducting ecological work primarily in the south-west, providing
opportunities to develop technical knowledge and practical skills delivering various protected
habitat and species surveys, with a specific opportunity to train as a specialist bat
ecologist.

For more details about the role and the desired skills, please refer to the job description and
person specification provided in the link on our website.

YOU

We seek an individual with exemplary professional conduct, strong customer service skills,
quick learning abilities with attention to detail, organizational prowess, comfort in working
outdoors and undertaking practical tasks, and a genuine desire to contribute to increasing the
proportion of land under positive wildlife management.

REQUIREMENTS

• 1-2 years environmental/ecological consultancy, or other, professional experience.
• Educated to degree level or MSc level in a relevant discipline or disciples (or equivalent
  experience).
• Willingness and ability to undertake manual work outdoors in safe weather conditions and
  during anti-social hours.
• Personal qualities and professional conduct consistent with First Ecology values.
• Excellent organisation, attention to detail, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a personal vehicle.
• Eligibility to work in the UK without sponsorship.

BENEFITS

• 25 days paid holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata).
• Flexible working hours, including hybrid working/working from home (where possible).
• Paid training as part of an individual CPD commitment and the opportunity to progress
  professionally.
• Full time off in lieu (TOIL) system.
• Paid professional membership with institutes such as CIEEM.
• Paid application and renewal fees for protected species class licences.
• 7% employer pension contribution.
• Opportunities to progress professionally (e.g. protected species survey licences and
  operator tickets).
• Local work, with minimal overnight stays required.
• Access to company pool vehicles.

Somerset Wildlife Trust has an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan and is committed to
continuing to improve the equality, diversity and inclusion of every aspect of our work; we
know we need to engage with everyone to live our values and achieve our goals. We welcome
applications from everyone and are happy to discuss any accommodations or arrangements that
would make the recruitment process better for you, and the working environment should you be
employed.

To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter to [email protected]. The closing date
for applications is midnight on 12th April 2024. Please note that we will review applications
periodically throughout the advertising period and may close the advert early if a suitable
applicant is found.

We will endeavour to respond to all applicants with confirmation as to the status of their
application within two weeks of the closing date. Thank you for taking the time to review our
Ecologist vacancy, we look forward to hearing from you.

No recruitment agencies please.