Assistant Ecologist Scotland 2023

We are looking forward to speaking with Graduate / Assistant Ecologists to join our team to deliver site surveys and associated analysis and report writing (potential duties commensurate to individual skills). Whilst this opportunity would be ideal for candidates in the early stages of their career, we are also open to applications from more experienced professionals.

These roles would be based in a mix of field/home or from our office in Stirling. We are looking for applicants that live in Central, North and Highlands of Scotland with a particular interest in those located/willing to locate in Stirling, Inverness-shire, Moray and Aberdeenshire. Given that our sites range far and wide please get in touch if you live in another area to support our project work throughout Scotland, the Island of Ireland, England and Wales.

Whatever your existing skill set, you will be dedicated to working as a professional ecologist and show a commitment to continuing professional development. The successful candidate would be joining a highly successful, international multidisciplinary consultancy with an established and well-respected ecological presence in the UK. Our team in Scotland has expanded in recent years with significant skills in ornithology and terrestrial.

The role

The role will involve assisting with field surveys and mitigation projects, e.g., relating to ornithology, protected/notable mammals and habitats. You may also be involved in herpetofauna, fish habitat and invertebrate surveys. Due to the nature of client sites and survey types, the position will involve working across the country and potentially out-of-hours work.

Duties may include:

• Assisting with ecological surveys for a range of fauna, including otter, pine marten, badger, red squirrel, water vole, wildcat and badger, bats, birds etc.
• Assisting with habitat surveys, e.g., UK HAB surveys or similar.
• Keeping accurate field notes in accordance with the principles of scientific data collection, with experience in handling, recording and storing data effectively.
• Having a good understanding of wildlife legislation and being able to communicate this clearly to colleagues, clients and contractors.
• Taking personal responsibility for your health and safety whilst at work, learning SLR’s procedures and conducting your work in a safe and responsible manner.

About us

SLR are global leaders in environmental and advisory solutions helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals. We are a consultancy with over 2400+ staff across 6 regions – including over 850 staff across Europe. SLR’s ‘one team’ culture is at the heart of our business; providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development. Along with competitive salaries, our staff enjoy a comprehensive benefits package with a company pension plus excellent healthcare offering, travel and life insurance, critical illness cover and a structured career framework with regular reviews offering outstanding opportunities for progression. Alongside 25 day’s annual leave, SLR offer flexible, agile and hybrid working which enables staff to tailor hours worked around core hours, and our family friendly policies help balance the needs of professional and family life.

About you

You should hold, or be working towards, a BSc Ecology, Biological Science or equivalent (MSc desirable).

• A good theoretical grounding in ecology and environmental assessment.
• Able to carry out standard tasks to the required standard under supervision.
• Protected /notable species survey experience of relevance to Scotland.
• Botanical skills, ornithological skills and/or experience of terrestrial habitat surveys would be an advantage.
• Experience of fish habitat and invertebrate surveys would be an advantage.
• Any licences for working with protected species would be an advantage.
• Full driving licence essential.

Although not essential, we are especially interested to hear from candidates with:

• Experience in specialist fauna surveys, e.g. bats, badgers, water vole, otter, birds etc.
• Botanical skills and experience of habitat survey.
• Fish habitat and invertebrate Identification / survey experience.
• Experience or interest in land management for biodiversity.
• H&S training, e.g. CSCS, first aid, working in/near water, asbestos awareness, working at height, confined spaces, 4x4 training.

SLR Consulting is committed to being an equal opportunities employer, and our expectations go beyond purely complying with legislation. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) are at the core of who we are and who we choose to be. We embrace diverse cultures, perspectives, skills, and experiences within and outside our organisation. We respect and celebrate difference to ensure SLR is a place where everyone feels included, is encouraged to be their authentic self and has opportunities to grow.