Archived position — no longer accepting applications

Seasonal Ecologist | Leeds, Newcastle

Early Career Jacobs Leeds, United Kingdom Posted December 19, 2025

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

➡️  Join our passionate ecology team and make a real difference in protecting wildlife and habitats across the UK.

➡️  As a Survey Assistant, you’ll play a vital role in collecting data that informs sustainable development and conservation efforts.

➡️  From bats and birds to badgers and newts, your work will help safeguard species and ecosystems for future generations.

➡️  This is your chance to turn your enthusiasm for nature into meaningful action

We Offer

Competitive hourly rate

️ Accrued holiday at a rate of 1.2 hours per 10 hours worked

About the Opportunity

We’re looking for seasonal survey assistants to support our experienced ecologists on a variety of projects. You’ll work alongside specialists in protected species and habitat surveys, gaining hands-on experience in ecological surveying and data collection. If you already have experience to lead surveys we’d love to hear from you too!

☑️ Start Date: Onboarding from 27th April, work begins from 1st May

☑️ Locations: Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, Newcastle, London, Manchester, Peterborough, Reading, Edinburgh, Glasgow

☑️ Field-Based Role: Expect some early mornings, late evenings, and overnight stays (all travel and accommodation expenses covered and budget for subsistence provided)

☑️ Contract Type: Zero-Hour Contract

What does a Zero-Hour Contract mean for you? Key Benefits:

0️⃣ Flexibility & Control: Choose when you work, ideal for balancing jobs with education, family, or other commitments.

0️⃣ Statutory Rights: You’re entitled to core rights like National Minimum/Living Wage, paid holiday, rest breaks, payslips, and protection from discrimination.

0️⃣ Opportunity & Experience: Great for building skills, gaining experience, and potentially moving into permanent roles.

0️⃣ Short Notice Protections: Recent changes protect workers from unfair deductions if shifts are cancelled last minute.

Important Considerations:

0️⃣ Income and hours are variable, so earnings aren’t guaranteed.

0️⃣ You’re usually classed as a ‘worker’, meaning some rights differ from full employees, but key protections remain.

Whether you’re a recent graduate, a keen naturalist, or an experienced consultant, we’d love to hear from you.

Here's what you'll need

Essential:

✅ Enthusiasm for wildlife or ecology

✅ Organised and dependable

✅ Happy to work away from home

✅ Driving licence (please specify on your CV)

✅ Right to work in the UK

Desirable:

✅ Degree in ecology or related subject

✅ Previous experience in ecological surveys

✅ Eligibility for CIEEM membership

You’ll need flexibility for unsociable hours (bat surveys at night, bird surveys at dawn) and a proactive mindset to thrive in this dynamic role.

@Jacobs. A world where you can.

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