Assistant Ecologist

Location: Flexible / UK-wide with travel to sites as required

Salary: Competitive

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday

Build your ecology career. Make a genuine difference to nature recovery.

You're someone who enjoys being outdoors, is naturally curious about the environment, and wants to play a hands-on role in protecting and improving habitats for the future. Whether your experience comes from consultancy, volunteering, research, or practical fieldwork, you're excited by the opportunity to develop your ecological skills and contribute to meaningful environmental projects.

At Ground Control, you'll join a growing Ecology Team working across a diverse range of habitats, projects and sectors. You'll support experienced ecologists in delivering high-quality surveys, technical reporting and ecological advice while gaining exposure to Biodiversity Net Gain, protected species work, rewilding initiatives and habitat restoration projects. You'll be trusted to take ownership of your work, supported to grow your expertise, and given the opportunity to shape positive environmental outcomes for clients across the UK.

What you'll do:

In this role, you'll support the successful delivery of ecological projects while developing your technical knowledge, field skills and consultancy experience.

• Undertake habitat surveys, including Phase 1 and UKHab surveys, helping to identify ecological constraints and opportunities that inform client decisions.

• Support a range of protected species surveys, gaining practical experience while contributing to robust and compliant survey outputs.

• Assist with Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) activities, helping ensure construction and habitat management projects are delivered responsibly.

• Contribute to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, habitat enhancement initiatives and rewilding projects that create lasting environmental benefits.

• Support the preparation of ecological reports, survey findings, mitigation plans and technical documentation that meet high professional standards.

• Build positive relationships with colleagues, clients, contractors, planners and landowners, helping projects run smoothly and effectively.

• Maintain accurate field records, GIS data and project information, ensuring ecological evidence is reliable and accessible.

• Continuously develop your ecological knowledge, species identification skills and technical capability through practical experience and support from the wider team.

What you'll get:

• The opportunity to work on a diverse range of ecology, biodiversity and habitat restoration projects.

• Exposure to experienced ecologists who will support your development and career progression.

• The chance to build practical experience across surveys, reporting, BNG and protected species work.

• A role where your work contributes directly to biodiversity enhancement and environmental improvement.

• Autonomy to take ownership of your development while being supported by a collaborative and knowledgeable team.

• Opportunities to develop specialist ecological interests and expand your consultancy experience as the team grows.

What we're looking for:

• A degree (or equivalent qualification) in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.

• Around two years' practical ecological fieldwork experience through employment, placements, volunteering or consultancy work.

• An understanding of UK wildlife legislation, ecological survey methodologies and best practice.

• Experience or interest in protected species surveys such as bats, great crested newts, reptiles or badgers.

• Familiarity with habitat surveys and an interest in UKHab classification and Biodiversity Net Gain.

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage data, equipment and field records accurately.

• Good communication skills and confidence working with colleagues, clients and stakeholders.

• Experience using Microsoft Office and digital mapping tools such as GIS.

• A proactive and inquisitive approach, with a genuine passion for ecology and environmental improvement.

• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites when required.

Join Ground Control and help deliver ecological solutions that improve biodiversity, support sustainable development and create lasting environmental value.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary – aligned with your skills and experience

• Pension scheme – helping you plan for the future

• Recognition schemes – celebrating and rewarding great work

• Private GP service – fast, convenient access to medical support

• Life insurance – providing added peace of mind

• Subsidised gym membership – supporting your health and wellbeing

• Holiday buy scheme – purchase up to 5 additional days of annual leave

#INDHP

Equal Opportunities Statement

At Ground Control, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic as defined in the Equality Act 2010.

We actively support and promote an inclusive culture, ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process and across all stages of employment, including training, development, promotion, pay, and termination. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants and employees, and to creating a working environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, or victimisation.

We expect all colleagues to uphold our values of dignity, respect, and inclusion. We take a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discriminatory behaviour and are committed to continuous improvement through training, inclusive policies, and accountability at all levels. #Maint