Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Ecologist to join the Land & Property Team at Yorkshire Water and be a part of helping Yorkshire Water to provide the best service to our customers. Could this be you?

As an Assistant Ecologist, you’ll play a key role in supporting the delivery of major capital projects, helping to manage ecological risks, protect wildlife, and deliver Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) across our sites. Working alongside experienced ecologists, project teams and external consultants, you’ll gain hands-on experience in ecological surveys, habitat management, GIS mapping, environmental audits and biodiversity enhancement projects, while developing your technical expertise and building a rewarding career in ecology.

You will:

  • Support the delivery of Yorkshire Water’s business strategy by providing ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) advice for capital projects.
  • Assist in the implementation and ongoing development of Yorkshire Water’s BNG strategy, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, policy, and industry guidance.
  • Work collaboratively with project managers, sponsors, designers, contractors, and external ecological consultants to manage ecological risks and opportunities across capital schemes.
  • Provide technical ecology and BNG support throughout the project lifecycle, helping ensure projects remain legally compliant and environmentally responsible.
  • Commission and coordinate ecological surveys and assessments through external consultants, managing delivery timescales and quality of outputs.
  • Review ecological reports and survey findings, advising project teams on implications, required actions, mitigation measures, and project risks.
  • Support project teams in implementing ecological recommendations at the appropriate project stages, including planning, design, construction, and post-construction phases.
  • Develop knowledge and expertise in ecological risk management, stakeholder engagement, habitat creation, biodiversity enhancement, and environmental compliance.
  • Support the delivery and management of Yorkshire Water’s BNG Habitat Bank, including data collection, monitoring, recording, and reporting.
  • Assist with the review of Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA), Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) considerations, and other ecological constraints relevant to capital projects.
  • Create, maintain, and update GIS mapping systems and associated ecological datasets.
  • Manage and maintain ecological records, including BNG monitoring information, protected species data, and contractor-submitted ecological data.
  • Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure ecological and BNG requirements are understood, communicated, and implemented effectively.
  • Support the development and delivery of ecology and BNG training and awareness sessions for project managers, capital delivery partners, and wider business teams.
  • Promote excellent customer service while minimising ecological, legal, financial, and reputational risks to Yorkshire Water.
  • Assist with site visits, ecological audits, and inspections, including:
    – Early-stage site walkovers to identify ecological constraints and opportunities.
    – Construction-phase spot checks on high ecological risk projects.
    – Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) audits and compliance monitoring.
    – Post-construction habitat and ecological surveys.

What skills & qualifications you will need:

  • Hold a degree in a relevant discipline.
  • At least one survey season’s experience supporting habitat and protected species surveys.
  • Experience assisting with UKHab surveys and Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs).
  • Knowledge of environmental legislation and ability to communicate its business implications.
  • Strong organisational skills with a proactive and self-motivated approach.
  • Ability to build effective relationships with a range of stakeholders.
  • Willingness to travel to remote locations across Yorkshire.
  • Interest in ecology within the construction, infrastructure, or utilities sector.
  • Knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), habitat condition assessments, and the Statutory Biodiversity Metric.
  • Experience or interest in GIS software such as QGIS, ArcGIS Pro, or ESRI Field Maps.
  • Developing botanical, UKHab, and ecological report review skills.
  • Experience or interest in Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) duties, construction supervision, and environmental audits.
  • Experience working on or near protected sites.
  • Membership of, or willingness to join, a relevant professional body (e.g. CIEEM).
  • Demonstrates Yorkshire Water’s values and behaviours in all aspects of work.

If you’ve got experience in UKHab surveys and Preliminary Ecological Appraisals  and want to help us deliver great service for our customers whilst looking after the environment, then be sure to apply today to find out what a career with Yorkshire Water can offer you.

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