Seasonal Assistant Ecologist

Orbis Ecology have a fantastic opportunity for a Seasonal Assistant Ecologist to come and join
our strong, experienced team on 7-month fixed-term contract to start March 2024. The
role would suit an entry-level/recent graduate who is looking to develop their skills, gain
experience of working within an ecological consultancy and progress their career. 

About us 

Orbis Ecology are a small but growing independent ecological consultancy based in Devon and
working throughout the Southwest. We work across a wide variety of projects ranging from small
scale conversions to more complex, challenging projects and developments – no two days are ever
the same. We have a strong ethical framework, and we work closely with our clients to create
spaces where wildlife and development can exist side by side.

The Role 

You will be a key member of the Orbis Ecology team, you will be pivotal in helping us to
maintain high standards and delivering a quality service to our clients. The role will involve
assisting with bat-related projects primarily, the fieldwork will take you across a variety of
urban and rural settings throughout Devon but may occasionally include sites further afield.
Day to day tasks are likely include, but are not limited to: 

• Prepping equipment and assisting with up to 3 x emergence surveys per week during the
  survey season.
• Data analysis of footage from IR/thermal cameras.
• Static detector deployment/retrieval at various sites across Devon and neighbouring
  counties as required.
• Completing desktop studies, obtaining, and interpreting biological records and reviewing
  online mapping /data sources.
• Contributing to the preparation of technical reports. 
• Assisting with other protected species surveys such as reptile/dormouse etc.

Orbis Ecology are committed to providing a working environment where staff wellbeing is
paramount. The role will be flexible with hybrid/home-based working options including working
at our Dawlish office depending on your preference/location, full & part time hours will be
considered. We always encourage a good work/life balance and offer a competitive salary as well
as on-going opportunities for CPD.

Skills/ Experience

• You will have/or be working towards a relevant degree level qualification. 
•  Have a keen interest in ecology and a desire to broaden your knowledge and experiences. 
• You will need to be well organised, self-motivated, and happy to work independently, often
  outdoors.
• Are confident working with technology: e.g.: using tablets for observational recording,
  infrared /thermal cameras, static & handheld bat detectors and analysing relevant data.
• Have excellent communication skills – ability to work as part of the team and to liaise
  with clients both in person and via phone/email as required.
• You will have strong MS Office skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams). 
• A willingness to undertake training to develop your skills and experience.
• Be willing to work unsociable hours during the bat survey season – max 3 x nights per week
  (April – October).
• Possess a full UK clean driving licence and own car insured for business use.
• You will be Devon based but be willing to travel regularly throughout Devon and surrounding
  counties as needed. 
• Are a qualifying CIEEM member or in the process of applying (desirable).
• Have experience of report writing (desirable). 
• You will be working towards gaining your Protected Species Survey Licence: Bat Class 1
  (desirable). 
• Ideally, you will have experience working with bat call analysis software e.g. Anabat
  Insight, but training can be provided (desirable). 

Benefits

• Flexible approach to working hours.
• Salary £22k – 26k pro rata dependant on experience
• Payment of professional fees
• Training budget
• 28 days annual leave (incl bank holidays)
• TOIL policy
• Friendly and supportive work environment

Orbis Ecology is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from
suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual
orientation, gender identity, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy/maternity.

As an employer we are committed to promoting and protecting the physical and mental health of
all our staff.

If you have any questions about the role, please email: [email protected]

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter to [email protected]