Assistant Ecologist | Winchester

We are recruiting two Assistant Ecologists. This is a great opportunity to work with an experienced local authority ecology team, operating collaboratively across the wider Environment department to support Highways and Property Services in delivering essential work across the County.

You’ll help to deliver ecology projects by organising and undertaking protected species surveys, assisting with Extended Phase 1 surveys, managing survey equipment, collecting and managing survey data, and working with senior colleagues on more complex projects. You’ll also undertake office-based tasks including desk studies, map production, data analysis, and producing outputs for reports.

You’ll be a collaborative and reliable team member who can also work independently and pro-actively. You’ll have excellent written and verbal communication skills and be confident in the use of typical IT packages as well as being familiar with GIS. You’ll have the ability to organise and prioritise your workload to meet deadlines and the flexibility to work unsociable hours during the survey season.

You’ll have an appropriate degree or professional qualification (or equivalent), and field survey experience to be confident in carrying out protected species surveys and other field-based tasks. You’ll have experience with surveying for bats (particularly emergence and activity surveys and some experience with sound analysis), dormice, reptiles, and / or great crested newts, and you will be working towards holding one or more protected species survey licenses.

A good awareness of broad ecological principles, applied ecology, wildlife legislation, impact assessment, and mitigation strategies is desirable.

You’ll play a key role in the Economy, Transport and Environment department. Focused on moving and shaping a prospering and sustainable Hampshire, we deliver place-based services including investing in and managing our waste, highways, and transport infrastructure; managing the environment; leading on climate change mitigation; and supporting sustainable economic growth.

What can we offer you?

Hampshire County Council offers training to develop your skills in ecology and the planning system. You will enjoy the benefits, experience, and interest of working on a varied programme with an experienced team of ecologists. This comes with the advantages of working within a local authority environment, such as flexible working patterns, cross-disciplinary teamworking, and a supportive environment focussed on your wellbeing and personal development.

Hampshire County Council offers a competitive salary and benefits package, please see our website for details: Our Benefits Package