Overview

Our friendly team of ecologists requires additional support. Initially probationary (6 months), this is a full-time position, with the opportunity for further progression within the business. We are offering an attractive salary, full training and support, and a brilliant work/life environment – most of our project locations do not require overnight stays.  

The successful candidate will have a demonstrable well-established passion for UK wildlife and a minimum of two years’ experience working in a relevant profession. 

PBA Applied Ecology has an opportunity for a project ecologist, based at the company offices on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. PBA was established in 2010 and has grown to become one of the UK’s most respected ecology practices. Our high-achieving team of professionals provide clients with a wide range of ecological and environmental services. PBA has a broad range of challenging projects, often based in sensitive locations, each requiring bespoke solutions.

Our friendly team of ecologists requires additional support. Initially probationary (6 months), this is a full-time position, with the opportunity for further progression within the business. We are offering an attractive salary, full training and support, and a brilliant work/life environment – most of our project locations do not require overnight stays. The successful candidate will have a demonstrable well-established passion for UK wildlife and a minimum of two years’ experience working in a relevant profession.

Primary duties to include

  • Managing and delivering projects on time and on budget to the required outcomes and quality standards.
  • Working with colleagues to deliver projects, including leading and assisting with field surveys, site inspections, client liaison, ecological engineering works and reporting.
  • Managing assistant/seasonal ecologists to ensure they work to PBA standards and contribute effectively to the business.

Essential criteria

  • Experience of managing entire small projects and/or subsidiary elements of large ecology projects.
  • Proven track record of leading project and survey teams in the field.
  • Evidence of ability to organise their own time and prioritise various responsibilities. • A demonstrable interest in ecology and the natural environment.
  • Evidence of excellent standards for written reports and associated outputs.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills that can be evidenced in previous work.
  • Ability to work within a team and to deadlines.
  • Aptitude and track record for delivery of habitat surveys, bat roost potential and activity surveys and / or freshwater ecology surveys.
  • Minimum two years’ experience working in the ecology sector.
  • Evidence of species level identification and survey skills.
  • Engaged, enthusiastic and willing to learn, with a ‘can do’ attitude.
  • Proficiency in standard IT and communication applications is essential.
  • Have achieved a 2(i) or higher in a related degree subject.
  • A good level of physical ability to undertake strenuous survey work in remote locations.
  • Full driving licence.

Desirable criteria

  • Experience in GIS (QGIS), coding (R), and data management (Access/Excel).
  • CIEEM membership
  • CSCS card
  • Active interest in wildlife identification and recording.
  • Attention to detail and methodical in approach to tasks.
  • Experience in maintaining field equipment
  • Creative and able to develop ideas.
  • Ability to swim confidently in open water.

What we offer

  • Competitive salary, depending on experience and qualifications.
  • Well-equipped modern offices in a beautiful location in the Yorkshire Dales, on the edge of the market town of Settle, a great area for outdoor sports and activities.
  • A health & safety (CHAS) and ISO9001 accredited employer.
  • Commensurate annual leave entitlements and pension scheme.
  • Flexible working times and TOIL.
  • Cycle-to-work scheme.
  • Opportunities for longer term career progression
  • Engagement with career pathway and hosted academic research projects.

Application procedure

  • Please complete the ‘Ecological Services Experience’ form and return this with your CV and cover letter to: jobs2022@pba-ecology.co.uk, with ‘project ecologist application’ as the subject.
  • Your CV should focus on your skills and experience that are relevant to the Essential Criteria.
  • Your cover letter (no more than one side of A4) will demonstrate evidence to support the first 2 points in ‘Essential Criteria’ and state when you are available to start. Supporting evidence such as certificates may be provided in addition as pdf files.

Closing date: 16th January 2022
Starting date: TBC